Two business ideas for Japan, how to go about it?

[Dainan]

So I have been pondering these two business ideas for a while and I would like some input on how to go about the realization of them. I lived in Japan for two years and was inspired to the following ideas.

First idea: Import Japanese wending machines that offer hot drinks to Sweden.

Since late December until two days ago, the temperature here in Sweden has ranged between 0°C and -30°C Now in Japan they have a lot of wending machines offering hot drinks, in Sweden I have yet to see one but Swedes in Japan would drink them like crazy so this idea was a nobrainer.

How would you do it? What kind of collaboration with the Japanese companies would be most beneficial?

Second idea: Exporting Swedish chocolate to Japan

A lot of Japanese I have meet have loved chocolate candy made by a Swedish company. They've asked me to bring a lot of it with me last time I was in Japan. People of all ages seem to love it so I'm pretty sure that it would sell really well over there.

The question is the same as in the first case. How do I go about realizing this idea in a smart manner?

Sirs and Sirettes, your two cents worth please

[SmoothEntrepreneur]

Ask your questions on linkedin.

My two cents is to contact the vending machine distributors and the chocolate company distributors and see how you can become a customer. Shouldn't be too hard.

[Dainan]

Ask your questions on linkedin.

My two cents is to contact the vending machine distributors and the chocolate company distributors and see how you can become a customer. Shouldn't be too hard.

yeah, that was my initial thought and I have listed a few of them to contact. I am yet not sure how to present my idea in the best way to them.

While this might be a bit paranoid on my side. Let's say that I present the idea to them, isn't there a risk that they'll just say "thanks for bringing it to our attention" and than leaving me out of the whole thing?

[freeliving]

I would research what kind of machines did you like? and what is your capitol/investment to spend? then you cantact a person like me to help you find a dealer after you did your reaseach and got prices you compare with what someone like me found and pick the best pricing and service.
after that you set up a business account so you can buy your products by credit to protect your investment.as for importing and exporting you would use a freight forwarder they will know all the proceures and fees contact them if your supplier does not have one already in place they use.

[Dainan]

I would research what kind of machines did you like? and what is your capitol/investment to spend? then you cantact a person like me to help you find a dealer after you did your reaseach and got prices you compare with what someone like me found and pick the best pricing and service.
after that you set up a business account so you can buy your products by credit to protect your investment.as for importing and exporting you would use a freight forwarder they will know all the proceures and fees contact them if your supplier does not have one already in place they use.

Thank you very much for your information! The individual steps are clearer to me now. Since I can write in Japanese I guess I'd just email the various Japanese distributors/manufacturers right away.

To be honest I wasn't familiar with the concept of buying by credit in order to protect ones investments.
I will look up fright forwarders as well and see what I can find. Thank you very much!

[freeliving]

you are welcome also I would look into companies who might have stock from an order that did not go threw ,like a trader who bought to make a profit but lost the buyer. while you are researching you want to scan the papers and ads for people who are selling there vending routes you will be able to buy a established route and then upgrade it with your machines.this way it will save time and money finding places to place them.
always buy insurance and get training from the company on how to service the machine! people like to destroy vending machines so there are alot of maint. costs

[Dainan]

That's a good tip, thank you. I guess that maintenance and insurance are two big key factors that I must keep in mind. I'll look into my different options, I will also contact a few companies. Thanks for the advice!