How to Start a Import Export Business at Home With Little Money

If you're looking for a way to build a lucrative business with little financial investment, then the import export business might be right for you. It offers you the chance to work with people from a host of cultures and one doesn't need any previous training in the field to get started; however, it does require good mathematical and organizational skills, and attention to detail has to be a constant. I'm sure that if you're reading this you like the idea of owning your own business. Well, lots of perks come with the import export business. One such perk is tax deductible trips to foreign places. You'll need to make these trips at least a couple of times a year for your business and you'll be able to deduct it as a business expense. Enjoy all the sites of the exotic locals while making money at the same time. Once you get the business rolling you're commissions on sales will be very profitable. Let's get started with the basics right now.
1. Step 1
STEP 1Gather your materials. You'll need a few basic not too expensive staples to get started. You will need a telephone along with a machine to answer it when you are "Out of the Office and a fax." You'll need business cards, a file system, and a nice classy letterhead to start your import/export business. These cards and letterhead are the physical you that your clients will see, so you want them to exude professionalism. If you have the funds have them embossed or on the best quality paper.
2. Step 2
STEP 2Become a salesman. Trust that everyone doesn't have the air of diplomacy it takes when trying to sale a product. You'll have to be able to talk to people. More important than the office equipment you have to be determined to make this work. Things might be slow at first, but one you start to make a few sales and attain a few exclusive contracts; you'll see the effort was well worth the time invested.
3. Step 3
STEP 3Weight the benefits of the import export industry. With all the goods manufactured in the United States, it is a very small percentage that gets distributed outside of the country. Those goods that do find foreign markets are exports. We are a country that imports the vast majority of our goods. Just look at the tags on most everything you buy. Very few will say made in America. Maybe assembled in the USA, but not much is made here when compared with the amount that is imported. That's a great thing for you.
4. Step 4
STEP 4Find domestic distributors. It would seem that all manufactures would want that worldwide access, but it's not easy for the average company to reach the scope and depth needed to reach far away markets. That's where you come in! You need to find those domestic distributors that want to expand abroad and also locate those abroad that wish to import into the United States. You will be an import export agent. All that is simply a matchmaker. It's your job to find them and establish a good business relationship with their company.
5. Step 5
STEP 5Calculate potential commission. An agent's commission is normally about ten percent. How would you feel about getting ten percent of $1,000,000? Seems like a lot doesn't it? In reality it's really not that much, if you're talking containers full of Computers, clothes, furniture, sporting goods, tools or any other product that there is a consumer demand for.Starting an import export business can be a great way to earn money either full time, or part time, depending on your desires. With the proper materials, and the right guidance, it's easy to become a success in this profitable industry.
It's easier to break into this business if you make contacts. Go read my article on, "How to Make Contacts in a Home Based Import Export Business." It takes you to the next level in how to make your contacts and build your business. Good luck!
This is but a taste in getting started in the import export business. There is a host of information on the internet to take you from here to the next level. It's very important to gather as much information as possible before starting any venture.
Tips & Warnings
It's easier to break into this business if you make contacts. Go read my article on, "How to Make Contacts in a Home Based Import Export Business." It takes you to the next level in how to make your contacts and build your business. Good luck!
This is but a taste in getting started in the import export business. There is a host of information on the internet to take you from here to the next level. It's very important to gather as much information as possible before starting any venture.