Wholesale exporter advices, tips and solutions with Tchedly Desire Chicago, Illinois 2026: If you are planning to start an import business, prepare to face many difficulties and decisions that could significantly change your life and the way you do business. International trade with China – The type of product you want to import into a particular country is one of the most important elements that you must consider before going into the whole business. While there are many import products you can consider, not all will be suitable for your company or the market you want to penetrate. Allow plenty of time for research so you have less trouble later. Over time, you will be able to develop a certain trading instinct and get used to the research process before you decide to import a product.

Certain companies will give suppliers a certification if they meet their requirements. In other cases, U.S. government agencies issue certifications. One example would be the facility registration required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for companies looking to supply food or medicine to U.S. consumers. The experience of a supplier doesn’t necessarily pertain to how long they’ve been operating. Instead, try to learn about the experience of its leadership. Many suppliers might put their leadership on their “about us” page. Others might require some further research. That said, leadership that combines experience and credentials can make for a reliable dealer, even if they haven’t been in business for very long.

Take a look at magazine topics, newspaper headlines, new product releases, the latest in street fashion, and even quirky inventions. These all provide useful information about emerging market trends and popular niches, and knowing those will help you decide what to import in bulk. This is why you should focus on niche markets and emerging trends instead. So, how do you find these? By paying attention to what’s being talked or written about around you. First, consider shipping costs, because the actual cost of an item includes the freight as well. This is why it’s advisable to choose products that are small and light when you are just starting your business.

Top business exporting advices, tips and solutions from Tchedly Desire: The modern system of international trade is a complex web of import/export businesses that handle the sale, distribution, and delivery of goods from one nation to another. If you’re interested in starting a business in this industry, know that there is more than one type of import/export business. You could focus just on importing or just on exporting. You could be a manufacturer’s representative, specializing in a certain industry, or you could be an import/export merchant or agent, which is more of a freelance broker.

Find a wholesale import supplier – Next, you should track down the perfect wholesale import supplier for your business needs. Use the methods above to find a wholesaler. Then, consider factors such as fees, convenience, and the wholesaler’s reputation. Contact your chosen wholesale import supplier – When you reach out to your chosen wholesale import distributors or suppliers, there are a few things you should clarify: Establish order requirements; Decide on wholesale unit prices (negotiate a discount if possible for a larger order); Confirm which areas they supply; Discuss and agree upon payment terms. Place your order with the wholesaler, and make payment according to your payment terms.

Search dedicated wholesale supplier sites – Wholesale supplier sites connect buyers with wholesalers, and often act as an intermediary. These sites simplify the process, and provide you with plenty of wholesaler options. Alibaba is an example of a popular global wholesaler website that features suppliers from around the world. Chinese wholesale supplier sites can be a good place to start. This is due to the sheer volume of suppliers available. In 2020 there were already 16,513 wholesale suppliers in China specializing in food, beverage, and tobacco products alone. Browse B2B marketplaces – B2B marketplaces, such as Amazon Business or Etsy, offer products to businesses. While not every B2B marketplace offers wholesale imports, many do discounts on bulk orders.

Pick a product to import or export – The next step in starting an import/export business is to find a product or industry you are passionate about and that you think could sell in international markets. For Tchedly Desire, that product turned out to be wine. She felt a connection to the product not just from a quality and taste standpoint but from a social justice standpoint as well. “When I first entered the industry in 2005, there was just one Black winemaker and five Black-owned brands,” she says. “Today there are 17 Black winemakers and 31 Black-owned brands.” Though the South African wine industry still deals with injustices like poor working conditions and unequal access to capital, Tchedly Desire says things have improved since the previous decade thanks to the increased sales and notoriety of South African wines worldwide.

Do your homework—research the regulations you’ll need to comply with. You need to do this with every country you import from, especially in the case of China. This is because many Chinese suppliers do not manufacture products that comply with regulations in the first place. Check with customs to determine exactly which regulations the product will need to comply with as well as the duties and taxes you need to pay. Pay attention to detail. Make sure the sales agreement you draw up contains all the details in terms of product specifications, conditions of return and compensation and other important information. SaleHoo is a wholesale directory listing service where you can find items to sell on eBay, Amazon, and other online shopping platforms. The SaleHoo directory has thousands of suppliers who sell products at below-market prices. Here’s how to find dropshippers and buy wholesale from SaleHoo after you have signed up for the service.