The Independent Agent

The world of Export and Importing from your own home office speaking with manufacturers’ and business professionals from around the world. This can be quite a exciting and potentially high earning self-employment opportunity.

A Manufacturers’ agent or representative will need to be a highly energized and positive self-starter. As a Import or Export agent you will be required to represent at least two or more manufacturers and operate on a commission basis.

Small to medium sized manufacturing companies advertise for manufacturing reps as a alternative to a in-house sales person or staff. Manufacturers are looking for a person to help sell their products whether national or international.

Products are exported and imported around the world and range from sunglasses, shoes, raw materials, machines, electronic equipment or parts, textiles, industrial compounds, all sold to either wholesalers or large retail stores across the country or around the world.

Basic start up equipment will be transportation, answering service, machine or voicemail, telephone, fax machine, laptop computer, business cards, brochures and enough cash to cover initial expenses incurred to enter this business opportunity.

The basic steps involved with this business are ;

– Product, decide on the products you are confident and knowledgeable about, as if you were employed with the company (or least research and build your knowledge). Set yourself up to become a Specialist with the product(s). Take on complementary products but never competing products.

– Bank, open a bank account for every business transaction that will occur.

– Introduction, send a letter introducing yourself and your services to a prospective manufacturer. Schedule and accept invitations, to meet if necessary (incurred expense). Bring your Sole Agency Agreement for review and negotiation of terms – for payment and commission rate, scheduled payments (monthly, quarterly, bi-annual), assigned territory, responsibility of packing, shipping, forwarding, advertising, duration of contract, option to renew contract, improved rate of commission after one year, termination clause, compensation for unreasonable termination, method of payment, supply of adequate promotional literature. Settle these important points before heading out to making sales and contacts.

– Sample, request a sample for presentations purposes at your meeting or by mail.

– Meeting, discuss price of items (c.i.f. quotation) and request any available in-house leaflets, brochures or labels.

– Locate Buyers, locate through Overseas Trade board or similar institution. Also, ask your Banker if they can help as they may have branches in the particular country you are seeking to make sales who may know of prospective customers for you.

– Vital Sources of Information, write to your Trade Commission, Embassy, Consulates, Association of Manufacturers, Bank, Chambers of Commerce, Business management Associations. They will all assist or direct you to someone who can help you find buyers and manufacturers as they would see this as a economic boon to their own country.

The business of import and export is very competitive. If you ensure that you can compete in terms of quality, delivery and price then you will be assured of entry with a particular buyers market. You will have to work with your manufacturer to discuss lowest price possible and top quality is always sent to the buyers.

I highly recommend that further in depth research be done in this business opportunity to ensure your own success. I have only touched the surface of the possibilities and written it in a easy as possible format.  Read related --> here and there.

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Article(C)2009 Dame Scribe, all rights reserved. Dame Scribe creates articles and posts online. She creates articles on business skills & development, health, science, technology and society and has a strong passion for writing.

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