|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
A Dozen Tips For Starting An Import And Export International Business
Posted at: TradersCity --> Questions and Discussions
Posted on: Sat 08 Apr, 2006 5:26 pm
A Dozen Tips for Starting an Import/Export Business
By June Campbell
Thinking of starting an import/export business? Jennifer Henzel, a Certified Import/Export Trade Professional offers these tips for getting started:
1. Many countries have set up offices (Consulates or Embassies) in foreign countries to promote the exporting of their goods. The Consulates will supply you with industry directories and more. Embassies are located in a nation's capital and Consulates in different cities. In many cases, the Embassy web site will contain directories and manufacturer lists, as well as an email link that you can use for sourcing
2. To import goods, communicate with that country's Consulate situated in your own country. If you are uncertain what products the other country wants, you can obtain catalogues and lists of manufacturers.
3. Contact your country's taxation department to ask about registration numbers or other procedures that you must follow. For example, if you are Canadian, you will require a Registration Number, issued by Canada Customs and Taxation Agency (CATA). When you inform CCTA of your plans to import or export, they issue an extension to your business number. This number is used on all related documents.
4. Find out about licensing requirements, if any. Many countries do not have licensing requirements for most products. However, if you are importing or exporting high-risk products (pharmaceuticals, liquor, chemicals, arms, certain food items and certain articles of apparel), you might need a license. "I strongly recommend that people start out with low risk items that can be easily traded and have fewer barriers like giftware and consumer items," said Henzel. "Certain industries, like dairy, are guarded by lobby groups in some countries. You will be faced with quotas and restrictions."
5. Embargoes are trade barriers set up against other countries. Many countries have embargoes against Cuba, for example. First, contact your own government to determine whether there are restrictions or embargoes against the country you are considering. Next, contact that country's Consulate or Embassy to see if there are restrictions against goods from your country.
6. Participate in the local Boards of Trades (or Chambers of Commerce if there is no local Board of Trade). In addition to networking, you have access to research libraries and other resources that will offer good trade information.
7. Use customs brokers. "Small businesses attempting their own paperwork can run into delays at borders. If you make a mistake, you can be fined," said Henzel. "A custom broker's service is well worth the fee you pay."
8. When exporting, understand that there is no one solution to shipping and customs handling that will work in every situation. Every deal is different. Each company and each set of products will require a different set of services, or a combination of services. Engaging the services of a freight forwarder is one possibility. Freight forwarders arrange shipping and customs for goods going to other countries. "You have to shop for these services and do your research," Henzel explained. "Ask a lot of questions. It's no different than buying a piece of furniture. You shop around first."
9. Be familiar with Incoterms, as posted to the International Chamber of Commerce Web Site (http://www.iccwbo.org/index_incoterms.asp). Incoterms are standard trade definitions that dictate the shipping and payment responsibilities of each party. The two companies involved negotiate Incoterms for each deal. The best known Incoterms include EXW (Ex works), FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid), and CPT (Carriage Paid To). "You negotiate according to the Incoterms," Henzel said. "You decide who pays for shipping, who pays for insurance, etc."
10. Consult your bank for information about Letters of Credit, the most common form of payment when trading internationally. With a Letter of Credit, you minimize your risk because the banks assure that the goods are delivered before the money is exchanged. As an importer, a Letter of Credit reduces the risk of having to pay in advance for goods, or of paying for goods that are inconsistent with the product description in the Letter. As an exporter, you have the buyer's bank's assurance that you will receive payment provided you ship the goods as specified within an agreed-upon time.
11. Participate in Trade Missions. Consult your Board of Trade or local Chamber of Commerce to discover what is available.
12. Finally, look to the Web for information about international trade. Many web sites offer an array of information that you can access for no charge, including Henzel's site (www.importexportcoach.com).
About The Author
How to Write Business Plans, Business Proposals, JV Contracts, Human Resource Package, More! No-cost ebook "Beginners Guide to Ecommerce". Business Writing by Nightcats Multimedia Productions
http://www.nightcats.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=June_Campbell _________________ For TradersCity.com help and questions,
please email: citycenter@traderscity.com
|
Posted By traderscity
Country: Usa
Member Since: 02 March 2006
Total Leads: 138
Business focus: TradersCity.com Import Export Board Admin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Similar Leads ( dozen tips starting )
| Import Export Lead |
Posted By |
Posted |
Preview |
|
Sekama Inc., |
Wed 12 Dec, 2007 2:19 pm |
dozen u d 21 00 and polo pk collar t shirts 200 gsm per dozen u d 28 00
thanks
sekama |
|
Deweisherry |
Mon 03 Dec, 2007 7:23 am |
cemented carbide tungsten alloy carbide stirpis buttons inserts brazedt tips masonry tips woodwork
we are one of the leading carbide manufacturers in china specializing in the production of a variety of hard alloy and deep processed products which ....oit |
|
Sekama Inc., |
Wed 12 Dec, 2007 2:13 pm |
dozen = usd 28 00 190 gsm and basic t shirts = uds 21 00 190 gsm
and lot more type of garments and styles if u need all our product kindly c.... |
|
Grouposcompany |
Mon 19 May, 2008 1:27 pm |
tips in 10 different size to modify your finger size
packing designed art nail tips in hard pvc box
price please e-mail to us to get the quotati.... |
|
Deweisherry |
Mon 03 Dec, 2007 9:57 am |
carbide brazed tips
we are one of the leading carbide manufacturers in china specializing in the production of a variety of hard alloy and deep processed products which ....oit |
|
Deweisherry |
Mon 03 Dec, 2007 7:51 am |
carbide masonry tips
we are one of the leading carbide manufacturers in china specializing in the production of a variety of hard alloy and deep processed products which ....oit |
|
Grouposcompany |
Wed 21 May, 2008 2:37 am |
tips in 10 different size to modify your finger size
packing designed art nail tips in hard pvc box
price please e-mail to us to get the quotati.... |
|
Grouposcompany |
Mon 26 May, 2008 10:17 am |
tips with any kinds of prints
material plastic abs
size art nail tips in 10 different size to modify your finger size
packing designed art n.... |
|
Grouposcompany |
Sat 31 May, 2008 8:12 am |
supply nail tips china supplier
we are professional supplier on art nail nail art nail care beauty care products including professional salon tip designed art nail luxury art na....oit |
|
Lodagroup |
Fri 20 Jun, 2008 1:06 am |
frozen green white asparagus cuts tips
frozen green white asparagus cuts tips
specification
tips length 4-8cm diameter 0 8-1 6cm
cuts length 4-8cm diameter 0 8-2 cm
mixed frozen a....oit |
|
|
|
Free Magazine Subscription
|
|
|
|
|