Import/export directory

[MistaDobalina]

There are a lot of these out there. But I was just wondering if anybody has one or has any info if this is a profitable site to start.

Basically I would start a site that charges domestic companies to list their products or services to allow importers either in the U.S or international to find them and get in contact.

Is my biggest obstacle just competition of other sites and finding of the companies? thanks.

[ceo77]

There are a lot of these out there. But I was just wondering if anybody has one or has any info if this is a profitable site to start.

Basically I would start a site that charges domestic companies to list their products or services to allow importers either in the U.S or international to find them and get in contact.

Is my biggest obstacle just competition of other sites and finding of the companies? thanks.

I thought about doing something like this using worldbid.com and alibaba.com's model. This business is not that profitable and its very time consuming if its just you trying to do it. Why would someone pay to post on your site initially when you have no traffic when they can post on alibaba.com for free and are established. Both worldbid.com and alibaba started out 100% free and alibaba only charges for premium accounts.

Alibaba has a niche market (china) and since everyone buys from china now a days its easy for them to drive in traffic. If you're interested in import/exports why don't you act as a broker. Search for companies overseas looking to buy products and pair them up with a domestic partner for a finders fee. It will allow you to get your feet wet. I'm assuming you know nothing about international trade, but if you did the knowledge alone is a marketable product and you could potentially earn more money a lot faster providing that service.

[MistaDobalina]

got it. thank you. i've been to china once and don't have the money to go again so I'm guessing that the only way to be a broker is to cold-email companies in china? i'd need to think about products that the US can make better and cheaper than china, which is hard to find.

[ceo77]

got it. thank you. i've been to china once and don't have the money to go again so I'm guessing that the only way to be a broker is to cold-email companies in china? i'd need to think about products that the US can make better and cheaper than china, which is hard to find.

You could use Alibaba to find clients. some will only deal with paid members but a lot deal with free members as well. I would also get started by going to Export.Gov and look their as well. familarize yourself will all of the export policy and procedures as well as all the paperwork needed to do international trade. knowledge is $$$$ and thats what people pay for when they pay for a service. Good Luck

[MistaDobalina]

Ugh are there any video tutorials haha? Until then I'll try to find some patience and read about it.

[Will]

Ugh are there any video tutorials haha? Until then I'll try to find some patience and read about it.

With an attitude like that you won't get anywhere (im not trying to be rude, im being truthful). You should only do this if you have a keen interest in it - as if you do, you will want to learn which means you will know your stuff and make better decisions. If it is hard to make yourself read about things you would HAVE to know - then I would advise going into something you are more interested in. Dont just go in it for the money, as thats the wrong formula to be successful (and that means no money)