Selling to America

[delta]

I run a company that makes bespoke titanium frames for bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes etc I have been trading for over a year and never had any of them returned under warranty conditions or for any other reason. The frames are made in China, the problem I have is the extreme cost of liability insurance to sell to North America.

I know this is a common problem but as soon as I say the frames are made in china and I want to ship to America nobody will touch it. I went the business octopus and they found me a quote, which so far is the only firm that will even quote. I know I can sell to North America without liability insurance but this does not appeal to me!

Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[GraemeL]

Is there possibly a difference between you exporting to USA versus a USA business importing them?

 

[delta]

As far as I am aware it will be the same. The product has my name on it so I will be liable. I have spoken to a couple of shops in the US but the liability insurance is a gray area depending on who you speak to. Its difficult to find someone with the specialist knowledge in this area. Also I sell mainly online, so get the customers approaching me direct, adding a shop in the US will cut my profits.

 

[JasonMoe]

You could try to find a connection by going and talking in person with some local business owners i.e. in NY.

 

[linda@premier]

Hello,
I would be happy to take a look at this for you if you're still struggling? I'm an independent insurance broker and deal with many markets who can write this type of business, therefore I may be able to improve on the quote you currently have.
Send me a message if you'd like to have a chat re this and I'll give you a call.
Linda

 

[Simply Business]

Hi,

Most insurers probably wouldn't be able to cover this due to the risk involved. However, some more specialised insurers will be able to.

Head over to http://www.biba.org.uk/ for information on where to go for cover.

Hope all goes well, good luck finding cover

 

[businessfunding]

Do the frames go direct from China to America or are they landed in Europe?

There are strange rules regarding where goods are officially made, which might help you.

 

[Paul Baldwin]

We might be able to help you @delta - we work with a lot of importers and exporters. I am in most of tomorrow if you want a chat...

 

[Paul Norman]

Our insurance covers goods going to America. Your premium will be more, because the risk is higher - Americans are more litigious, more inclined to send stuff back. However, I would recommend talking to one of the brokers above and seeing what they can arrange.

 

[lockyer]

If you still need a hand I handle the insurance for one of the UK's largest titanium bike manufactures, who export worldwide and import components from the far east. drop me a message or give me a call

 

[kathrinalewis]

Actually i have some contacts may be it will help you. Can you further elaborate it?