What is a good way to build up a successful business
from nothing ???
The import/export business may be your answer. Not only does
it require little financial investment to start, but it offers the prestige of
working with clients from all over the world.
Do I need a previous experience to start ???
You don't need previous experience in the field, but you
should have a good head for organizing. Fulfilling a successful import/export
business requires constant attention to little details.
Do you know some local manufacturers looking for ways to
increase their market for the goods they make? Or are you planning a trip
abroad and want to make some contacts for setting up a business???
If you
have an ability to sell, and an air of diplomacy, the import/export business
might be right for you. All you need is the desire and determination to make it
work.
As you progress in the
business, many factors become obvious and easy to handle. For example, you'll
need to find a person to handle shipments, called a freight forwarder. And
you'll need to create solid contacts and strong relationships with reliable
suppliers. But after a short time, you can be well on your way to making a
sizeable income - with a very low overhead.
Do you like the idea of running
your own business? How would you like a tax deductible trip to foreign places a
couple of times a year???
The
advantages of an import/export business are great.
The biggest advantage is the
money you'll make. Once you get the business underway, the commission for
setting up sales is very profitable. And after you establish and maintain a
number of exclusive accounts, you'll find the time you spend is highly rewarded
with money.
You can start your import/export business at home with
a telephone. You'll need a file system, business cards, and a machine to answer
the phone calls. Once you get going, you'll want a cable address or a telex
hook-up.
And you'll need a classy letterhead. Until you
establish personal contacts, it is your letterhead that represents you. Make it
look professional, possibly embossed or two-color, or gold leafed. Have it
printed on lightweight paper for airmail correspondence, but don't have
airmail envelopes printed. You'll have a lot of domestic correspondence too.
More than office equipment, you need the
determination to make it work. It will be slow at first, and you'll need to
plan your moves, make contacts and SELL YOURSELF. But once you make a few sales
and sign several exclusive contracts worth money, you'll know your dedication
was worthwhile.
The most important step in setting up your business
is finding the contacts. You may have relatives in a foreign country; you may
have frequently visited and established business relationships in a country.
Or, you might just have a feeling for what will sell where. A person who keeps
well-informed in the business world can pick up and ride the crest of worldwide
trends.
Foreign consulates located in the United States
have commercial attaches who want to establish outlets in the U.S., and they're
a good place to start. Sometimes these consulates can help you find indices of
their own import/ export enterprises. Which countries have
the merchandise you want to import? Find out about the countries, what they
have to offer, and what is generally in demand.
Then prepare a massive mail campaign.
The
easiest way to mail hundreds of letters is to use a typing service that has the
equipment to produce the same letter with a different address each time. It's
worth the money it will cost - you'd go crazy typing so many identical letters.
To every possible contact,
write a letter introducing your company, requesting the names and addresses of
appropriate firms to contact. Ask to have the notice published in the monthly
bulletin or posted in an appropriate place.
From the names you get back,
write another letter, again introducing yourself, and asking information about
their company. You can use a questionnaire, which fill out and invites a response.
What goods do they want to
import? What products are now imported and how are they distributed? Does the
company have a certain territory, does it have sales representatives, branches
in other cities? What are the basic details of operation - history, assets and
liabilities, plans for growth.
Request any information you
need, to find out what they will buy and what they have to sell. If the company
is a manufacturer, ask for samples or a catalogue, the facts and figures of
current foreign distribution, and the product demand in their own country.
