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6 Reasons Exporters Should Avoid Word Templates for Your Export Documents

Although word templates are useful for a variety of tasks, they may not be the most ideal option for exporters. Come read our blog to see why you should avoid using word templates for export documents.

6 Reasons Exporters Should Avoid Word Templates for Your Export Documents

When you use templates from general word processing tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs to create your export documents instead of specialized software, you will almost certainly waste a lot of time and money.

Here are six reasons why most exporters should avoid using word templates for their export documents.

1. Word Templates Don't Allow Data Sharing

The laborious task of preparing documents for each shipment can become much easier when you use specialized shipping and export document software. These programs enable you to create templates and input information at once. This convenience saves time on repetitive data entry and, more importantly, ensures consistency. 

2. They Can't Save Your Products and Contacts

Google Docs and Microsoft Word are word processing programs, but they weren't explicitly designed for exporters. You can't enter or import a list of your products, freight forwarders, customers, and all the necessary contacts that you need to successfully export and import products. However, specialized software can store all your information in the cloud. 

3. Concerns about Accuracy

There is no guarantee that a company template will always be accurate. Regulations and best practices change over time, and templates are not automatically updated. Is your team dedicated to tracking regulatory changes on a daily basis? If not, specialized software can assist in ensuring that forms are kept up to date with industry changes.

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4. Lacking Essential Export Features

Word templates don't allow you to file your electronic export information through AESDirect, a critical function specialized programs offer. Also, Word templates are not compatible with accounting and order-entry systems because they can quickly introduce more errors by sending files back-and-forth between different programs.

5. Provides Little Assurance

Exporting documents to the correct format for international trade is a daunting task. Templates are great and easy to use when you start, but there comes a time where templates alone can no longer take care of your export needs. 

With live phone support, email assistance, and maintenance programs, a specialized program provides the extra support required to excel in the international market. 

6. Higher Risk of Bad Templates

Security risks aside, outdated templates can lead to countless formatting errors and tedious work. By utilizing more secure alternatives for high-quality design assets, you won't have to worry about any unwanted bugs getting in the way of your perfect layouts.

It's possible to create your export documents with Word and other templates. But does that mean you should? Only do so if you want to get mediocre results. Specialized software and IT tools are available at reasonable prices to assist you in creating the best documents for the best results.

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