Novice importer

[martyc]

Hi my name is Martyn from Sydney, I am very interested in getting into the import industry, particularly from China and Sweden, the problem is I don't have a clue where to start or what products yet.I wonder if anyone out there is kind enough to give me some ideas about making contact with prospective clients, and if there is some sort of register of companies wishing to import to Australia. If anyone has any experience or advice for me, it would be great.:

[akula]

welcome, good to have people from sydney

great questions there

yes..there is a "register of companies wishing to import to Australia"

In China, the guys to ask are http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/

In Sweden, the relevant ministry is http://www.kommers.se/

all in all...direct all these enquiries to http://www.austrade.gov.au they have offices in both coutries

[martyc]

thanks for the info

[akula]

I dunno dude...I don't see how this stuff is helpful to you

I've helped friends import and sell car parts from china

The process starts with you quantifying demand in Australia

before this point, everything else is pretty much irrelevant

I mean, without contracts for delivery, there is no point investing in inventory

In english: Get people to sign a paper saying "Yes, we will buy this stuff from you" and then you will use this paper to say to guys in China "Give me the stuff on trade credit because I have these LOIs"

Does this makes sense?

[Nigami Enterprise]

I dunno dude...I don't see how this stuff is helpful to you

I've helped friends import and sell car parts from china

The process starts with you quantifying demand in Australia

before this point, everything else is pretty much irrelevant

I mean, without contracts for delivery, there is no point investing in inventory

In english: Get people to sign a paper saying "Yes, we will buy this stuff from you" and then you will use this paper to say to guys in China "Give me the stuff on trade credit because I have these LOIs"

Does this makes sense?

Ha trade credit with a chinese company are you serious.


Ok il try and give you some actual helpful advice which helped me out alot.
Best thing to do is actually go over to asia and see what it's like for yourself attend some trade shows find out who you will be dealing with. Travel to teh trade capital called shenzen where alot of westeners take refuge and can help you out heaps. From sydney it cost's like a grand to get a return flight.

Dealing with the chinese can be a very daunting and daring thing so be VERY careful. Start off very small. Build relationships.

Big tip to is to never try and undercut the chinese or u will end up with a car made out of paper.

Also check out sites like www.globalsources.com they are always having trade shows in hong kong. Oh yeh if u want quality get it made in taiwan.

Sorry its quick and messy but i have to cruise good luck.

[akula]

great point

working capital is an issue