What to know when importing products

If you want to start your own business and import products from abroad, there are many things to consider. In this article we will show you what you should look out for in order to make your import idea a success! 

Is there demand for the products you want to import?

It is vital that importers research import demand before starting their overseas operations. There is nothing worse than being stuck with a large number of items that you end up not being able to sell. So, do some consumer research and see which specific niche market can set you up for success! 

Keep an eye on costs 

Before you hit the start signal, make sure you take into account all the costs involved in placing an order abroad. Whether you’re looking for horse air transport or distributing fresh products, you want to be sure that you have covered all costs so that you know in advance what your profit margin will be. As well as buying the product, there will of course be additional costs that you will need to take into account. These include storage costs, finance costs, duties and fees, insurance costs, transport costs and freight forwarding costs. With this long list of costs, importing abroad can be a big and tricky affair. Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate many of the burdens you face in these logistical processes. This is also known as freight forwarding and can be carried out by a variety of logistics partners.

Do research on your competitors 

It is always wise to do research to find out what your competitors are doing and what they are selling. If you are in the market dealing with several competitors selling similar products, try to find out what good features they have and how you can use them in a unique way.

Learn the language of the exporting country 

Doing business is more difficult if you don’t know the language of the country of origin of your product. This makes dealing with foreign suppliers even more difficult. Remember that you are likely to be dealing with people who speak different languages and have different cultures. By gaining as much knowledge as possible and engaging socially with the people of your product’s country of origin, you will be better able to function for a sustainable import business.

Are you looking for supply chain solutions with a global touch? From forwarding and shipping to warehousing and distribution, at Broekman Logistics you’ll find it all!