The Ins And Outs Of Importing: What You Need To Know To Begin
Importing can provide your e-business with cutting-edge products at rock-bottom prices. But its a very complicated process, and not one you want to go through alone. Customs brokers and freight forwarders are your gateway into the world of international trade, explains Custom House Broker Don Hoffman. For commercial shipments, youre legally required to utilize the services of a licensed broker. Theyre the experts in getting the documentation and duty payments through Customs.
Getting Good Help
Since most freight forwarders employ brokers to handle any customs issues, you might start by contacting a forwarder as soon as you make the decision to import products into the U.S.
You can find a forwarder in the yellow pages or search engines, but doing so is like playing the lotteryyou have no idea what youll get. The real problem is sorting through third-party operations, posing as forwarders, who are really nothing more than middlemen, marking up your end costs. The safest way to find a reputable forwarder is through trade associations or publications.
A forwarder can help you calculate...