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The Roundup: June 22, 2004

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Table of Contents

  1. Editor's Musings
  2. A Dozen Tips for Starting an Import/Export Business by June Campbell
  3. Recommended
  4. Internet Sites Reviewed
  5. Freebies and Other Good Deals
  6. Joke of the Week

1. Editor's Musings

Hello. It's Roundup time again.

Hello Everybody. We've had the first day of summer, here in the Northern Hemisphere. The temptation is to veg out and enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer, as the song says. But autumn success comes to those who keep plugging along, using this slow time to market, research and plan.

Today's article might prove helpful to those considering adding importing or exporting to their business mix.

2.Article: A Dozen Tips for Starting an Import/Export Business, by June Campbell

Thinking of starting an import/export business? Jennifer Henzel, a Certified Import/Export Trade Professional offers these tips for getting started:

1. Many countries have set up offices (Consulates or Embassies) in foreign countries to promote the exporting of their goods. The Consulates will supply you with industry directories and more. Embassies are located in a nation's capital and Consulates in different cities. In many cases, the Embassy web site will contain directories and manufacturer lists, as well as an email link that you can use for sourcing.

2. To import or export goods, communicate with that country's Consulate situated in your own country. If you are uncertain what products the other country wants, you can obtain catalogues and lists of manufacturers.

3. Contact your country's taxation department to ask about registration numbers or other procedures that you must follow. For example, if you are Canadian, you will require a Registration Number, issued by Canada Customs and Taxation Agency (CATA). When you inform CCTA of your plans to import or export, they issue an extension to your business number. This number is used on all related documents.

4. Find out about licensing requirements, if any. Many countries do not have licensing requirements for most products. However, if you are importing or exporting high-risk products (pharmaceuticals, liquor, chemicals, arms, certain food items and certain articles of apparel), you might need a license. "I strongly recommend that people start out with low risk items that can be easily traded and have fewer barriers -- like giftware and consumer items," said Henzel. "Certain industries, like dairy, are guarded by lobby groups in some countries. You will be faced with quotas and restrictions."

5. Embargoes are trade barriers set up against other countries. Many countries have embargoes against Cuba, for example. First, contact your own government to determine whether there are restrictions or embargoes against the country you are considering. Next, contact that country's Consulate or Embassy to see if there are restrictions against goods from your country.

6. Participate in the local Boards of Trades (or Chambers of Commerce if there is no local Board of Trade). In addition to networking, you have access to research libraries and other resources that will offer good trade information.

7. Use customs brokers. "Small businesses attempting their own paperwork can run into delays at borders. If you make a mistake, you can be fined," said Henzel. "A custom broker's service is well worth the fee you pay."

8. When exporting, understand that there is no one solution to shipping and customs handling that will work in every situation. Every deal is different. Each company and each set of products will require a different set of services, or a combination of services. Engaging the services of a freight forwarder is one possibility. Freight forwarders arrange shipping and customs for goods going to other countries. "You have to shop for these services and do your research," Henzel explained. "Ask a lot of questions. It's no different than buying a piece of furniture. You shop around first."

9. Be familiar with Incoterms, as posted to the International Chamber of Commerce Web Site. Incoterms are standard trade definitions that dictate the shipping and payment responsibilities of each party. The two companies involved negotiate Incoterms for each deal. The best known Incoterms include EXW (Ex works), FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid), and CPT (Carriage Paid To). "You negotiate according to the Incoterms," Henzel said. "You decide who pays for shipping, who pays for insurance, etc."

10. Consult your bank for information about Letters of Credit, the most common form of payment when trading internationally. With a Letter of Credit, you minimize your risk because the banks assure that the goods are delivered before the money is exchanged. As an importer, a Letter of Credit reduces the risk of having to pay in advance for goods, or of paying for goods that are inconsistent with the product description in the Letter. As an exporter, you have the buyer's bank's assurance that you will receive payment provided you ship the goods as specified within an agreed-upon time.

11. Participate in Trade Missions. Consult your Board of Trade or local Chamber of Commerce to discover what is available.

12. Finally, look to the Web for information about international trade. Many web sites offer an array of information that you can access for no charge, including Henzel's site The Import Export Coach.com.

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3. Product Recommendation: *** M8 Multi Clipboard for Windows ***

I love the M8. While running minimized, the free version of this little utility saves the last 30 text or graphic clips that you have copied or cut. You paste with one mouse click, or alternatively, you can assign a keyboard command that allows you to paste.

The benefits are obvious. The Windows clipboard is inconvenient. If you want to copy and paste multiple items between software applications, it's back and forth, back and forth. What a nuisance.

The freebie M8 solves all that. And, since its compatible with Outlook Express, you can paste graphics directly into the body of your message.

As you might guess, the paid version is more sophisticated. It offers the same functions as the freebie, but includes other functions as well. You can store your clips in a library permanently (or until you decide to delete them), name your clips, fill out forms, do block pasting, and more.

For more information, or to download the freebie, visit
M8 Multi Clipboard for Windows


4. Internet Sites -- reviewed by June Campbell

*** Shop Government Auctions (US only)
Bid on used vehicles, real estate and other items. The site give you the details.

*** Worldwide Art Galleries
Kid site. Art created by children from assorted countries.

*** Anonymous Blogger
This anonymous blogger writes scathing comments. He is rumored to be a big name in the entertainment industry.

*** JD Power Consumer Center
Consumer ratings on autos, homes, boats and more. starting a tech business.

5. Freebies and Good Deals

a. Create A New Future For You
You don't have to be a scientist, only need a computer You Have Nothing to pay. I maybe able to help you By showing the opportunities you've been looking for Sign Up www.valerianplanet.com/ezine.html

b. Are you an eBayer struggling to locate good wholesalers? Do you dream of finding wholesale suppliers who do not require any more than a $500 minimum order for bulk wholesale pricing? The Light Bulk Wholesale Directory lists them for you. Genuine wholesalers. No middlemen. From the people who brought us the Drop Ship Source Directory.
Click here for more info.


6. The Census

An old man was setting on his porch, when a young man walked up with a pad and pencil in his hand. "What are you selling young man?" he asked.

"I'm not selling anything, sir," the young man replied. "I'm a Census Taker."

"A what?" the man asked.

"A Census Taker. We are trying to find out how many people are in this country."

"Well," the man answered, "you're wasting your time with me, I have no idea."


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