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Import/export on the Web
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April 14, 2000: 12:33 p.m. ET
Start small - very small; there's no easy money in international trade online
By Jane Applegate
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Dear Jane: I'm a photographer in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I'm thinking about getting into the import/export business via the Internet. How do I go about finding wholesale buyers for certain products such as semi-precious stones, scented oils, fabrics and spices?
I receive many questions about exporting things to other countries. While it sounds like an easy way to make money, it's really not. You not only have to find a distributor for your products, but a reputable and reliable customs broker, a shipping company and a system for tracking orders.
I would suggest starting small by asking friends and relatives who live in the U.S. -- or the country you want to deal with -- to find you a small store or business that may be interested in extending its product line. Pick a product or two to test market on a very small scale. You want to make sure there is a strong and steady demand for your products before you invest time and money in a full-scale exporting business.
It's much easier to ship a few cartons of something than an entire container full of stuff. If the product is popular, look for a sales representative who sells to similar stores in a region or community. Reps generally sell a line of related products to a certain type of store.
While you can do a lot of research online, it's best to find real people to deal with in the country you want to export to.
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ApplegateWay
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