How To Start An Import Business

Learning how to start an import business is not easy nor is it hard to do. As an importer, you will be making arrangements for customers to have goods and products shipped in to the United States and you will receive a fee in the process. However, you must remember that some products cannot be imported into United States without the government’s approval (i.e. guns, fighter jets, explosives, dangerous chemicals, etc.). You can be successful starting this business if you follow these steps closely.

 Things you’ll need:

• United States government's approval to import
• United States Certified Customs Brokers
• Computer with internet access
• Storage space for products

1. Start out by getting as much information as you can about how to start an import business. Volunteer to work at an import company in your area if you can so you can learn the skills needed to start an import business. Visit your local Small Business Administration office to see what information you can get about starting an import business. Schedule interviews with import executives to find out how they were able to get into the import business.
2. Visit your local city or county office to help you start an import business. Ask the business license office clerk for an application to start an import business. Fill out the application, pay the fees and register your business as a sole proprietorship. Obtain all state and federal permits from your state's Department of Revenue and contact the Internal Revenue Service to get a tax identification number. Start your import business from home to keep expenses low.
3. Hire a licensed United States customs broker to help you get your import business started. Hiring a customs agent will help you get your products through Customs faster and will stop delays. Do not import any illegal products into the States because you can go to jail. Go to your local office supply store and purchase office supplies. You can use your home computer to keep records. Locate foreign companies that want to ship products to the United States and charge them a fee.
4. Contact United States Customs offices. Contact certified customs agents and tell them what type of products you are trying to import. They will ask you questions and give you a price quote to have your items shipped to the United States. Select the best quotes from the custom agents, have the products shipped to the United States and delivered to your vendor(s) specified location and collect your fee.