International Trade Blog

Twenty years ago, it took some effort to become an exporter. Today, primarily due to the internet, you can market your products and services around the globe without even trying. In fact, if your company has a website, you already are!

But just because it may be just as easy for someone in Tunisia to order your products online as it is for a person in Topeka, it doesn’t mean you’re ready to be a successful exporter. Being an accidental exporter is easy; being a successful exporter—one who makes money, grows a business, and stays out of trouble—takes some work.

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If you ship goods domestically, you may wonder why you need to know Incoterms too. FOB is FOB, isn't it?

Well, actually, no—they’re not!

While the vast majority of companies in the United States use the shipping terms identified under the U.S. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) when shipping domestically, these shipping terms aren't appropriate to use when exporting.

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For exporters, any sale is a gift until payment is received. For importers, any payment is a donation until the goods are received. Successful exporters and importers recognize this conundrum and are able to negotiate payment terms that recognize the inherent risk and yet meet the needs of both parties.

There are five primary methods of payment in international trade that range from most to least secure. Of course, the most secure method for the exporter is the least secure method for the importer and vice versa. They key is striking the right balance for both sides. This article focuses on open account.

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How much do you know about the inland bill of lading? Even though it’s a straightforward form, it’s important to understand it and make sure you’re completing it correctly. After all, it may be the only transportation document you fill out as an exporter.

Below, I’ll walk you through what the inland bill of lading is, what it does, and four significant reasons to use one.

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Shipping Solutions now includes the ability to get a Certificate of Origin certified by a chamber of commerce right from the software.

If you are used to manually creating your certificate of origin, delivering it to a local chamber, waiting for it to be reviewed, signed and returned to you and then sending it to your customer, you can save a lot of time, and probably money, by completing your certificates of origin through Shipping Solutions.

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It happens more than I would like to admit. A company tells me that they have downsized their international customer base or pulled out of international markets altogether. International markets are just not profitable, they say.

Upon closer investigation, a common issue is the lack of international negotiation skills.

While some of the savviest companies attend extensive training in this area, here are five rules that can help address some of the biggest issues.

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The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has released the new Incoterms 2020 rules that identify the responsibilities of buyers and sellers for the delivery of goods in international trade. The terms also identify when the risk for those goods transfer from the seller to the buyer.

The new terms take effect on January 1, 2020.

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There are many reasons the U.S. government has decided some goods should require a second look before they can be exported to certain countries.

In my previous article I explained what these various reasons for control are as they appear in the Commerce Department’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR). And I explained why exporters would need to apply for an export license from the U.S. government based on the particular Reason for Control and the destination country.

Even if one or more reasons might apply to a product going to a specific country, the EAR also provides exceptions to the export license requirement.

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So, you want to make an outstanding first impression? You have seven seconds. Studies show that positive (or negative) business impressions are made almost immediately—in person.

Can the same thing be said for first impressions when you aren’t working face to face with a potential customer? I think so.

In the world of exporting, one of the best ways to make a positive, lasting first impression is to provide a proforma invoice for your prospective buyers. When it comes down to it, the proforma invoice really is the first impression you will make on your buyers, so it’s pivotal to make your buyer’s experience a pleasant one.

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The commercial export invoice is one of the most important documents in international trade and is reviewed by customs, freight forwarders, international bankers, and transport and insurance companies.

The invoice reflects the complete details evidencing fulfillment of the sales contract and provides necessary information for third parties, listed above, of the transaction.

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