Start Import Export Business Sourcing Agents In China Import Agents

Overview

Exporting should be a natural step for any successful business. It not only abates reliance on your indigenous customers, but also allows for greater market reach and profit. But, as with most things in business, the theory is easier than the practical. Exporting can pose an entirely different set of problems than your business is used to.

The advantages of importing goods from China can be may : quality as well as price, and often simply by importing goods from different markets you will find goods that are simply not available in your home market. Unless you know the country of origin extremely well, it is a good idea to engage the services of an expert, who can help you with initial product sourcing ( including due diligence) , warehousing , shipping and import regulations.

Starting a business in China without any contextual knowledge can often lead to expensive errors. Fundamental to success, then, is a comprehensive analysis and research of your intended market. Your polar findings will be either an overwhelming or underwhelming response to a product or service, and it’s probably better to know this before parting with reluctant sums of money.

Naturally, you need to think about people. You need to think about places. You need to contextualise your product or service socioeconomically. Who will be buying your product? Can they find an easier or cheaper alternative? Who’s your competition? What’s the market situation in China?

And it’s not just the basic relocation issues and protocol you have to consider. Indeed, it's pragmatics such as your route to market in China, logistics, regulation, barriers, tariffs and suppliers too. Many will differ vastly to your accustomed practices.

Planning & Preparation

In preparing to export your goods or services, you must not just assess, but scrutinise your potential, and prepare for the worst. This doesn''t mean you have to negate all optimism; just don’t get consumed by it.

These are the market essentialities to examine:

• Structure of industry

• Demand for your product or service

• Your competition and how your company will forge itself alongside it

• Acclimatisation - alterations your company, product or service may have to adapt to

Next is the process of market entry in China, which will always seem simpler on paper. Your main considerations will be: 

• A market strategy that, if needed, acknowledges international trade development

• Financial resources and backing

• People, and how they can help develop your product for export / a new market

• Erudition in local requirements: packaging, pricing, labelling, etc

• Again, erudition, but in the costs and payment procedures of exporting

• Some of these factors alone may establish an unsuitability for your intended market, so research them thoroughly.

Next, is your product cut-out for export? Think about:

• The standards and regulations of products in your overseas market

• The fees involved with altering your product, service and company for a foreign market

   

UKTI

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government organisation that helps companies in the UK succeed in the global economy. Offering services to UK based firms wanting to gain access to global markets through export and foreign expansion, UKTI offer a range of services tailored to the needs of individual businesses, helping them to maximise their international success. 

UKTI Services

Expert Trade Advice: The UKTI International Trade Team has 40 local offices around the UK through which they are able to meet business owners and offer advice and support on international trade and growing a business. 

The Passport to Export Programme: The Passport to Export programme was devised to offer new and inexperienced exporters support and guidance in the following ways.

• Free Action Planning

• Support in Visiting Potential Markets

• Mentoring from a Local Expert Professional

• Customised and Subsidised Training

• Ongoing Support

Gateway to Global Growth: A free service to experienced exporters which offers a strategic review, planning and support to help grow your company''s business overseas. Solutions could be complex requiring both UK Trade & Investment services and those offered by other public or private sector organisations. It could involve the acquisition of specialist information and skills or guidance on how to achieve a specific objective. It may even involve sharing your experience and problems with other experienced exporters.

Business Opportunities: With a team of expert advisors located overseas within British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, UKTI publish overseas business opportunities open to British companies. To benefit from these Business Opportunities you must register your UK-based business on the website. <