Import and Export Business Training – Important Shipping Tips!

You have just decided that its time to put some time in enhancing your skills in international trade. In Australia there is very few import and export business training modules available. While there is no satisfactory course out there, we are here to provide you with decent tips and training that you can implement right away.

Freelance Shipping has provided many blogs to get your import and export business training started. If your interested in export then check out are article on export tips. If your interested in learning more about how to import then we have the tools for you in our articles.

Whats required?

When you want to start your import and export business training.  Your first step would be to understand the product you are going to sell domestically or ship internationally. Follow the trends in the market. Do you have connections overseas that can help you source what products are in high demand?. Follow the trail and you will get what products are profitable.

Secondly you can source suppliers either locally in Australia or offshore. In regards to offshore suppliers, we recommend Ali baba and Made in China as key websites to start contacting some suppliers.

Develop relations with a freight broker.

Yes we are freight brokers that help upcoming and small business owners, get the necessary advice. We can advise, move your goods and keep you competitive.  This advice is  in terms of what documentation, export / import regulations are in place currently even what modes of transport are the cheapest to save you the big bucks. Your import and export business training starts with first contacting us and ensuring you can make a proper plan and landing costs of everything before you embark on making your journey. Freelance Shipping is here to support you.

Lets start off with what is vital in knowing that very few importers and exporters pay attention to. Incoterms.

Fob / Cif / Exworks – Whats this?

Incoterms should be looked at prior to purchasing the goods overseas or exported overseas. While people concentrate on the cheapest service, your terms of sale determine what the supplier will bare the cost of  regarding international shipping. These international shipping tips will help you to have a thorough understanding of this so you understand the costs involved. You can check out more on what incoterms apply hitting the search button, but most suppliers work off the FOB quote which is fair terms and cheapest movement option.

Import and export business training – Incoterms List / Meaning

Some key incoterms used are:

Exworks – this is when a supplier has the least amount of responsibility and all responsibility is up to the importer to move the goods by cheapest shipping. This includes all inland costs, export regulations to be adhered to and ensuring that all customs regulations are met prior to export. Importing from China and the USA can become expensive if you use this incoterm.

FOB – Free on board- This will cover your cargo being loaded onto the vessel. Your supplier has responsibility up to this point and all charges are paid for by them.

CFR – Cost and freight. A supplier has bared responsibility up to the point of the vessel discharging at a port of destination. This means supplier has paid for all inland costs including meeting all customs requirements for the origin country. A supplier has paid freight also up to the port of discharge.

CIF– CIF is very similar to the above, but with added marine insurance to your cargo. In case of any natural disasters, damaging of the goods, Causes of War (when cargo ships move in Seas where there are countries disputing these seas e.t.c) Marine insurance is a good bet. This insurance can also be obtained for airfreight goods in Australia.

More incoterms

DDU – Delivery Duty paid means that supplier will arrange the goods and pay for the freight all the way to your door in Australia, except for any government duties or tax’s that the importer still has to pay for to customs upon entry into the country. This is an expensive route.

DDP – Supplier bares all costs and responsibilities including paying all tax’s to customs and quarantine and delivery in the destination country, for example: from China to Australia.

 When you get all the incoterms correct. You will find out that this means your shipments can be coordinated with ease. In additional to that, it could also be a possibility to get cheaper rates depending on what your supplier works with in regards to that incoterm. If you have any hesitations or queries on what the incoterm would mean in terms of shipping. Freelance shipping is here to help. You can always contact us to help you understand the terms better which will mean you can negotiate with the supplier on a stronger basis. Every little bit of information and help can become an asset in a long standing relationship and business venture.   When in doubt give us a call.

I need more information:

The best way to get more information and advice is from freight agents that have done this day to day for the last 14 years. Just like us!. Read our articles, and subscribe to our news letters. They are full of information that can help you understand the workings of customs brokers, duty, tariffs , free trades and much more. We are consistently writing to ensure your on your game.

Get in touch with us today, to help you develop your next import and export planning.
Yes, we charge a fee but so does the bus driver !. Real advice comes from those that are willing to work with their brokers and establishing long term ties.