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How to get into exporting as a small business

Here is how to get into exporting as a small business. Companies of all sizes are getting into world marketing mostly thanks to the Internet. With worldwide marketing from a company's web site, the potential number of customers mushrooms into many times more than would walk into a store in a strip mall.

World usage of debit and credit cards, and companies working as money exchangers, you pay in American dollars; the seller receives euros or pounds etc. So many are starting home businesses and expanding store clientele.

Some of the new technology and changed in marketing, and business worry owners who have never done business on the World Wide Web. However, there are many resources that make this switch from paper to data easier.

Here are some ideas to consider, to aid in beginning that eCommerce company.

You do not need great sums of cash to get started; there are many sources of government loans and grants. The applications can be filled out on line, and often money is available in seven (7) days.

These can be cash flow loans, funds to purchase products and supplies, etc. Most companies working with these programs want the businessperson to fill out a plan, tell them what the money is needed for. Many of these companies will take the credit card sales for pay back. Of course, the company must be signed up to accept a credit card like American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Card etc.

Many companies have adequate income to support day-to-day business needs, and do not realize this "success track record" can be enough of a guarantee to get a business loan to turn the sales to international sales.

There is an import-export bank (EX-IM Bank), and the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Dept of Agriculture (USDA) all have a banking and lending programs available to get that eCommerce sales firm successfully launched. The SBA offers export information. Also they have instructional assistance to help small businesses take advantage of export markets. These include trade counseling, training, legal assistance, and publications freely downloadable to the PC or mobile computer.

(Note: the SBA has some programs designed to assist women and minorities get a leg up to begin eCommerce companies.)

Some business owners see importing and exporting as very confusing and really do not have the time to go to libraries or the web to research all the facets of eCommerce operations. Many have heard the stories about stolen credit card numbers, a site being `hacked' (some swindling companies steal credit card data and make false charges on the numbers. Also some programmers and other overly bright people use this method to buy contraband or illegal products. This is a strong issue in the current terrorist moves to get arms and ammunition.)

There is a type of insurance called `credit insurance' which aids the business person have confidence their customers are good credit risks, or are actually the company they tell the seller, is their name, address, credit card number etc. This is good `peace of mind' insurance to purchase when the orders are in the thousands of dollars. The insurance can be dropped when that buyer proves to be legitimate and trustworthy.

Some sellers still offer COD (cash on delivery) and the shipment cost is collected by the company delivering the consignment (the boxes of product) to the buyer.

To help a seller get the product to the buyer, a shipping firm may offer software applications for their customers to determine the price of shipping products across the country or around the world. Also shipping companies offer freight options to consolidate air, ocean, and trucking deliveries or ground transportation. Some shippers arrange for customs clearance. One shipment may need direct delivery to many addresses within the destination country, and a shipper can arrange for this delivery from a single shipment.

A new eCommerce company needs to know the costs of shipping to the target country, how long the goods take to deliver, as well as proper packing or crating. Also, the seller needs to know what international trade regulations apply to the product to avoid the shipment being tied up on some dock, if the product will not clear the customs examination team at the point of entry to the receiving country.

A worldwide customer base means great potential business for U.S. companies, particularly from consumers who are eager to buy products they cannot obtain in their own countries.

Other aspects to consider can include:

Does the website need to be translated into other languages?

The cost to ship needs to be available to a buyer. Even though these are somewhat high, if it is an item not readily available in that country, the buyer will pay it due to scarcity, one of the marketing `pluses' of eCommerce selling.

Note: Some tips for applying for a small business loan include; when applying for a loan, a written loan proposal is needed. Always begin the proposal with a cover letter with a corporate summary, clearly and briefly explaining who you are, and the business plan for which a loan is needed.

Contact the SMA or lender to know which format is best for you. When writing your proposal, don't assume the loan officer is familiar with your industry or your individual business. This is always data specific to your industry, product or service.Use clear details so your reader can understand how your particular business is run and why you believe you will fill a need in the eCommerce market and how current buying trends can produce profits.

You will want to include this type of information for highest success in order to get the loan.

- Type of organization
- Date of information
- Location
- Product or service
- Brief history
- Proposed Future Operation
- Competition
- Customers
- Suppliers

You will also need management Experience: Resumes of each owner or management members of the Board of Directors.

This should help you to get into exporting as a small business. However it will be your hard work and determination that will make your small business work.

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