For E-Biz owners, importing can be the key to lower product sourcing overhead and a diversified product line-up. One of the best ways to get started in importing is to attend an international tradeshow, where you’ll meet countless manufacturers and wholesalers of foreign goods. Much like the tradeshow industry here, any reputable show will qualify their exhibitors, so you can feel confident you’re only dealing with legitimate, authentic suppliers.
What to Know Before You Go
According to Peter Zapf, of http://ChinaSourcingFairs.com, you should familiarize yourself with a fair’s suppliers, in advance. Advises Zapf, “A little preparation will help you get the most out of attending a show.” With so many exhibitors, it’s good to know which products and suppliers you want to target. Check out the exhibitors on the tradeshow’s web site, and research the companies that interest you. If the info you want isn’t on their site, email them your questions about their products, pricing, etc.
Your next step to prepare is researching your product market to determine how much you can spend on landing costs and still make a profit. Your landing costs equal the price of the product itself, plus the cost of transporting it to your location. A customs broker or freight forwarder can give you a fair idea of the cost of shipping your goods from the most likely foreign port to your warehouse. Once you know your logistical costs, you can back those out of your landing cost to see how much you’ll have left to spend on the actual goods.
What to Ask When You Arrive
Trade fairs are your chance to speak with potential product sources face-to-face. You want to gather as much information as possible, so you can choose the suppliers that best fit your E-Biz needs. Have your questions ready, so you don’t forget to ask anything critical when you’re there: