How to Start an Import Business While Working a Full-Time Job

The Side-Hustle Path to Importing

Most successful importers didn't start full-time. They built their business alongside their day job, using evenings and weekends to research products, find suppliers, and launch their first orders. Once revenue was consistent, they transitioned.

Here's how to do it without burning out.

Phase 1: Research and Planning (Weeks 1–4)

Time commitment: 5–8 hours/week

Evenings (30–60 minutes)

• Research product opportunities on Amazon, Google Trends
• Read one blog post or guide per day to build knowledge
• Browse Alibaba to understand pricing and supplier landscape

Weekends (2–3 hours)

• Deep-dive into specific product categories
• Calculate potential margins using the import calculator
• Check HS codes and duty rates for shortlisted products
• Create a shortlist of 3–5 product opportunities

Phase 2: Supplier Contact and Samples (Weeks 5–8)

Time commitment: 3–5 hours/week

What you can do in spare time:

• Send enquiries to suppliers on Alibaba (evenings work well — China is 7–8 hours ahead, so your evening messages arrive during their morning)
• Compare quotes and negotiate
• Order samples
• Evaluate samples when they arrive

What to outsource:

• Nothing yet — this phase is mostly communication and decision-making

Phase 3: First Order and Shipping (Weeks 9–16)

Time commitment: 3–5 hours/week

What you can do in spare time:

• Place your first order
• Arrange freight forwarding (most communication is via email)
• Book a pre-shipment inspection
• Set up your Amazon seller account or e-commerce platform

What to outsource:

• Freight forwarding — your forwarder handles logistics during business hours
• Customs clearance — your broker handles this for you
• Pre-shipment inspection — a third-party inspector visits the factory

This is the beauty of importing: most of the process is handled by professionals during business hours while you manage it via email in the evenings.

Phase 4: Launch and Sell (Weeks 17+)

Time commitment: 5–10 hours/week

What you can do in spare time:

• Optimise product listings (evenings)
• Manage PPC advertising (check and adjust weekly)
• Monitor sales and reviews
• Plan your next order

What to outsource or automate:

• Fulfilment — use Amazon FBA or a 3PL. They handle storage, packing, and shipping
• Customer service — Amazon handles this for FBA orders
• Accounting — use software or hire a bookkeeper
• Cost tracking — LandedCost.io automates landed cost calculations

Tools That Save You Time

The Transition Point

Consider going full-time when:

• Monthly profit consistently exceeds 50% of your salary
• You have 6+ months of personal expenses saved
• Your business has proven, repeatable demand
• You're turning down opportunities because you lack time

Common Mistakes Side-Hustle Importers Make

1. Trying to do everything perfectly — done is better than perfect on your first order
2. Overcomplicating the product — start with an existing product, not a custom invention
3. Skipping the numbers — always calculate profitability before ordering
4. Not using professionals — freight forwarders and customs brokers save time and prevent expensive mistakes
5. Waiting too long to start — you'll learn more from one real order than months of research

Realistic Expectations

First 6 months

• 1–2 product launches
• Revenue: $500–5,000/month
• Profit: Often minimal after reinvestment
• Learning: Enormous

6–12 months

• 2–5 products with reorder history
• Revenue: $2,000–15,000/month
• Profit: Starting to be meaningful
• Systems: In place and improving

12+ months

• Established supplier relationships
• Predictable revenue and margins
• Decision point: scale up, go full-time, or maintain as profitable side income

The key is starting. Use LandedCost.io's free tools to plan your first product, and take the first step this week.