Understanding Risks
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Entering the global marketplace is a challenge that requires education, experience, and a driven mindset. Along with these qualities you must understand that this industry comes with risks that could lead to significant repercussions. Before entering the international marketplace, understand these risks and how to avoid them.
One risk that import and export businesses face is unpredictable shipping logistics. When its all said and done, your business success is dependent on whether you can ship goods safely and efficiently. You need to make sure that your product gets from point A to point B on time. You need to account for everything that could possibly go wrong from an employee calling in sick to damage to the cargo. The best way to mitigate this risk is to stay organized, be prepared, and partner with a reliable freight forwarder that will help you ship your goods without a hitch.
Another risk that import and export businesses face is not knowing enough about the current market. For example, did you know that exports contracted 6% last month which narrowed the trade deficit to $13.45 billion? Did you know that this was the second time that exports contracted in the current fiscal year? If not, you need to do more research on the current market. With the trade war causing changes to the global marketplace daily, it is important to consider those changes before you decide to enter the industry.
The last risk that import and export businesses face is running into problems at the border. Customs is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, hurdle that importers and exporters have to face. Customs rules are not uniform throughout the world. To avoid significant slowdowns at international customs, again, do your research or hire experts in customs law and trade compliance to help you navigate this area of the business.
Bottom line is that the import and export business is one with opportunity but is also one that comes with risks. To find success in this industry understand all of the risks, stay organized, prepare for the worst, and know how to handle logistics. If you have all of these qualities, you will be that much closer to finding success in the import and export industry.