Return To Main Index
<<<Previous Page | Next Page>>>
Page1 |Page2 |Page3 |Page4 |Page5 |Page6 |Page7 |Page8 |
gh to be sure
the merchandise is picked up and arrives safely at its destination.
Be informed of the date the goods are loaded onto the ship. The
factory should have them freighted in time to avoid costly dock
storage charges.
Since all conditions of the sale must be met to comply with the
terms of the letter of credit, you need all the signed documents.
Have your freight forwarder or other contacts get authorized bills
of lading for the merchandise each step of the way - from
destination to destination.
Once you have all the signed documents, present them to your
banker. If all the terms are met, the funds will be released. Since
your commission is part of the quoted price of the merchandise,
you'll usually collect your fees from the manufacturer.
When it is totally complete, you collect your money - and make a
sizeable profit for simply making connections. Consider the
commissions when you have dozens of orders coming and going.
IMPORTING
Take a look at the household items and equipment you have in your
home. Made in West Germany; made in Japan; made in Korea. You may
have clothing from India, shoes from Brazil, a leather wallet from
Italy. Your car may be an import; your stereo equipment may be
manufactured elsewhere. There are hundreds and hundreds of items
manufactured all over the world, now being used by the American
consumer.
The market is huge. And there are many American firms looking for
foreign-made merchandise to distribute. Some items are less
expensive; some are better made; some are imported because they are
made in a country now fashionable with the designers.
What can you tap into? Maybe you have contacts in the United
States, distributors looking for certain goods. And you've already
made contacts in the foreign countries that produce these goods.
Follow through and get yourself an exclusive distribution agr eement
with those manufacturers.
Importing requires the same diligence and follow-up as exporting
does. You'll need a signed contract with the manufacturer to be the
sole agent distributing to North America - or the world, depending.
You'll also need to obtain firm price quotes from the manufacturer
in the quantities your distributor requests. These quotes should be
converted into the appropriate dollar figures representing the
currency exchange.
Investigate the reputation of the manufacturer and the reliability
of the goods. If you import something like electronic components,
check into the other distribution market the manufacturer has to
assure the quality of merchandise.
Your commission will come through from the foreign manufacturer.
Have your bank investigate the solvency of that company and the
reputation of living up to agreements. Since it's on foreign
territory you'd have more trouble in any legal suits, even in li ght
of the many international laws.
Prepare the price quotation. It is easiest if you request terms of
delivery to the port of that country. Your freight forwarder can
help you move the merchandise from that port, overseas, and through
domestic customs.
Follow through with all the details of shipment. Be sure to include
any insurance, dock fees, storage rates, and shipping overland.
Overlook nothing so your price quotation to the American distributor
is accurate.
Itemize the quotation and give it to the American distributor. Upon
rece
<<<Previous Page | Next Page>>>
Page1 |Page2 |Page3 |Page4 |Page5 |Page6 |Page7 |Page8 |
|
|