Starting an import business

larsony

Can anyone recommend a book which deals with importing goods from outside the EU into the UK.

Ideally it would cover pretty much everything - thanks.

never_red_Paul

I'm afraid I can't recommend any books, but I work in importing and if you have any specific questions feel free to PM me and I'll try to answer.

Paul

Pennywise

Local chambers of trade are usually a good source of info for import/export - most good ones will have someone who knows all about it.

RoB_Fernandez

I am in the process of starting my business importing furniture from outside the EU. Shipping this week!!! Books are thin on the ground! There are some good ones from the USA (look on Amazon and read the reviews), but nothing for the UK. However, when dealing with Int. trade, some things are the same which ever country you’re in. If you PM me I can send you the government pdf. Guide to import/export ‘breaking down the barriers’ it is very good start point.

The most important thing is do you trust your supplier? Lots of companies ask for 20-30% deposit and payment by T/T (if you deal like this, you have no security if they run of with your money).

You can uses a Letter of Credit L/C this will cost you your time and about £150 from the bank as well. (This is safer). You can tie in an inspection certificate by a 3rd party (you will need to find the 3rd party) to the L/C and this will make your transaction and trading much safer.

If you know the supplier and don’t mine taking a risk, pay by T/T, BUT definitely have a quality control (QC) inspection before shipping and the final payment. I am just starting out (so know a little, not a lot!), if I can help you in anyway just PM me.

RoB_Fernandez

Sorry forgot to mention. Check with trading standards what regulations your products will need to comply with. ARE REGULATION CAN BE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER EU CONTRIES!!

malima

PaulSten wrote:

I'm afraid I can't recommend any books, but I work in importing and if you have any specific questions feel free to PM me and I'll try to answer.

Paul

Paul, i have pm'd you.
Thanks

robert_harper_2000

Sounds interesting my family own a pet shop and have started with this new company and their products are dirt cheap. He must be paying almost nothing for them! I would like to cut out the middle man but I have no idea of where to start - most products coming insay made in china narrowing it down abit... lol

Anyone have more advice??

kempy

my family own a pet shop and have started with this new company and their products are dirt cheap. He must be paying almost nothing for them!


Are you able to let me know who this company is please?