Importing Overview
 

Importing Overview

Before we break the importing process down into its component parts and pass along insider advice, let’s take a summary walk through the process of importing.

1. Identify a product to import. (Check out our upcoming guide.)
2. Investigate the costs of importation, e.g., customs duty, shipping, warehousing.
3. Identify and verify potential suppliers. (See our forum guide on this subject.)
4. Pay for and evaluate product samples. (Discussed in supplier verification forum guide.)
5. Discuss and agree on shipping and payment terms. Ensure that proper documents will be available.
6. Select customs broker and shipping agent.
7. Place trial order. If the order is large, hire an inspection company.
8. Make payments.
9. Track progress of your goods through delivery to you.

As you can see, importing can be tricky, especially in the beginning. But we've got the information you need to improve your profitability by importing.