Beginning of this year, I sourced and imported my first container (40HC) from Vietnam.
I got inspiration from AgainstAllOdds Thread about having a product that’s large, heavy, requires extra space, unique logistics... there’s less competition.
Product Validation:
The entire sourcing process, taught me patience is key, especially during Covid. I spent a good part of last year (2020) sourcing and validating different products.
Makes me take for granted our privilege to travel.
This was my 4th product I was sourcing. My first three were a miss.
Knowing how tedious the process can take, I hired a VA from the Philippines for email outreach at $5 per hour. I provided her with
I sourced from China & Vietnam. I decided to go with Vietnam because of lower tariffs and pricing.
Each pce is large & heavy (6x8ft 93lbs) so they sent a small sample size of the product.
5lbs, DHL courier express service for a bargain price of $358.
I Liked the samples, placed my order via International wire transfer from my local Bank. 50% deposit, and 50% after production completion.
During the sourcing process I consulted with a custom broker. I had a misconception about them. I thought they would oversee the entire process with certifications/regulations. They did guide me in the right direction, but I needed to perform my own due diligence with certificates and government regulations. It seems overwhelming at first, but it’s no so bad, if you stay on top of organizing.
Government agency to contact for your product type.
Since bamboo is considered a Plant, I had to jump through some hoops.
IMPORTING
After production finished. I arranged for quality control agency based in United States. I used KRT Audit Corporation. Final production inspection was $319.
The importing process was pretty straight forward. I went with Walter Hay's advice and hired a local freight forwarder.
Emailed/called a bunch. I’m surprised many businesses didn’t even pick-up or returned my calls
I chose the company that was the most helpful and responsive.
Here is my costs and transit times:
It was supposed to arrive on June 16, but it missed its transit ship in Japan. My forwarder sent my invoice about 1 week before arrival.
I had my shipment arranged to be offloaded and stored at a “Foreign trade Zone” near the port.
An FTZ is an area authorized by the federal government. It has a wide tax/custom/storage benefits for importers and exporters both public or private entities.
Because warehouse space here is so expensive, I found it to be an economic way for small importers to start off.
Once arrived I hired a bonded trucker to transport the container to FTZ for $450. It’s bonded because the cargo is still hasn’t been processed by customs yet. I’ll save twice as much in storage fees if cargo is bonded.
Goods were off-loaded and were ready to be sold!
You can hear more details about a foreign trade zone in my thread here: Foreign Trade Zone: Benefits for new importers
This is not Fastlane atm, but the tools and processes I learned from all this is priceless. The profits were a bonus
Shout out to the following threads, that helped me along the way
GOLD! - Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist.
www.thefastlaneforum.com
A-M-A - AMA: Customs Brokerage/Freight Forwarding (International Logistics)
www.thefastlaneforum.com
Also, if you haven’t already, get ahold of Walter Hays book
“PROVEN GLOBAL SOURCING”. This is KEY
- Commodity: Bamboo Fencing
- Pcs: 300
- Ocean freight: Hai Phong to Honolulu, HI USA
- Duration: ETA 15 days, + 1 week delay (my container missed the transit ship in Japan)
I got inspiration from AgainstAllOdds Thread about having a product that’s large, heavy, requires extra space, unique logistics... there’s less competition.
Product Validation:
- Only competitor was Home Depot (And they always low in stock, I check weekly)
- Natural and cheaper alternative for fencing
- People like to support local here
- I received a huge preorder, it gave me confidence to order a container.
- People want to feel like they're in Hawaii lol
The entire sourcing process, taught me patience is key, especially during Covid. I spent a good part of last year (2020) sourcing and validating different products.
Makes me take for granted our privilege to travel.
This was my 4th product I was sourcing. My first three were a miss.
Knowing how tedious the process can take, I hired a VA from the Philippines for email outreach at $5 per hour. I provided her with
- Jane@company.com email
- Product specifications
- List of internet sources
- Email scripts
I sourced from China & Vietnam. I decided to go with Vietnam because of lower tariffs and pricing.
Each pce is large & heavy (6x8ft 93lbs) so they sent a small sample size of the product.
5lbs, DHL courier express service for a bargain price of $358.
I Liked the samples, placed my order via International wire transfer from my local Bank. 50% deposit, and 50% after production completion.
During the sourcing process I consulted with a custom broker. I had a misconception about them. I thought they would oversee the entire process with certifications/regulations. They did guide me in the right direction, but I needed to perform my own due diligence with certificates and government regulations. It seems overwhelming at first, but it’s no so bad, if you stay on top of organizing.
Government agency to contact for your product type.
Since bamboo is considered a Plant, I had to jump through some hoops.
- Certificate of Origin
- Fumigation certificate (per USDA product had to be stacked a certain way for fumigation, again. Again Due diligence is important, because supplier wasn’t even aware of this)
- Head Treatment
- Commercial Invoice
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- USDA Plant Permit
- USDA Lacy Act
IMPORTING
After production finished. I arranged for quality control agency based in United States. I used KRT Audit Corporation. Final production inspection was $319.
The importing process was pretty straight forward. I went with Walter Hay's advice and hired a local freight forwarder.
Emailed/called a bunch. I’m surprised many businesses didn’t even pick-up or returned my calls
I chose the company that was the most helpful and responsive.
Here is my costs and transit times:
It was supposed to arrive on June 16, but it missed its transit ship in Japan. My forwarder sent my invoice about 1 week before arrival.
I had my shipment arranged to be offloaded and stored at a “Foreign trade Zone” near the port.
An FTZ is an area authorized by the federal government. It has a wide tax/custom/storage benefits for importers and exporters both public or private entities.
Because warehouse space here is so expensive, I found it to be an economic way for small importers to start off.
Once arrived I hired a bonded trucker to transport the container to FTZ for $450. It’s bonded because the cargo is still hasn’t been processed by customs yet. I’ll save twice as much in storage fees if cargo is bonded.
Goods were off-loaded and were ready to be sold!
You can hear more details about a foreign trade zone in my thread here: Foreign Trade Zone: Benefits for new importers
This is not Fastlane atm, but the tools and processes I learned from all this is priceless. The profits were a bonus
Shout out to the following threads, that helped me along the way
GOLD! - Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist.
GOLD! - Just Imported My First Sea Shipment: Here's what that process looks like
So I just imported (and delivered) my first sea shipment from China to the US. Before the shipment got here, I was nervous. I didn't really know what to expect, and assumed that the process would be really hard. I assumed that there were a lot of things I hadn't thought of, and that something...
www.thefastlaneforum.com
HOT! - All you need are samples.
The reason I'm making this thread is because I wish I read this six months ago. Back then, my mindset was that I needed inventory, needed a website, and needed to have something on hand to deliver if anyone ever asked. And here's what I found: 99% of purchase commitments can be made off of...
www.thefastlaneforum.com
Also, if you haven’t already, get ahold of Walter Hays book
“PROVEN GLOBAL SOURCING”. This is KEY
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