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Import & Export: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
How To Start An Import/Export
Find out what is required to start a profitable import/export business.
Global Strategic Alliances: Ad
This article discusses how a global strategic alliance works and what it can and cannot do for you.
Direct Exporting: Advantages and Disadvantages to Direct Exporting
What is direct exporting and what are the advantages and disadvantages to this method of foreign market entry.
Global Marketing Strategy: Fo
This article examines why it’s important to create a global marketing strategy for your business (no matter what size it is) and what the benefits are to crafting one.
Indirect Exporting: Advantage
This article highlights methods of indirect exporting, including the distinction between an export management and export trading company, as well as providing the pros and cons of using one or both as part of your overall export sales strategy.
10 Insanely Great Websites to Help You Build an Import/Export Business
Websites to visit to build and grow your import/export business.
Global Sourcing: 5 Ways to Mak
This article provides tips on how to make the most of global sourcing.
Naming Your Import/Export Busi
This article helps you choose a name for your import/export business.
Bills of Lading: Ocean Bill o
This article covers the two types of bills of lading for an import-export shipment, the ocean bill of lading and the airway bill.
Incoterms: International Ship
A look at the most commonly used foreign trade terms provided by the International Chamber of Commerce’s Incoterms rules.
How to Get An Import Permit
How to get an import permit anywhere in the world.
Country of Origin Certificate
This article discusses the meaning of a country of origin certificate and why it's important on import/export shipments.
Import and Export Packing List
This section describes what a packing list is and what it includes as it accompanies the commercial invoice on an international shipment.
How to Prepare a Proforma Invo
This article details how to put together a proforma invoice on an export sale.
Commercial Invoice: How to Pre
This article outlines what is a commercial export invoice, why it is important and how to prepare it.
How to Prepare Your Product for Import/Export
This article shows you how to prepare your product for sale in a new market.
Inspection Certification: Wha
Country governments as well as importers and exporters oftentimes require inspection certificates. This article outlines how inspection certificates protect importers and exporters against fraud, mistakes and poor quality performance. Companies who conduct inspection certifications is also covered.
Export Shipping Documentation:
This article outlines the basic international shipping documents required to complete an export sale.
A Guide to Working With an Int
This article examines what an international distributor does and what you need to know before appointing one.
How to Price Your Product Comp
This article discusses how to price your product competitively for import and export markets and what criteria you should consider for determining just how high or low you can go on your markup.
How to Develop an Import/Expor
This article defines what an import/export business plan is and how to develop one that allows you to measure results.
Hiring a Customs Broker: How
Here’s a look at what a customs broker is, what they do and how to find one.
Importing: How to Find a Supp
This article helps you with the process of finding a supplier for the product you want to import.
Deliver on Your Promises
Delivering on your promises is doing what you say you are going to do when you say you are going to do it. This article provides specific examples of how delivering on your promises matters in the global marketplace.
Pre-Screening Overseas Distrib
Think you’ve found the perfect overseas distributor? How do you know for sure? Here we’ve created a checklist of all the questions you should ask to pre-screen distributors.
Japanese System: How Japan’s
Japan's distribution system can benefit exporters who take the time to learn its workings and plot their marketing strategies accordingly. This article shows you how to put Japan's distribution system to work for your business.
14 Incentives For Importing/Ex
Find out 14 incentives (benefits) for importing/exporting!
Packing For International Ship
Whether importing or exporting, you must ship your product from one country to another in an undamaged condition. This article outlines ten factors to consider when packing for international shipping.
A Guide to Working With a Sale
This article examines what an international sales agent does and what you need to know before appointing one.
Six Things to Know About Becoming a Licensed Customs Broker
What you need to know to become a licensed customs broker.
Export Promotion and Developme
This article defines what export promotion means and how it affects a government’s export strategy, such as the National Export Initiative (NEI) in the United States. It will also help you increase the export sales of your products.
Eleven Questions a Logistics S
Questions to address before moving goods from one country to another.
Japan Business: 5 Ways to Bui
Two important guidelines for doing business in Japan are: honor all of your own obligations scrupulously, but help your associates avoid incurring them. This article highlights five ways to put these principles to work.
Global E-Commerce: 3 Ways to
Here are three ways to turn your website into a global e-commerce money-making machine
How to Develop An Export Marke
Market research is a powerful tool for exploring and taking control of your global territory. It also enables you to develop an export marketing plan. Take it look at how it's done.
How to Avoid Bribes in Interna
Here we examine a bribery scenario, learn about Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and discover how to avoid or handle bribery disputes.
Leading With a Global Mindset
How to develop the necessary skills and behaviors for import/export success.
Insurance Coverage For Export
Insurance coverage for export shipments is as vital to your product delivery plans as safe vehicles and good sturdy cartons. In this article, we look at four points to consider when securing air or marine export insurance.
Contract Manufacturing
This article examines what contract manufacturing is and what it can do for your import/export business.
Five Ways to Satisfy Your Over
This article highlights five steps to ensure that your overseas customers are happy ones.
Export License: How to Determ
This article helps you determine whether a product requires an export license.
How to Choose a Product to Export
This article helps you decide on a product to export.
How to Find and Pre-Qualify Im
This article provides a short list on how to find a good distributor overseas and once you have found one, how to pre-qualify them to insure that they are a reputable organization.
CHINA
How to do business with one of the world's largest economies: China.
10 Secrets to Managing a Succe
In this article we outline ten simple rules for managing a successful blog. Knowing your audience is a start.
Carton Markings For Export
This article offers several considerations that govern your shipment marking.
How to Set Up a Foreign-Trade
In this article, I define what is a foreign-trade zone, what are the benefits and how to set one up.
Scripting Your Communication to the Manufacturer: Importing and Exporting Business
This article guides you on how to script a communication to find a manufacturer for an import or export product.
6 Ways to Save Money Importing
How to save money importing.
Technology Helps Business Go G
The use of technology makes finding opportunities in the world marketplace a breeze for small business owners and executives who might like the idea of going global. Here's how.
International Trade Credit Insurance
In this article, I ask David Barrett, sales agent for Euler Hermes North America, a leading provider of trade-related insurance solutions, a range of questions about international trade credit insurance. The first question: What is trade credit insurance?
How to Select a Product to Import
This article helps you learn how to select a product for import.
How to Make the Most of Global
Here we examine what’s driving the explosive growth of global mobile commerce, how it is going to redefine the way business is done all over the world and how to leverage it to sell more stuff.
Spot Versus Forward Foreign Ex
How do you protect your business and your profits? One way is to learn the ins and outs to foreign exchange. In this article, I talk about the difference between a spot versus a forward foreign exchange and how to hedge against currency fluctuations.
Choosing Your Form of Organiza
How to decide which legal structure is best for your import/export business.
Trusted Travelers Can Move Fas
Here we describe eight programs that serve to protect and expedite your international travel.
The Gold Key Service: How to
Are you stuck on how to find and meet with pre-screened potential cross-border business associates? Whether you are seeking a single customer, agent, a distributor or a joint-venture partner -- it's all covered here with details about the Gold Key Service (GKS).
How to Position Your Business
Here are ten ways to position your business for global success.
International Shipments: Break
Here are a variety of common options and techniques for loading your international shipment. We focus on break bulk versus container loading.
Funny Mistranslations From Aro
This article provides fourteen examples of funny mistranslations that could have been avoided had the companies cared enough to hire a professional translator or translation agency. It shows how cross-cultural learning is critical to success in the global marketplace.
Singapore: The Entrepreneurial
This briefing offers stats and tips on doing business in Singapore and an understanding of why Singapore is considered the entrepreneurial capital of the world.
Market Research: Dreaded Chore, a Powerful Tool
How to conduct import/export market research.
Factors to Consider When Choos
Factors to consider when choosing an export payment method.
5 Trends That Are Reshaping a
Find out how small businesses will leap from local to global over the coming years.
Global Strategic Alliances: W
Find out valid reasons for forming a global strategic alliance (GSA).
Go Beyond Expectations
Want to know how to exceed the expectations of customers who are thousands of miles away? These ideas will help you astonish your customers so they keep coming back.
What to Do: An Overseas Sales
This article outlines steps to take before setting up an international sales or distributorship agreement, which will protect you should something run afoul.
Foreign Trade Statistics: How
This article examines seven key offerings from the U.S. Census Bureau on Foreign Trade which is the official source for U.S. import and export statistics.
Everything You Should Know Abo
This article offers a short course in foreign trade regulations and how it can impact your import/export business.
Foreign Market Entry
This article helps you decide where to concentrate your sales efforts and how to segment your product and market.
Service Exports: A Dynamic Ex
As you take your business global, you'll find that keeping ahead of the competition takes more than just getting your product into export markets. You'll find that you need to cultivate the additional strength of exporting superior services. In this article we discuss exporting a service and how it differs from exporting a product.
Less Local, More Global
This article outlines nine ways to sell your products internationally without ever leaving home.
Entering a Foreign Market Through Licensing
In this article I take a look at what licensing is and what are the benefits to licensing. All in all, licensing is a great way to penetrate a new foreign market.
International Franchising: A Global Strategic Initiative
In this article, I look at what is international franchising, its benefits, examples of companies that have successfully franchised internationally, how to get started in franchising and where to look for additional help.
Save Money While Exporting: T
Ten ways to cut expenses on export sales.
Are you ISO-Certified?
This article describes the features and benefits to obtaining ISO certification (9000, 9001 and 14000).
Free Trade Agreements: Top Fr
This article outlines the top free trade agreements (FTAs) and explains how each improves foreign market access for exporters, promotes economic growth and creates jobs.
Exporting Essentials
Ready to export? Where do you start? This article offers a 10-step action plan.
What It Takes to Achieve Expor
What it takes to achieve import/export success.
How to Develop and Price a New Product for the Global Marketplace
This article details what it takes to bring a product to market and price it fairly.
Are You Ready to Import and Ex
This article helps to determine whether you are ready to import and export.
JETRO: How JETRO Aids Exports
Learn how JETRO, Japan External Trade Organization, can help you maximize your global export potential to Japan.
Establish Your Import/Export D
In officially setting up your import/export business, here are the experts you need on your dream team.
What Is the Export-Import Bank
Find out how the Export-Import Bank of the United States can finance the export of U.S. goods and services.
Export Market Data: Where to Get it and How to Use it
In this article, I offer a wealth of information on international trade. First, though, I share a story on how I approached getting export market data when I first started my business-well before the days of the Internet.
Brazil’s Opportunity for Overs
In this article we examine what makes Brazil a robust market offering excellent growth opportunities on exports.
Keep In Touch With Your Custom
This article provides tips on how to stay in touch with your customer - even if they show signs of dissatisfaction.
Got a Website or Blog?
How creating a website and blog helps you easily find cross-border customers and suppliers.
Health Inspection and Certific
This article examines health inspection and certification issues as it relates to importing and exporting agricultural products.
Where to Source Products and What to do if You Receive Crappy Product Samples
Here I cover where to source a new product and what to do if you receive crappy product samples.
The Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement
The United States and European Union aim to start negotiating the Transatlantic Free Trade Pact this year (2013). This article examines what it means for your business.
LinkedIn: How to Pre-Qualify
Learn how to establish healthy international business relationships online -- what to avoid and what to look for -- when identifying potential opportunities.
Export Potential in Indonesia
In this article, we take a look at Indonesia and why you should consider this vibrant market for exports and sourcing products.
Growing a Global Business: Ge
This interview with Laurel Delaney (Part 1 of 2) explains how to get in the global game and, once you're there, how to use social networking tools to grow your business global.
How to Determine If a Foreign Company is Legit
How do you determine if a foreign company is legitimate? Here are seven ways to find out.
Designing for Foreign Cultures
When designing for a foreign audience, consider these five factors.
Global Trademarks: A Start Up
This article addresses what a trademark is, how to select a trademark, how to establish rights to a trademark and where to turn for additional help.
How to Become a Certified Glob
This article examines how to become a certified global business professional and what are the benefits.
6 Reasons to Love E-Commerce
Here we examine six reasons for loving your e-commerce site after it’s set up.
Five Strategies For Developing
This article explains five creative yet reliable strategies that demonstrate cultural and social sensitivity, gain customer confidence and respect, and generate steady sales.
How to Determine Whether to Redesign Your Product Package for an Overseas Market
This article provides lessons learned on a real product launch in Japan along with tips on how to determine whether to redesign (adapt) your product package for overseas market entry.
The Mysterious Triangular Trade
Here you will find out what triangular trade is and how it occurred during the colonial era in American history.
Cross-Cultural Learning and Ad
Learn whether you need to cultivate cross-cultural awareness.
Involve Your Customer
Don't just get your customers to purchase your product or service. Give them a reason to care — get them involved. Here's how.
Using LinkedIn to Market Your
How to use LinkedIn to market your import/export business globally.
International Business Travel:
Here are some essentials for a one-week business trip, including wardrobe, accessories and documents.
International Business Schools
Here's a look in alphabetical order at eighteen (18) top-notch international business schools from around the world that can serve as a key to your world at any age.
International Travel Alerts:
This section offers practical tips and advisories to protect international business travelers from potential harm.
FRANCE
How to enhance your success when negotiating with French business associates.
Small Business Globalization T
What was the climate like for small businesses that wanted to expand internationally in earlier years? Find out here and at the same time, discover four significant business developments that are taking place in the global economy of the 21st century.
How to Comply with Import Regu
Are you complying with both state and federal government import regulations? Here’s how to find out.
Global Strategic Alliances: N
This article examines how to negotiate the deal on a global strategic alliance.
Borderless Business
Discover why there is no turning back to the outmoded way of strictly operating a small local business. It’s pure global business -- the world is your market.
Arrange Introductions for Your
An introduction can be one of the most valuable services you can offer your customers. Here's why.
Growing a Global Business: Wo
This interview (second installment) with Laurel Delaney (Part 2 of 2) talks about working with independent contractors and best practices for growing a global small business.
Quick Culture Tips
This article examines how mastery of culture will enhance your competence in all areas of your import/export business.
What is Parallel Importing?
In this article, I define what parallel importing is, provide an example of parallel importing and touch on the lawfulness of parallel importations.
Exporting Resources You May Not Know About
Here are three fabulous resources you might not know about that will help you understand trade regulations, access market intelligence and find money for market development.
The Next Digital Revolution:
Here we outline six trends and developments in the world of mobile along with suggestions on what you should do next to stay ahead and remain relevant.
Face-To-Face International Business Meetings
To cement a quality business relationship, a face-to-face meeting is absolutely essential with your international customer. Find out why here.
The Go-To Websites for Agricultural Export Assistance
There are a plethora of resources available under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) website that help American companies export food products. Here are eighteen
Cross-Cultural Design: Design
This article outlines four ways to design across cultures without offending anyone.
PayPal: A Way to Pay or Get Pa
This article examines why establishing a PayPal account can be a good thing while working in the import/export industry.
Tips to Trading Globally: An Interview with Laurel Delaney
What does it take for a company to go global? Find out here with this interview conducted by Today’s Chicago Woman and Laurel Delaney.
Global Mobile Marketing: Conducting World Business on the Go
Here we offer compelling facts on global mobile, tips on what works in global mobile and a case study to move you to action.
10 Ways to Develop Great Globa
All repeat business requires great global customer relations. This article outlines how to care and feed your overseas customers so they keep coming back.
Exhibiting at Trade Shows
Here's how to maximize your next trade show experience.
Launching Your Start-Up Global
This interview was conducted by GrowBiz Media with me, Laurel Delaney in July 2012. I spoke with GrowBiz Media about launching a start-up globally since anyone in the world who has an Internet connection can access a website.
Exporting: Will Your Product Succeed in Your Market of Choice?
How to turn your exporting ambitions into a concrete strategy based on market realities by asking and answering smart questions.
Share Information with Your Cu
Keep an eye out for how you can help your overseas customers get where they want to go, not only in terms of business but also personally, spiritually and intellectually. This article provides tips on how to go about it.
Using Google to Go Global
Here's how to use Google AdWords to help customers the world over find you.
Pointers For Going Global
An experienced global trader, Antoine (Tony) Loup, shares his success tips for going global.
Make International Customers Y
This article outlines how to make international customers your No. 1 priority.
Boundary-Crossing At Its Best
How to increase your chance for import/export success.
Customs-Trade Partnership Agai
This article covers the ins and outs of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).
Security Tips For International Travel
While traveling internationally, don't leave your street smarts at home. Here are six security tips you should practice when traveling overseas to ensure a safe trip.
Get the Global Edge: Learn th
In this article we discuss how language acquisition gives an importer/exporter a definite edge in a new foreign market.
How to Find Importing and Expo
How do you know when you are ready to expand your business internationally? This article answers that question and provides five tips for importing and exporting success.
Creating New Products to Expan
In this article, I help you decide if you should create an entirely new product for an overseas market.
Adventures in Mistranslations
Examples of how the misuse of simple words can sabotage even your best border-crossing efforts.
Is Global Sourcing For You?
The 20 questions listed in this article will help you determine if global sourcing is a viable option for your business. Your responses to the questions can be used to assess your business’s readiness for outsourcing and to help you craft a thorough global sourcing strategy that can be implemented now or in the future.
6 Ways to Execute a Perfect Gl
To prepare for success, start to put a gigantic global growth plan for your business in place for the future. Here are six ways to go about it.
Get Yourself An Online Export Education
This article examines online export training resources to help you further develop the skills you need to become a better exporter.
Crisis Management: What to Do
This article demonstrates with two specific examples how creative thinking and playing to one’s strengths can provide simple solutions to what could have become a costly disaster in the import/export world.
Communicating Across Cultures
Tips and advice from two books that will keep you at your best while negotiating international business deals.
Global Small Business Sunday: Shop the Planet
We hereby dedicate the day after Small Business Saturday to -- Global Small Business Sunday -- so that all small businesses go global with their purchases!
Five Tips for Business Success
In this article I’ve selected several principles-in-action that Hugh DePree implemented at furniture maker Herman Miller and how they relate to running not just an import/export business but any business.
Build Interdependency With You
Have you built a bond with your customers that encourages them to look to you when there is a problem, or when they need an experienced importer’s/exporter’s advice? Read on ...
Become Your Customer's Partner
How might you create opportunities to partner or join forces with your customer? Here you will learn five inspiring ways to partner with your customer to grow the relationship.
Trade Policy Made Easy
This article outlines how trade policies help open new markets and expand opportunities for your business.

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