The Importer's Notebook
Practical guides on duty, freight, VAT and unit economics — no fluff.
Strategy
51 articles
How to Calculate and Compare Supplier Quotes Accurately
Comparing supplier quotes isn't just about the unit price. Here's how to make apples-to-apples comparisons that account for the true total cost.
Profitable Pricing Strategies for Imported Products
Setting the right price for imported products requires balancing landed cost, market positioning, and margin targets. Here's how to approach it.
Scaling Your Import Business: From First Order to Consistent Volume
Growing an import business requires more than just ordering more products. Here's a practical roadmap for scaling sustainably.
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.
Trade Finance Options for Growing Importers
Financing your imports can accelerate growth and improve cash flow. Here's an overview of the main trade finance options available.
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.
Building a Private Label Brand for Imported Products
Private labelling transforms commodity imports into branded products with better margins and customer loyalty. Here's how to get started.
Multi-Country Selling: Expanding Your Import Business Internationally
Selling imported products in multiple countries can multiply your revenue but adds complexity. Here's how to approach international expansion.
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.
How to Calculate Your Break-Even Point on Imported Products
Before you import a single unit, you should know exactly how many you need to sell to break even. Here's the formula and a worked example.
Alibaba vs Global Sources vs 1688: Which Sourcing Platform Should You Use?
Not all sourcing platforms are equal. Alibaba, Global Sources, and 1688 each serve different buyer needs. Here's how to pick the right one for your business.
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