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Business Growth
3
Checklist for
Importing Products for Distribution to the Business-to-Business
Marketplace
By Paul R.
Lloyd
Product Issues
-
Is country of origin a legal
source?
-
Does product meet all US
government safety requirements
-
Does product meet a customer want
or need?
-
Is there a better US-made solution
that will have a competitive edge against your import?
Financial
Transaction Issues
-
Does product offer a price-value
proposition sufficient to make an extremely attractive offering?
-
Can you import the product from
overseas quickly, routinely and economically?
Liability Issues
-
Foreign countries do not use the
same liability standards as US market so be careful.
-
In some overseas markets, the
warranty begins the day the product leaves the factory so
negotiate warranty provisions carefully. Make sure you understand
your imported product line and its warranty.
-
Be sure the manufacturer shares
your quality standards.
Watch Out for
Shipping Costs
-
Learn the economies and many steps
involved in picking, consolidating, forwarding, breaking down and
customs clearance.
-
Consider taking possession when
product leaves the factory so you can control every aspect of
shipping. Otherwise you could have huge shipping cost overruns.
What to look for
in a foreign partner
-
Look for a strong commitment from
the foreign manufacturer backed by training and product support.
-
Look for a manufacturer who can
conform to American standards such as non-metric measures.
-
Make sure the foreign manufacturer
understands the importance of product continuity in the US market.
This means the foreign manufacturer will agree to inform you
before making any change to the product.
Paul R. Lloyd
has advised 12 large international corporations entering the North
American market. He frequently meets with US distribution companies
involved in the sale of commercial equipment produced overseas. Call
Paul to walk you through this checklist or to provide a free initial
consultation: 630-393-6516
Zuk-Lloyd Associates, Inc. – Creative writing and art solutions.
We help
clients increase sales by turning ordinary business information into
extraordinary stories.
Contact:
Paul R. Lloyd
630-393-6516
info@zuklloyd.com
www.zuklloyd.com
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