Considering an import business...

**EvilEye** · 05-25-2010 02:34 PM

I just set up my second LLC (first was a used car dealership, which failed), and I have been tossing around a few business ideas and have been thinking about an import business, possibly export as well. I have a 20' box truck that I already own outright and was thinking that would eliminate a need to pay a trucking company for transportation products to and from the customs/shipyard location, etc. I am thinking about starting off with some "cheaper" products, so that I can buy these in bulk with less money vs buying say, 1000 high dollar items like TVs or something.

I was wondering how exactly one goes about determining which products are good to import to the US, without actually visiting the exporting country? I am also looking for some general information on starting and running this type of business and looking to find some good reading material. I was looking on ebay and there are a few books on import/export but don't know if they are worth buying... in my personal experience, the "for dummies" books are junk.

**amg2000** · 05-25-2010 03:17 PM

I don't know anything about the import business, but
recently ran across this site which might be offering
the kind of info you're looking for...
Ebooks for immediate download

Brian

**Lambo** · 05-25-2010 07:48 PM

i currently run and import busniess from the US to Canada.....there a few things you need to setup.

1) search for a unique product that you can offer customers within your area
2) find the supplier (mostly online) websites such as alibaba, salehoo, or google can be a great start.
3) Arrange a deal with your supplier in terms of shipping/prices/discounts
4) make a website for your products (use elance.com)
5) market market market...and get sales sales sales!
6) make sure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into in terms of taxes, importing costs, shipping, duty, freight costs
7) start making money :-)

**EvilEye** · 05-25-2010 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Lambo

i currently run and import busniess from the US to Canada.....there a few things you need to setup.

1) search for a unique product that you can offer customers within your area
2) find the supplier (mostly online) websites such as alibaba, salehoo, or google can be a great start.
3) Arrange a deal with your supplier in terms of shipping/prices/discounts
4) make a website for your products (use elance.com)
5) market market market...and get sales sales sales!
6) make sure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into in terms of taxes, importing costs, shipping, duty, freight costs
7) start making money :-)

thanks for the info. i was thinking more along the lines of wholesaling the imported products to retail stores though, is this a profitable option?