The Importer's Notebook
Practical guides on duty, freight, VAT and unit economics — no fluff.
Cost management
63 articles
E-Commerce Returns: Managing the Hidden Cost of Online Selling
Returns are an unavoidable part of e-commerce. Here's how to minimise return rates and account for them in your profitability calculations.
Warehouse and Inventory Management for Importers
As your import business grows, managing inventory efficiently becomes critical. Here's how to approach warehousing and stock management.
Is Importing Actually Cheaper? A Real Cost Comparison with Domestic Sourcing
Importing isn't always cheaper than buying domestically. Here's a framework for comparing the true total cost of each approach, including the hidden costs most people miss.
DDP vs DAP: When Your Supplier Handles Delivery to Your Door
DDP and DAP let your supplier handle delivery to your location. Here's when each makes sense and the hidden costs you should watch for.
Peak Season Shipping: Planning Ahead to Protect Your Margins
Shipping rates spike during peak season and container space gets tight. Here's how to plan ahead and avoid the worst of the disruption.
What Is FOB Pricing and Why It Matters When Sourcing Products
FOB is the most common pricing term in international trade. Understanding what it includes — and what it doesn't — prevents costly surprises on your first shipment.
Import Business Startup Costs: How Much Money Do You Actually Need?
From your first sample to your first sale, here's a realistic breakdown of what it costs to start an import business — with budgets for bootstrapped and funded approaches.
Why Landed Cost Accuracy Can Make or Break Your Import Business
Small errors in landed cost calculations compound into massive profit losses. Learn why precision matters and how to avoid common calculation mistakes.
Understanding Incoterms: FOB, CIF, EXW and What They Mean for Your Costs
Incoterms determine who pays for shipping, insurance, and customs. Understanding them is essential for accurate cost calculations and supplier negotiations.
How to Calculate Chargeable Weight for Air Freight
Air freight carriers charge based on whichever is higher: actual weight or volumetric weight. Here's how to calculate chargeable weight and reduce your shipping costs.
The Hidden Costs That Destroy Import Profitability
Most importers budget for product cost and shipping but miss dozens of hidden expenses. Here are the overlooked costs that silently erode your margins.
How to Read and Compare Freight Quotes Like a Pro
Freight quotes are confusing by design — dozens of line items, acronyms, and surcharges. Here's how to decode them and compare quotes accurately.
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