The import/export business--buying a product in one country and selling it in another--requires understanding and managing numerous complex tasks, from finding the best product for the market to untangling reams of government regulations. This accessible guide shows entrepreneurs how to get started and prosper in the growing global market. Since 9/11 and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, much has changed in the landscape of import/export regulations and procedures. This Fourth Edition includes new and updated regulations, laws, customs, and shipping procedures to help ensure that businesses are in compliance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations. Acknowledgements. Introduction.
1. Your Big Idea: Is It Any Good? Importing Handcrafts from Ecuador . Exporting Hardware. Importing "World
Clocks". Exporting Printer Paper. Brokering Computer Equipment.
2. Is This Business for You? Have You Failed Yet?. How is your Financial Situation? Interest in and Knowledge
of the World. Familiarity with Foreign Languages and Cultures. Persistence, Patience and Judgment. Attention to
Detail. Contacts with Buyers of the Ability to Make Them. Twenty Important Questions. Import Merchant Example.
Export Agent Example.
3. Setting up Your Business. Forms of Organization. Your Trade Name and Logo. Opening a Bank Account. Setting
up Your Office. Stationery and Printing Needs. Accounting and Taxation. Obtaining Financing.
4. Beginning with a Buyer. Why someone would Buy from You. What Value Means to your Customer. Attracting Customers--some
Examples. Finding Buyers as an Importer. Finding Buyers as an Exporter.
5. Choosing Products and Suppliers. Finding Products to Import. Getting Samples, and Testing them in the USA.
Finding Foreign Suppliers. Selecting Foreign Suppliers. Finding Products to Export. Lining up Suppliers. The Formal
Supply Agreement. Protecting your Interest.
6. Marketing in the United States and Abroad. So, What is Marketing Marketing Imports. Marketing Exports.
7. Money Matters. Credit Decisions on Suppliers and Customers. Methods of Payment in International Trade. Export
Credit and Credit Insurance. Foreign Currency Transactions. Countertrade.
8. Packing, Shipping and Insurance. Packing for International Shipment. After you Pack it, Mark it. International
Transportation. Shipping Terms. Marine Insurance. Brokers and Forwarders.
9. Oh, Those Lovely Documents. Commercial Documents. Banking Documents. Transportation and Insurance Documents.
Government Formalities Documents. A few more Thoughts on Documents.
10. Regulation of Foreign Trade. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Getting Deeper into Customs. Other Federal
Regulations. State and Local Regulations. Regulation of Exports.
11. NAFTA, GATT and Other Trade Pacts. Trade Agreements. Preferential Arrangements.
12. Sources of Information and Help.
Appendix A: Sample Market Study Outline.
Appendix B: Guidelines for Business Planning.
Appendix C: Possible Sources of Financing for Your Business.
