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Have you been contemplating getting into the import and export business for some time, but you’re concerned about choosing the ideal shipping company, then you should be?
Shipping is a volatile industry, and you need a company that’s professional, knowledgeable, and care to ensure that you get value for your money.
Importing or exporting goods may be a very lucrative undertaking. It can be really expensive, too, if you don’t know the intricacies of the industry.
But what’s the difference between a prosperous business selling imported products and a failing business trapped in a warehouse full of imported goods that cannot be sold?
How does one corporation have high-profit margins on imports and exports while another company spends so much on foreign shipping tchat they can’t balance their books?
This article shares a few things that successful foreign shippers know and do to make their business successful and to make imports and exports of products very profitable for them.
Underscore Service Rather Than Rate
If you are searching for a freight forwarder or an international shipping firm, many have one consideration in mind: price.
Who is going to give me the best freight rate on my foreign shipping?
Pricing is an important factor in international shipping. Still, good international shippers realize that it is not the most important thing to look at companies to manage their imports and exports.
The service of a freight forwarder is cheaper than the price of the freight they sell.
Service is two-fold: does the freight forwarder or shipping company offer the services you need, and does the company provide outstanding customer service?
Efficient foreign shippers know the facilities they need, such as air, sea, land, etc., and ensure that their freight forwarder or shipping company will deliver these services.
How good a freight forwarder or shipping company’s customer support is in providing such shipping services is also paid close attention to active foreign shippers.
Will the freight forwarder or shipping firm follow you up? Are they paying attention to details?
Many shippers have learned the hard way that placing priority on price over service can be very costly in the long run.
Experience is Vital
Speaking of items that pay attention to overprice, good foreign shippers know how to go with experienced freight forwarders or shipping firms.
The international shipping market is volatile and complex. There are several variables, from international law to customs clearance and pirate attacks, which can impact the distribution of your goods.
When issues occur, as often happens in the international shipping industry, international shippers operating with an experienced shipping company such as Craters and Freighters can be assured that their cargo will be taken care of.
Whether your goods need to be rerouted, paperwork needs to be appropriately handled, or you need to coordinate with the freight forwarder’s business associates and connections. An expert company is vital to your success.
Most issues can be avoided by an experienced freight forwarder or shipping company before they ever occur.
Only Import What You Can Market
Successful shippers import goods that they are willing to market.
Most shippers are not conglomerates and cannot compete with similar items in stores of that magnitude.
Being a good importer also means finding a nook on the market.
A lot of people came to import with the intention of making big money by importing and selling items from certain countries for profit but ended up with a garage full of goods they can’t peddle.
Successful shippers consider carefully what they import. It’s not just a fun commodity, but one that you can sell for a good profit.
It’s a smart idea to pick a product that you can ship in large quantities, sell at a high price, and are passionate about.
You may also like: All About Shipping Companies
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