Import-Export Agent?
Does this sound like a feasible business? In the internet age why would anyone pay someone for an introduction when the trading parties can find one another quite easily?
Answer:
In reality, export and import firms do not just readily accept each other, like find each other on the Web as you put it. The international trading business still has room for middlemen like import export agents, which import and export companies use to give them instant access to foreign market knowledge and export know-how.
All manufacturers without export experience but are planning to get into the export business are often advised to use an agent to help them navigate the exporting business. Even sophisticated exporters are using agents for selected products for certain foreign markets. Firms looking for new markets in order to accelerate their business growth also use agents.
The import-export business is based on trust -- you get into business with the other party only if you trust that the other can deliver what you want. In fact, I know of several exporting companies where importers are willing to pay them more, yet they don't deal with them because they have already developed tight business relationships with their foreign partners.
If you go into the import-export business, it is not as easy as getting a list of potential importers and calling them up and you get the deal. Sometimes, it takes years of wheeling-and-dealing before you can get their business.
Hence, the need for import export agents who will do the legwork for you. Yes, there is still a demand for an export-import agent, but you need to be savvy about the exporting process and know a great deal of companies involved in this business.
Unbelievable. In the first place, unless you are going to buy and sell you will have to put your buyer in touch with your seller or how could they verify each others suitability. Then what do they need you for? If the seller is in your country it may be difficult to get him to pay you but if he lives abroad it is economically unviable to sue and virtually impossible to get paid.
So you have to offer something essential to the transaction which will be needed after the introduction and before payment. Ideally you also need to do so well that the seller wants to use your services again.
So you could have to learn about engineering, transport, export packing, containerisation, shipping, marine insurance, international forms of payment such as sight draft, letter of credit, telegraphic transfer etc.
You couldn't just hope to find what someone wants on the internet, your buyer could do that without you, so you need to have some expertise, some specialisation in things that you are expert in.
Ideally you will control the transaction best by actually buying and selling your commodity rather than just trying to be an agent or middle man who everybody resents and sees as a leech waiting for his profit.
If you are serious about it send me a message. I spent 26 years exporting machinery.
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