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Learn Export Import Business

 

Things to know about Import Export Business

Products or services that one country purchases from another are referred to as imports. Imported items vary; a product could be for consumption, reprocessing or even for re-exporting. In the U.S., there are two kinds of imports: domestic and international. Domestic imports refer to the purchase of goods and services within the country between different states. An example of this would be goods that are produced in the state of Texas and transported and sold to the state of Alabama. International imports include all goods and commodities imported from one country to another. An example of this would be when goods that are produced in France are transported and sold to the United States.

With domestic imports, the tax levied on the goods is marginal but not completely absent, as the goods or services in question have been produced within the country itself. The tax levy is marginal because it poses no harm to the country's industries. However, when it comes to international imports, each country tends to vary on the percentage of tax levied on different classes of goods and services. These regulations are decided by the government and are a component of a country's foreign policy. This is done for a variety of reasons but primarily because it gives an advantage to the local companies. The percentage of tax also depends on the nature and the use of the goods. For example, a tax levied on a super luxury car would be more than the tax for a life-saving machine. The need for the medical equipment is more and its purchase will help a larger section of the population.

In today's world, imports are important as they not only increase the degree of specialization in different fields but also lead to greater interdependence between different countries and regions. This cooperation promotes harmonious relationships between different regions of the world.

 An Import business can be very exciting. For those who have an eye for detail, watch foreign business trends, and know how to make great relationships with other people, an Import business can be an excellent way to earn a substantial income while having an exciting time.

Import requires the ability to meet foreign business owners and bridge the gap between their products and our domestic consumer base. For those who wish to start their own import business, they will be delighted to learn that the US Government encourages both import and export and have established many resources, guides, and assistance to help you with your new career.

Once you have determined that you will start an Import business, you will need to begin by making contacts. Fortunately, there is very little financial overhead that you will need, however you may find that you are required to travel to foreign and distant lands (all work related of course) to find the best products to import. You will need to carefully analyze the market, and you must have a “knack” for finding the best products to import.

After you have found the market, you will need to ensure that the businesses that you will be dealing with overseas are both reputable and legitimate. A good resource to help you with this is the U.S. Embassies that are located in the areas where you would like to establish relationships. Once you have determined that the businesses are legitimate, you will then begin importing those products to American markets.

Analyzing the field is critical to your success as an importer. You need to ensure that the products that you are importing are truly in demand in the American markets. Also, you may find that certain areas are more acceptable for those products then others. However, once you make those connections, you will be rewarded with a successful career as an importer.

Import Export business is one of the traditional businesses. However, it is not the same as it used to be. It has grown in complexity despite the efforts of the international community to simplify and liberalize the same.

New elements that have entered into this business range from the introduction of new items to a myriad of safety and environmental issues.

World Trade Organization (WTO) has been working towards the reduction of trade barriers and promotion of a free trade regime. Still international traders have to comply with plethora of rules and regulations of individual countries. Mounting tariffs are one of the major factors to be considered.

Many people talk about import export business as a very lucrative profession. There have been great success stories across the globe. There are numerous failures as well. These often don’t get the same publicity as successes.

What is the right way for a total novice to enter this career? What are the considerations for undertaking this profession?

It should be recognized that starting any business is not an easy task, especially import export business. It demands a lot of work, dedication and investment. Of course one can start this business online as well and in which case, investment will be small.

There are many things that a person can do relating to this business. One can start import export consulting, be an intermediary between exporters and importers or be himself a trader.

There are various other related things that one can do like be a financier, freight agent, transporter, insurance agent or simply be an information magnate.

So before entering this filed, one should decide what one wants to do. Many persons actively start trading themselves or just connect exporters and importers. The selection depends upon the level of expertise and comfort level, the choice of products and countries, the availability of finances etc. that a person has.

If you decide to start direct trading by yourself, I would suggest learning the theory part of this trade thoroughly in the first instance. One needs to be conversant with products that are being traded internationally, the rules and regulations of countries that one wants to trade with, the terminology involved, import duties, quotas, consignments, transportation, import export licenses etc.

After being comfortable with theory part, one should get some practical training. Hopefully one has chosen a product or products to trade before starting the practical part of this business.

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."

Trade makes the world go round. The world is a smaller place, thanks to the way in which import and export has changed. These days, almost everything is available either in shops or by order over the internet. It is, of course, possible to get great bargains if you travel and explore but this is time-consuming and expensive unless you buy in bulk and there are language barriers. People like their shopping to be as easy as possible, which is why they don’t mind paying a bit more for their purchases. This is where the importers and exporters come into play.

Import and export is a business you can easily do from home. You need very little to start up, just a computer and some common sense. There are great benefits in working from home, as you can imagine. You can choose your own hours and have great flexibility.
The first thing to do is to create contacts. This is even easier online than offline because you can talk to anyone in the world from the comfort of your home, using the Internet. You can browse online advertisements and buy in bulk using a credit card over a secure site. You can advertise and sell your products online. In fact, in some trading methods, you can buy and sell without even having to receive or ship the products yourself! As with any business, it is important to be efficient, keep perfect records and keep your customers happy. An unsatisfied customer will not return and might criticize your shoddy service on the internet, so don’t be a bad trader!

You need a business plan before you begin. You need to work out what you are going to trade, how you are going to trade, how much money you need to make, which countries you want to trade with (if you speak another language, this might help, although English tends to be widely spoken), what method of payments will you use and what about foreign regulations? You need to research everything. Don’t let the preparation put you off before you get started. Every new company requires adequate preparation and it will be worth it in the end, once your business is up and running well.
 

                                    Asian Crafts from Bangladesh offers Finished leather
  
  
With a capacity of over 100000 sq.ft. of leather per month,
  Asian Crafts Provides you with a leather quality that confirms to the International Standards of being PCP and azo-free.
  Leather types that we export are goat, sheep, buffalo & cow.
  
  Offering you the following finishes:
  Cow vegetables – Leather produced using nature, friendly technology of vegetable extracts instead of chrome powder. Similar to the Italian Leathers this may be milled cow veg or plain cow veg in look.
  Cow Nappa – Nappa means soft, leather is soft and smooth to touch.
  Cow Glazed – Glazed is based on protein finish to give the leather a natural look.
  Cow oil pull up – A Semi Chrome leather with a natural break and smooth touch.
  Cow DD
  Cow DD / DM
  Cow Antique
  
  Many of these finishes are possible in goat, sheep, buffalo or cow leather.
  
  Ask for any color shade and it will be yours! Besides, our experience shows that colors generally preferred are black, brown, cognac, burgandy.
  Please note that there might be a slight color variation.
  It’s mainly due to the variation in the size of hides, leading to unequal absorption of color chemicals.

  
                                          
Asian Crafts from Bangladesh offers handicrafts
  
  
Our wholesale handicraft productions and handicraft supplier of Asian Crafts handicrafts service is dedicated to providing both the widest range of wholesale giftware, wooden handicrafts, terracotta handicrafts, bamboo handicrafts, leather products and quality personalized services for buying handicraft designed to produce excellent profits when resold. We welcome the challenge of creating or finding new handicrafts to meet the needs of an evolving markets and can gather comprehensive new handicraft options to meet your needs.
  
  As we are both licenced handicraft exporter and Asian Crafts handicraft wholesale supplier you can expect to make a profit by reselling our products, buying Asian Crafts handicrafts at unbeatable prices. We can efficiently ocean freight either LCL (less then container) or FCL (full container) wholesale handicraft orders cost effectively to almost any worldwide location.
  
  Our handicrafts buying managers and handicraft quality control staff see that wooden handicrafts terracotta handicrafts, bamboo handicrafts, leather products and Bali handicrafts are inspected for uniformity, moister content and other strict quality control criteria. Our experienced packing and warehouse staff see that all handicraft orders are well packed for safe shipping and maximum use of shipping space.

You need to decide what scale your business is going to run on – are you going to work alone, as a partnership or a limited company or something bigger, or will you start small and work your way up? You should decide what kind of products you want to sell. This depends on what your interests are (it is easier to sell something you can rave about!), what you are knowledgeable about and, of course, what is available. If you buy in bulk, you can make good money but make sure you are going to be able to sell it again this end. If you plan well and are successful, you can make enough profit to cover your travel expenses and earn a good living too.

Take advantage of world politics today and start your own import export business. Are you organized, efficient, and ready to make your future in an opportunity all your own? Import Export Business Opportunities are expanding and there is room for you!

In the early nineteen eighties, one of the most popular things in Soviet Russia was American made blue jeans. Exporters made money hand over fist selling American made products to the East. Now, twenty years later, we have seen the fall of communism in many cold war countries. This has opened the door to the import export companies to make handsome profits by moving goods from one continent to another.

Your first concern in starting a buy-and-sell business is to make sure you have a market. A market is a potential buyer of your goods. Once you have that market, concentrate on selling. Making sales is priority number 1. Spending is easy. Anyone with money can spend it with little effort. Spending is like swimming downstream. Collecting is upstream. The trick of making profit is a two-step operation: Buy right--that is, buy low; Sell high. The profoundest truths are the simplest.

This Section will convince you that imported items will be easy for you to sell. There are good reasons for this. Relative to domestic products, foreign goods tend to be lower in cost. They are often unique, even exotic. These factors allow you to mark them up higher than domestic products; this markup means bigger profits for you.

If your greatest ambition is to sell a dozen units from a table at a swap meet, you needn't read further. If, like most, you dream of becoming rich, casting off worries forever, this International Traders system can help you become that prosperous person. International Traders will expose you to factories or export brokers. (Some factories deal through brokers when they lack their own facilities for exporting.) You will be dealing with the original source, cutting out all middlemen--truly BUYING BELOW WHOLESALE. International Traders takes no commission on the deals you set up with foreign suppliers. You will keep all the profits.

Suppliers' low markup mandates high quantity deals Naturally, an original product source cannot survive for long selling a few small orders. Their profit may be as low as 5% of sales. They must sell in large quantities to prosper. You should also strive to sell in large quantities to achieve your ultimate goal of becoming wealthy. There is a seeming contradiction here because of short-term vs. long-term planning. Short-term, you should avoid large quantities until you have conducted your market survey and test ad. Once you are convinced your product is sure-fire, long-term logic will urge you to deal in the largest quantities you can handle.

Do not make the mistake of foregoing big quantity deals because you lack the capital. That is no excuse. Anyone who has a favorable market survey, or a firm order, can raise capital. Investors are hungry for a sure-fire business deal that can bring a big return on their money. Bankers readily lend money for stock when you can show a money-making projection. Actually, you can make more money by borrowing than otherwise. Why? Because you will also mark up the cost of borrowing (interest) just as you do other product costs, thus netting a bigger profit.

Products or services that one country purchases from another are referred to as imports. Imported items vary; a product could be for consumption, reprocessing or even for re-exporting. In the U.S., there are two kinds of imports: domestic and international. Domestic imports refer to the purchase of goods and services within the country between different states. An example of this would be goods that are produced in the state of Texas and transported and sold to the state of Alabama. International imports include all goods and commodities imported from one country to another. An example of this would be when goods that are produced in France are transported and sold to the United States.

With domestic imports, the tax levied on the goods is marginal but not completely absent, as the goods or services in question have been produced within the country itself. The tax levy is marginal because it poses no harm to the country's industries. However, when it comes to international imports, each country tends to vary on the percentage of tax levied on different classes of goods and services. These regulations are decided by the government and are a component of a country's foreign policy. This is done for a variety of reasons but primarily because it gives an advantage to the local companies. The percentage of tax also depends on the nature and the use of the goods. For example, a tax levied on a super luxury car would be more than the tax for a life-saving machine. The need for the medical equipment is more and its purchase will help a larger section of the population.

In today's world, imports are important as they not only increase the degree of specialization in different fields but also lead to greater interdependence between different countries and regions. This cooperation promotes harmonious relationships between different regions of the world.

If you want to start an import business, you need to do some planning. One should know the criteria for selecting products. What you must do to clear U.S. Customs. Know which is best overall method of shipping, for you and/or your goods If you'd like to get into the lucrative import business, then this might be the most important month-by-month success roadmap you'll need. You’ve always known import is a very lucrative business. The concept is simple – buy something at low cost in one country, and sell it four, five, six times the cost in another country. Yet you’ve also heard horror stories of unscrupulous suppliers abroad, horrendous customs red tape, product quality surprises, and inventory overstock. Starting a new import business is like planning a wedding. You need to become an expert in many areas all at the same time in a very short time. You have to learn how to evaluate products success rates, you have to be on top of quality issues, product packaging, Customs rules and procedures, marketing, pricing, etc – all very quickly and in a very short time. Sometimes you With a step-by-step guide like that, you can focus on generating sales revenues; you can focus on your customers, on expanding your business scope, as opposed to researching the pathway for pot holes and land wish someone could just give you a step-by-step checklist of things to do.

Develop an import plan that is workable and makes sense. The purpose of an import plan is to assemble facts, constraints and goals, as well as setting out a schedule. Consider your reasons for importing: long-term expansion Enhance competitiveness. Exploit unique technology and expertise in order to improve return on investment. Assess whether your product is suitable for import: product standards, and the regulations of importing and international sales. An important component of an import plan is market research. Identifying and evaluating the target market will enable you to: Understand the industry structure, Predict product demand, Identify competition, Determine product modifications needed. Research your industry sector in the import market, finding out the opportunities and growth areas, as well identifying any barriers. At this stage, it is also a good idea to create a basic customer profile for your product. Importing game plan and/or strategy is the next step is to develop an import strategy, defining how you will enter the foreign market and find trade leads. Decide whether you will be importing indirectly through intermediaries - which will require finding overseas representation - or doing it yourself. The latter option means you'll have to consider how to promote the products abroad and what type of after-sales support you will be able to provide.

It is important to consider product pricing and quotes, methods of payment, shipping terms and costs in order to accurately calculate your expenses and budget for them accordingly. Next, ensure that you understand and comply with the rules and regulations of international trade. Being aware of such rules will help you convert them from barriers into benefits. Financing considerations are how you will finance your import plans, including calculations on your expenses such as salaries, travel, advertising, distribution, production, etc. State whether the daily operations will be funded from an outside source or internally. Include a projected sales forecast in your export plan - this will help you to measure success.

Take advantage of world politics today and start your own import export business. Are you organized, efficient, and ready to make your future in an opportunity all your own? Import Export Business Opportunities are expanding and there is room for you!

In the early nineteen eighties, one of the most popular things in Soviet Russia was American made blue jeans. Exporters made money hand over fist selling American made products to the East. Now, twenty years later, we have seen the fall of communism in many cold war countries. This has opened the door to the import export business companies to make handsome profits by moving goods from one continent to another.

Blue jeans in the former Soviet Union sell as good now as they did twenty years ago. But now it is not only blue jeans. American cars, computer and electronic devices, even beauty products are becoming a big business all over the eastern continents.

China has shown automobile sales in the last two years that rival the United States. Western culture, a mythical and mystical thing to many eastern countries, is being shipped in everyday. Trade embargoes are loosening and the profit margins are now being recognized all over the world.

Even the European nations are seeing an increase in their exports to the East. There are world economics at play now that were not even dreamed of twenty years ago. Imports and exports are being moved everyday, and you could play a profitable role in it all with your import export business.

Not only is there still the crave for Western Culture in the East, there is the need for lower cost goods here in the West. Importing goods from these same places can be as profitable as exporting to them. Imported products can be sold in a variety of ways from online stores and auctions to a storefront in your hometown.

There are also companies set up online that do importing and exporting and will contract you as a reseller. This can become extremely profitable. Most of the time you are not even required to keep an inventory. There is also a market for buying the imports these companies bring in and reselling them on auction sites and in retail outlets.

You will need to be aware of any taxes involved in both importing and exporting goods. Customs regulations and federal laws on imports and exports will need to be clarified before you start. Make sure that everything you are moving is legal and acceptable between countries.

Also, having a little capital to work with, say around one thousand US dollars; will allow you to get off to a solid start. Exporting goods on the Internet is one of the least expensive ways of getting started and can be done through existing import export companies.

Since most of the businesses throughout the world have access to the Internet, many astute entrepreneurs and trading companies are using the Internet as one of the primary means for developing their import and export businesses.

Already a big slice of global trades are taking place through the Internet. According to Forrester Research, a major marketing research company, worldwide online exports will escalate to US $1.4 trillion in 2004, and cross-border e-marketplace trade will exceed US $400 billion in this year alone.

However, cross-border trading will create a division between the companies that actively import and export using the Internet and those that don't. Companies that are slow in adopting the Internet will loose competitive edge to the more proactive Internet-savvy counter parts.

If you are already involved in international trade or planning to either import or export products, Internet could be your primary source of gathering data, researching prospective market, finding clients and, may be even, for doing your entire business online.

First, let’s look into the export side of the international trade. Like any other business, exporting requires proper planning. Well-documented and clearly written export marketing plan will work as your road map to success. The following steps are essential for any export endeavor. Identifying products for export



                                                                      
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Make Money Importing And Exporting As You Travel

By: Mike Collins

running an import agency is a great money maker and you can even do it from the comfort of your own home on a part time basis.

Obviously there are a few things you need to know before you can begin making money.

You must fully understand the role of an import agent so you can truly decide if it's what you would like to do.

An import agent acts as a go between, introducing foreign sellers and home based buyers to each other. They never get involved in the buying and selling of gods themselves, so there is no financial outlay or risk involved.

An import agent makes his money in the form of a commission from the seller based on the value of the order and can range from 2.5% to 15% but normally around the 10% mark and as this is based on the gross value of the order before handling and shipping costs are deducted the opportunity to make a sizable commission is there.

Identify the best markets to export from, this will enable you to discover the overseas exporters who are worth dealing with. Look to countries with a weak currency, this makes their exports cheaper and so more attractive to the importer. Look to places such as the Far East, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Seek out small to medium sized manufacturers who wish to export, but cannot afford to employ an overseas sales force.

Establish links in those countries where you may have friends or family, people who have a working knowledge of the language and the culture and also possibly business minded.

This will afford you your 'Unique Selling Point' needed to become a successful go between with exporters and importers who are not familiar with each others ways and customs.

Take time and choose the right products, don't assume because it is cheap in china that it will automatically sell like hot cakes in the USA.

Go for tried and tested products to begin with, such as, gifts, crafts, furniture and jewelry. Don't get involved with electrical items or toys because the standards in the country of origin may not be up to the same as the country you wish to sell in, and in certain instances you could possibly fall foul of the laws covering such standards.

Start building your contacts, attend International Fairs where you will find exporters who are eager to make contact with agents and importers.

Remember agents receive their commissions from the seller not the buyer so concentrate on manufacturers.

The bottom line with this business is, that once you have established a few solid contacts and manged to introduce sellers to buyers you should if you are running this as a serious business start to make sizable commissions.

This is only the start, repeat sales will follow and if you have done your homework properly then importers may even employ your services to source particular products from countries they haven't previously dealt with.

As with any business, treat it seriously and you can make a very good and interesting living from it, treat it as a toy and you wont.




Article Source: ABC Article Directory



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