International Sales News - As Seen on TV Products

International news, issues, and trends for innovative consumer products in the direct response television industry (DRTV), as well as tips for export management & international product sales. This blog focuses on the As Seen on TV product category.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

More Exporting Language

Now that you have let last week's definitions sink in, its time to add more vocabulary to your exporter language.

  • Cost amd Freight (CFR)
    • The seller pays the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination, Terms of Sale but the risk of loss of or damage to the goods, as (continued) well as any additional costs due to events occurring after the time the goods have been delivered on board the vessel, is transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods pass the ship's rail in the port of shipment. The CFR term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.
  • Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF)
    • The seller has the same obligations as under the CFR but also has to procure marine insurance against the buyer's risk of loss or damage to the goods during the carriage. The seller contracts for insurance and pays the insurance premium. The CIF term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.
  • Carriage Paid To (CPT)
    • The seller pays the freight for the carriage of the goods to the named destination. The risk of loss of or damage to the goods, as well as any additional costs due to events occurring after the time the goods have been delivered to the carrier, is transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods have been delivered into the custody of the carrier. If subsequent carriers are used for the carriage to the agreed upon destination, the risk passes when the goods have been delivered to the first carrier. The CPT term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.
  • Carriage and Insurance Paid To (CIP)
    • The seller has the same obligations as under CPT, but with the addition that the seller has to procure cargo insurance against the buyer's risk of loss of or damage to the goods during the carriage. The seller contracts for insurance and pays the insurance premium. The buyer should note that under the CIP term the seller is required to obtain insurance only on minimum coverage. The CIP term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.


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Thursday, November 15, 2007

Keep up to Date with our Blog

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Friday, November 9, 2007

Learn the Exporter Language

Abbreviations are commonly used for shipping terms within the exporting world. It is important to get a grasp on these before talking to your customers and clients. Below, I have defined some of these terms and abbreviations so that you and your company can become better acquainted.

  • Ex Works (EXW)
    • A term of sale in which the seller delivers the goods when they have made them available at his/her premises (i.e., works, factory, warehouse, etc.) to the buyer.
  • Free Carrier (FCA)
    • A Term of Sale in which the seller fulfills their obligation when they have handed over the goods, cleared for export, into the charge of the carrier named by the buyer at the named place or point.
  • Free Alongside Ship (FAS)
    • The seller fulfills his obligation to deliver when the goods have been placed alongside the vessel on the quay or in lighters at the named port of shipment.This means that the buyer has to bear all costs and risks of loss of or damage to the goods from that moment.
  • Free On Board (FOB)
    • The seller fulfills his or her obligation to deliver when the goods have passed over the ship's rail at the named port of shipment. This means that the buyer has to bear all costs and risks to loss of or damage to the goods from that point.


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Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Networking Opportunities for Exporters

Networking opportunities and events are an essential way to prepare your company before you export your product. Networking brings business people with similar interests together through seminars, presentations, and events.

Look for events that are targeted toward new exporters which will ensure that it is relevant to your company. If you are interested in exporting to a particular country, consider attending a seminar put on by foreign embassies and bilateral business councils.

Not only will you learn more about the industry, but you will most likely gain valuable contacts. It is essential that you follow up on these leads quickly. Do not be afraid to ask questions, these events are available to benefit you!


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Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Exporting: Market Research

Market research involves learning about the export process to determine a strategy for market penetration. Import duties, regulations, distribution channels, market size and growth, competition, demographics and local production are a few topics that you will need to look into when exporting internationally.

In order to understand how a market operates, you must do extensive research, or seek assistance from an export management company. The most important thing to consider is how your product will compete in the marketplace. Sales channels are crucial and you will need to consider how to market the product locally. Will you sell to retail stores? Television Shopping companies? Trading companies? Most buyers have their own effective methods for marketing the product locally, which allows you maximum market penetration (as they have determined the best way to sell in their market).

When in doubt, seek advice on how to best approach a new market. Export management companies tend to have strengths in certain markets. Your first approach may be to start with territories which speak your language, and consult with your export management advisers on a plan of action. A consistent approach proves results.


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Monday, November 5, 2007

New Shipping Laws for Foreign Ports

The United States has just passed a new law that will require foreign ports to scan all shipping containers before sending them to the US. Ports will need to purchase up to ten x-ray or gamma-ray scanners that cost about $5 million. This new law was passed in August but will not go into effect until 2012.

The law on Maritime Cargo Scanning Requirements was put into place to make certain that terrorists are not using freight containers to smuggle weapons or bombs into the US. However, security experts say that it will not completely eliminate the risk.

700 ports worldwide are getting ready for the switch. However, smaller ports will be at a disadvantage because they cannot afford to order the new equipment. These ports will no longer be able to ship to the US. President Bush might see this as a good thing since they are hoping to cut the number of ports that ship to the US down to 100.


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Thursday, November 1, 2007

Expand Your Business By Exporting Your Innovative Products

Exporting is a great way to open up your business to greater profits. Taking products internationally will allow you to spread your risks and reduce dependence on your local market. Various research agencies have determined that exporting companies are more profitable than their non-exporting counterparts.

So you've decided to export your product... how to begin?
  1. List your objectives and concerns.
  2. Talk with your banker and accountant about your financial plans.
  3. Discuss your objectives and concerns with an Export Adviser.
Developing a new market takes time and commitment. If you are tied into managing US sales but wish to expand, you might consider arranging for your Export Adviser to handle the intricate details of the international side of the business. It is best to identify a key export adviser and work with them to determine the best methods to proceed internationally. They know the export process and are able to make expert decisions in difficult situations. Export Advisers often have a database of international distributors ready to take on new products, which allows the Advisers to provide immediate feedback on interest levels and what challenges there may be for local approvals.

There are many people to help you on your export journey.
Submit a request to a qualified Export Adviser to begin.


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