The Importer's Notebook
Practical guides on duty, freight, VAT and unit economics — no fluff.
Cost management
63 articles
What Is Landed Cost and Why Every Importer Needs to Calculate It
Landed cost is the true total cost of getting a product from supplier to warehouse. Here's what goes into it and why ignoring it leads to pricing mistakes.
Incoterms Explained: How Shipping Terms Affect Your Bottom Line
Incoterms define who pays for what in international shipping. Choosing the wrong one can cost you thousands. Here's a clear breakdown.
How to Choose Between Air and Sea Freight
Air freight is fast but expensive. Sea freight is cheap but slow. Here's how to decide which makes sense for your product and margins.
Anti-Dumping Duties: What They Are and How They Affect Your Costs
Anti-dumping duties are additional tariffs imposed when foreign goods are sold below fair market value. Learn how they work, which products are affected, and strategies to manage the impact on your import costs.
Demurrage and Detention Fees: How Port Delays Drain Your Profits
Port delays can trigger thousands in demurrage and detention charges. Learn what these fees are, how they're calculated, and proven strategies to avoid them.
Import vs Domestic Sourcing: A Complete Cost Comparison Framework
Should you import or buy locally? The answer depends on more than just unit price. Learn how to build a comprehensive cost comparison that accounts for all the hidden costs of importing.
How Import Taxes (VAT, GST, Sales Tax) Work for Importers
Beyond duties, most countries charge import taxes like VAT or GST. Here's how they work and how to account for them in your landed cost.
The True Cost of Amazon FBA: Fees Every Seller Should Know
Amazon FBA fees eat into your margins more than most sellers expect. Here's a breakdown of every fee and how to factor them into your profitability calculations.
How to Read and Negotiate Freight Quotes
Freight quotes are full of line items that can be confusing. Here's how to understand what you're being charged for and how to negotiate better rates.
Understanding Trade Agreements and How They Reduce Your Costs
Free trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties on your imports. Here's how to check if your products qualify.
Mastering Cash Flow as an Importer
Import businesses are cash-intensive. From supplier deposits to duty payments, here's how to manage cash flow effectively.
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.
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