They could - but most don't - for a variety of reasons. Some simply haven't got the time to look for overseas customers or suppliers. Others believe the administrative process is too complicated (although it is actually very simple if you know how it works). A third group never even think of importing or exporting. In general, businesses use Import/Export Agents in the same way that single people use dating agents. They just want someone to make an introduction for them.

 

Whenever possible you should arrange to be the exclusive agent for a manufacturer or producer. What you want is the right to sell their product or goods in a specific area for a specific period of time. For instance, Jamie Atwill has a three-year contract with his organic olive oil producer giving him exclusive rights to sell it in the Netherlands and Ireland. You need this agreement because otherwise there is nothing to stop the exporter from going direct to the customers you have found for them and cutting you out of the deal. Note that our course contains all the paperwork - including sample agreements - you will ever need in this respect plus plenty of advice on how to find and sign up suppliers.

 

Like any business, the more effort you put in, the more you'll get out. Initially, to get your agency up and running, you should allow between 80 and 120 hours. After that, it is very much up to you. In terms of cash, you really only need enough to pay for stationery and your postage and/or any faxes you need to send. A few hundred pounds to be on the safe side - though, in theory, you could start with as little as £50!

 

A home computer with printer and access to the internet would be ideal. It would also be useful to have a digital camera. But you can definitely make do without any of these. The only thing that is important is that when you are sending out letters or answering correspondence you make sure everything is typed or word-processed... handwriting is not acceptable. However, in this day and age there are plenty of people with computers willing to type a letter for you for as little as a few pence. And you can access the internet via your local library - usually for free. Once you start making money you'll easily be able to pay for anything else you want or need. Incidentally, even very successful Import/Export Agents turning over millions a year often work from home. They prefer it! It is all seems very straightforward.

 

Absolutely! It is probably the most under-explored area of business. Frankly, the potential for profit is mind-boggling. I'd like to stress that you don't need special skills and you don't need to be good at selling. The key to success is to represent products that are so competitive they'll virtually sell themselves, so the customers come to you. What's more, as the world's chosen business language is English you start with a great advantage.

 

Both. We were founded in 1946 as a private college offering a distance learning programme on international trade. As the number of graduates began to grow the original founders saw that there was a need for an association so the World Traders' Club was formed. Nowadays, Wade World Trade is university accredited and the Club has thousands of Members world-wide.

 

You have 30 days from receipt of your course to send it back. This gives you plenty of time to study it and decided whether it is everything we promise. The only condition we make is that you don't photocopy it (for obvious reasons). If you aren't convinced the course is for you - for whatever reason - post it back for a 100% money-back refund.