Eight tips to start an import/export business

The comforts and luxuries of our lives depend on global trade. Look around, and you will find numerous products, from soap to artisan olives in your cabinet, are the fruits of imports and exports worldwide.

International trading is tricky and challenging, yet worth your sweat and blood. If you’re passionate about starting an import/export business, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started since there is no better time than now!

We have listed a few tips on going about the overwhelming variables of international markets and kick-starting your business.

1: Find Your Niche

In a world full of different products, half the battle in starting any new business is finding the right product for your market. The initial questions you need to ask are what do you want to sell? And why do you want to sell that particular product?

Answering these questions will put you on the fast track to starting your business. It is essential to select a product that you’re passionate about. You can’t sell a product half-heartedly! Low manufacturing cost, demand, and supply, brand image are generally the benchmarks for selecting a product.

2: Logistics Are The Key

You might be passionate about exporting your local gourmet cheese to Europe. However, the transport logistics will determine the success of your business idea. This next question can make or break your import/export business: how is your product transported across different countries?

Figuring out the logistics of transport, permits, customs rules, and regulations of different countries can be an uphill task. You will need documentation, appraisals, and trading licenses conforming to the country’s customs regulations.

That’s where global freight forward companies with reliable and efficient customs brokerage can rescue you! Experts familiar with customs regulations and classification can save you tons of money and valuable time.

In the global market, a sustained and reliable product supply is as important as the product itself. Before starting the import/export business, it is a great idea to consider these logistic variables in choosing the right product.

3: Determine the Type of Business

An import/export business can take many forms. Your company might handle the overseas sales for a domestic manufacturer, but managing your product in a B2B or B2C model would be different.

Working with freight companies, taking care of packaging, and logistics, finding suppliers in the target market, and managing marketing campaigns are just a few steps you must consider.

Or you can find global products high in demand in domestic or international markets and directly buy from the suppliers and resell yourself.

The mode of business of a company depends on several variables: the type of the product, the initial investment, availability of the suppliers, to name a few. It would help if you made a comprehensive plan to determine which model works best for your product.

4: Find Suppliers

In a global market where you have access to many suppliers worldwide, finding your product’s reliable and steady suppliers is crucial.

Finding local suppliers can be easy if you’re exporting a domestic product. However, it’s best to look for recommendations and established suppliers in the market if your suppliers are overseas. Your communication and negotiation skills will help you secure a good deal for the product.

5: Select the Target Market and Customers

Technology has made finding the right market and customer for your product convenient and accessible.

Determining where to sell and to whom to sell is crucial for a successful import/export business.

For instance, your local market might be saturated with artisan and gourmet cheese, which can be problematic if you also export the same product. At the same time, the demand across the Atlantic might be reason enough to think about a different market.

Similarly, the target audience is another factor to consider. The buying capacity of your customers is ultimately going to drive sales for your suppliers, giving you more opportunities to grow and scale your operations. 

With a target market and consumer profile in place, your product’s chances of reaching the right consumers increase.

6: Set the Price 

Setting the price in an import/export business can be tricky. Overpriced or underpriced products can be detrimental to your business.

In an import/export business, consider the additional costs of long-distance freight charges, customs, and duties for importing products.

Again, freight companies are your best allies for this step too. Moreover, you also have to think about setting a price that is not too low that you don’t even make a profit or high enough that suppliers won’t agree to,

7: Investment Cost

With e-commerce gaining momentum in the global economy, the investment cost of starting an import/export business has been relatively reduced.

Variables like market research, meeting suppliers, and sampling the product that would cost in a traditional business model can now be done while sitting at home.  

8: Marketing Plan

An innovative and engaging marketing plan can drive sales exponentially. You need to find the best ways to reach your customer. You can hire a marketing firm to manage your product’s branding and marketing needs.

In today’s highly digitized world of social media, marketing is the key to reaching consumers.

The Takeaway

According to the US census bureau, import and export revenues touched $3 trillion in 2022. With the world shrinking into a global village, it is high time you get into an import/export business.

All you need is a business plan that adequately covers all the variables of the process. Once you have found partners like forward freight companies that make your journey easier, you are all set!

We hope you learned a thing or two from this piece. There is a lot more involved in starting an import/export business that you will discover once you take the first step. If you think we missed anything, let us know in the comments below.