Ever wonder, how some importers and exporters get suppliers and buyers from other countries so easily? After trying their hand on eBay an increasing number of people are looking for either a foreign supplier for the items they are trading locally or global buyers for the unique product that they sell. If you are one of them, or you have recently decided to explore import-export business opportunities, using this simple method you can also find buyers and sellers from other countries easily and effectively.
There are several means people use to look for a foreign supplier or buyer, which include attending trade shows, contacting trade section of embassies and chambers of commerce, posting trade leads on the Internet, etc. However, posting trade leads on the country and industry specific bulletin boards is by far the easiest and cheapest technique which brings pretty fast results.
What is a trade lead?
By trade lead we understand a categorized advertisement of buy, sell or service trade opportunity related to export and import. Before the Internet era World Trade Centers, Chambers of Commerce, Export Promotion Bureau and some other Government agencies used to collect and publish trade inquiries and circulate them by mail to subscribers. Subscription cost of many of those lists some times was and still is quite hefty. A number of trade journals have also carried special sections for trade inquiries. In any case, the process of getting a lead and acting on it was slow, time consuming and sometimes even outdated.
Today, thanks to the Internet, the situation has changed dramatically! The development of e-commerce, global trade growth and increased use of the Internet have helped proliferate numerous bulletin boards, trade leads sites and B2B portals. Some of geography specific trade leads portals have become prime destination for both importers and exporters planning to do business in those countries.
Why post trade leads
When you are on a trade leads portal like http://trade-leads.rusbiz.com you have two options. You can find a supplier or a buyer for a product either by browsing or searching among the existing postings. Another option is to post your very own trade leads ad. In general, use of the trade leads pages including postings does not require a payment on most of the sites.
Initially, once you are on a trade leads portal, you should check out whether the products you are planning to sell or buy are already posted in last several months. If you are lucky and found traders of desired items, before contacting them, do some researches. Read the profile of the company – most trade leads portals have options to post company profile. Check out their websites, if links to websites are given. Don’t forget to run a Google search on the company and its product. Since Google gives heavy emphasize on the contents from forums and web logs, you may get interesting information on your prospective business partners and their products. The profile of the company, its website, products information and the way they are represented online will help you better understand how professional the company is, how long it is in the market, and whether this company is a viable option for you.
You should also post your own trade leads ad, especially if you are a buyer. Buy post leads are only 20 to 25 percent of all trade leads postings available online. It is only natural that they get more attention.
Other reasons why you should post your own ads are:
1. Many good suppliers prefer to browse and search for clients than to post their own ads.
2. Your one posting on one trade leads portal may get published on many others as most of the trade leads portals have posting partnership programs with other portals from noncompetitive geographical areas. This gives you a much bigger exposure than you expect.
3. Your posting may get indexed by search engines, which will allow you to show your requirement to an even larger audience.
How to make your trade leads informative
If you follow the steps described on the trade leads portal correctly, it is pretty simple to create a trade lead posting. The problem is how to make your trade lead interesting so that among hundreds of others yours would still capture necessary attention from prospective buyers or suppliers.
Catchy but precise and short subject line
First, you have to come up with a good headline for your posting without making it too cheesy. Keep your subject line short, well within eight to ten words. Avoid using unusual key pad characters. Don’t over use marks like “!!!” to grab extra attention. Make it specific. If it is a sale trade lead emphasize on the value of the product and what is special about it. If it is a buy trade lead clearly state your requirements.
Body of the trade leads
This is the descriptive part of your trade lead. Your prospective partner will take a decision whether to contact you based on the information you give here. Too often, people write very vague information in the body of the trade lead. As a result they don’t receive expected amount of response and wonder what went wrong! If you are selling a product:
• Describe the product very thoroughly
• Mention what are the advantages of your product in comparison to the competitors • If you are offering extras along with the product, state that
• Give a link where people can see your product online • Mention terms of sale, shipping terms, packing and location of the product
If yours is a buy trade lead:
• Clearly describe your requirement
• If possible give a link to a picture of a similar product
• State quantity required, delivery time, shipping destination and other vital information
If the portal you are using for trade leads has features that allow having a storefront, creating profile, developing your own electronic catalog, take advantage of these wonderful attributes. These will help you build a professional online business stature.
If you never used a trade lead to get a buyer or a seller, try it! You will be amazed to discover how easily you can do cross country business.
Nowshade Kabir is the founder, primary developer and present CEO of Rusbiz.com – a Global B2B Exchange with solutions to create e-catalog, Web store, business process management and other features to run a business online. You can read various articles written by Nowshade Kabir at http://ezine.rusbiz.com.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
How to Find Success in the Import Export Business (by Randy Wilson)
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.
Researching import export businesses can be done effectively online. There are many such small businesses (or at least, they started that way) who are willing to share the secrets of their success. Importing and exporting is not rocket science, nor does it require you to have a Ph.D. in economics.
One of the easiest things about import export businesses is that you are not dealing with direct sales. Most of your sales will be in bulk to distributors on the other end. This means that you will have to have little or no technical information about the products themselves, only whether they are legal or illegal to sell to that location.
Once started, you will be surprised at the income levels that can be achieved. Most importers and exporters say they were shocked that they could turn so much profit in so little time. Investigate your own import export business today!
© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
Randy has dozens more home based business articles at Profitable Home Businesses
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.
Researching import export businesses can be done effectively online. There are many such small businesses (or at least, they started that way) who are willing to share the secrets of their success. Importing and exporting is not rocket science, nor does it require you to have a Ph.D. in economics.
One of the easiest things about import export businesses is that you are not dealing with direct sales. Most of your sales will be in bulk to distributors on the other end. This means that you will have to have little or no technical information about the products themselves, only whether they are legal or illegal to sell to that location.
Once started, you will be surprised at the income levels that can be achieved. Most importers and exporters say they were shocked that they could turn so much profit in so little time. Investigate your own import export business today!
© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
Randy has dozens more home based business articles at Profitable Home Businesses
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/
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/
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