Could you recommend good resources for learning to start an Import Export Business?
KansasDragon asked:
My Fiancee lives in the Philippines, and is interested in having a small import export business between the USA and the Philippines. We’re looking for resources to guide us in the proper business procedures.
My Fiancee lives in the Philippines, and is interested in having a small import export business between the USA and the Philippines. We’re looking for resources to guide us in the proper business procedures.
Books, Websites, Ebooks, or any resources would be greatly appreciated, especially if you have experience with them.
Thank you!
Currrently product details are unknown. My fiancee is visiting with family, friends, and business owners looking at possible products. Also, they are looking at Ebay to determine the sellability of products.
Darren
from the phils., try going to DTI or CITEM. they are very helpful espcially to beginner entrepreneurs.
what particular product you have in mind? there are lots to bring to the US. materials come in cheap from the philippines. the only setback is the price of freight or shipping. it is usually 200% higher than the cost of your actual product so you have to consider this when costing.
I recommend reading the articles:
Starting a Home-Based Exporting Business
Laying the Foundations of Your Home Based International Trading Business
Check out the following websites
Federation of International Trade Association
CMTAC Trade Information Database
Don’ts of Importing
Flowchart of the export process
Going Global
You may also want to check out the following books:
- Import/Export: How to Get Started in International Trade
- Exporting, Importing, and Beyond : How to ‘Go Global’ With Your Small Business
- Selling to the World: Your Fast and Easy Guide to Exporting and Importing
- Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business
- Start Your Own Import/Export Business
I am importing a few products from the Philippines. Shipping cost is high, and a large box of items could set you back P15,000-25,000 pesos (around $300-$500). If you talk of crates, so much more expensive. I suggest your fiance, aside from looking for products, actually start looking for brokers that can help them.
In my experience, eBay is not the best marketplace for them, especially if you talk of handicraft items. I’ve never had much luck selling Philippine products on ebay. Buyers are not familiar with the products, there’s little demand for it. Shell jewelry boxes from Cebu for example, with matching picture frames are great looking - but I can never sell them on the first listing. Sometimes it takes me 5-10 relists to dispose of the item. I even tried selling papaya soap which is very popular in the Philippines, only to find limited buyers on ebay.
The only thing that sells fast for me from the Philippines are vintage Philippine postcards (circa early 1900s), freshwater and South Sea pearl jewelries, and antique items (Ifugao, Maranaw, and other ethnic tribes).
Thailand is a better place to get products. I have no problem selling pewter liquor holders from Thailand or their jewelries. I also import a lot of benjarong jars, and I can sell them real fast. Even batik paintings sell faster.