Importing goods

[becky]

Hi everyone

I've seen some great items that I'd like for my website from a US supplier. I've not imported anything before - can anyone offer any advice. Is it a real hassle, what are the costs involved?

I have started reading through the docs on the customs website but it'll take a while to wade through, and most of it doesn't seem relevant. If anyone has any experience of small scale importing I'd love to hear your advice.

Thanks in advance

Becky

 

[weddingcrafter]

Hi Becky,

My experience wasn't very positive, but I should think with a bit of homework, it could work fine for you. It was over a year ago and my memory is a bit rusty, but I hope this helps:

Remember that you will have to pay tax and duty (talk to the HMCR helpline) and that couriers also add a charge for collecting this.

I would advise always to talk to the supplier (by telephone) first and trust your judgement as to whether to go ahead or not. Remember that returning incorrect or damaged items will be a major hassle.

My problem was that part of the order (of ribbons) was missing (out of stock) and some items were incorrect and as my business depends on continuity of supply and being able to re-order the same item quickly I haven't tried importing again.

The actual importing bit was fine - I think it was just the supplier that I used that was the problem.

Don't let this put you off - you can get some great products and prices, but do check out everything in advance.

Good Luck

Alison

 

[Kent Accountant]

You can download information from Business Link www.businesslink.gov.uk and follow the link to International Trade

 

[Arhiann]

I have quite a lot of experience at importing on a small scale from both within the EU and outside. I have suppliers in China, Malaysia, Turkey, Latvia, Czech Republic. My order size have ranged from 84GBP up to around 12000GBP, but most are less than 1000GBP.

It's really a lot easier than you think. For me it's really no different to trading solely in the UK.

You may want to drop me an email:

rob (at) arhiann (dot) com

and I'll try and answer any specifics you may have. If you want I can try and answer them here as well. There are a couple of books I can recommend, but to be fair, they cover nothing that isn't available on the web.

HTH

Rob

 

[gary]

Importing from the USA is relatively simple as the shipping company does all the work, but you need to get your figures right as it can work out quite expensive. You will pay shipping charges, import VAT, plus duty ranging from 6% to 30% of the value depending on what you're importing, plus the shipping handling fee often charged by UPS etc. So what might look like a good price initially can end up not being such a good deal after all, especially if you're only importing small quantities. When you start importing larger amounts, the cost per item reduces and then it's ok, but do your maths so you don't get caught out.

 

[lesliedocherty]

I Agree,

Import from the states every month and normally problem free, except for the delays as of late, but no hassles. Europe is easy aswell, aslong as all the paperwork is in order it can be as easy as or easier than ordering from the UK.

leslie

 

[Cuidenglin]

Hello Becky,
I'm working in China and I think I can help you if you want to import goods from China.

 

[Anglo-Sino]

Becky,

Reading the Customs site does make things appear to be a minefield. Although there can be problem areas in general it is fairly straightforward. First step once you are comfortable with your supplier is to decide on shipping method as this will dictate your individual requirements...that said quantities might dictate method!
Good luck

 

[Cornish Steve]

Send me a PM with the mailing address of the company. If I happen to travel anywhere near, I'd gladly check them out for you.

 

[Buttercup]

Hi I have imported from Taiwan recently, all went fine. I did loads of research first. There was one item not finished properly, but after querying it, they paid for us to get the item finished locally - actually the money arrived in my account before the job was done.

I have hears lots of horror stories about importing though. It is really hard parting with lots of hard-earned cash (via letter of credit) to someone you don't know for something you haven't received yet. You can get reassurance and confidence if you get samples sent to you for inspection first - which we did!

Good luck with your venture.

Have a look at Global Sources website - it gives lots of useful info and company leads.

Janie