exporting Furniture

[corecto]

I visited DR recently and I found furniture that I want to start exporting to the USA; however, I have not idea about how to go about doing this where to start. Is there anyone out there that export anything from the DR? If yes, what is the process, where do I go to? I want to ship by sea as oppose to air.

Thanks in advanse for your help and insights.

Corecto

[Escott]

I was in the furniture business for many years in manufacturing, retail and as a rep. If you don't have the slightest clue as to how to do this or where even to start why do you want to get into this to begin with?

I can help you even in the states with representation but I just cant figure why you would even consider doing something you have no clue about.


Scott

[corecto]

My question ralates more to the ins and outs of exporting rather than knowing how to sell. I don't think my problem is finding buyers. Instead, what I need to know is how to find shipping companies, the proccess to take the furniture to the shipping company, paper work and things of that nature.

Thanks very much for your help. Any inghts is appreciated.

Coreto

Originally Posted by Escott

I was in the furniture business for many years in manufacturing, retail and as a rep. If you don't have the slightest clue as to how to do this or where even to start why do you want to get into this to begin with?

I can help you even in the states with representation but I just cant figure why you would even consider doing something you have no clue about.


Scott



[MrMike]

If it's anythiong similar to importing, you can get a broker to take care of all of the gory details and paperwork, but you are going to lose a good chunk of your competetive edge because you will have to pay the broker.

Maybe it would be worth it for you to use one for the first few shipments while you figure out how to do it yourself. (Yellow pages)

[Hillbilly]

That you don't have a snowball's chance in hellof making a go of this.

With Thomasville and the surrounding area closing furniture factories as fast as possible and all the work going to China, how are you going to compete?

Fabrics? They are imported (pay taxes) andthen exported (pay another 5% tax) Youlose coming and going.

Better off selling organic veggies or fruits. THAT we can compete in.

HB

[MrMike]

He may be talking about the handmade rattan and bamboo furniture, which I have myself wondered if there might be a niche market for in the US.

[corecto]

Yes. that is the line of furniture that I want to experiment in bring to the USA. I especially want to do business with furniture stores in Florida, which is a tropical region just like the DR. I have been worndering if the is business would work here that I think I am going to go for it.

Originally Posted by MrMike

He may be talking about the handmade rattan and bamboo furniture, which I have myself wondered if there might be a niche market for in the US.

[Hillbilly]

Hope you can do this. You face incredible competition.


HB

[Escott]

Originally Posted by corecto

My question ralates more to the ins and outs of exporting rather than knowing how to sell. I don't think my problem is finding buyers. Instead, what I need to know is how to find shipping companies, the proccess to take the furniture to the shipping company, paper work and things of that nature.

Thanks very much for your help. Any inghts is appreciated.

Coreto







What about the ability to PACK for containers? What about distribution once you get your containers to Florida? There is a factory in Navarete I deal with that is well run and I have had good dealings with but they have no ability to carton.

Shipping is easy and outgoing is a lot less corrupt than incoming regarding payoffs and the like. Pib was a broker and you may want to talk with her about shipping. The lines of Wicker and Rattan I carried in retail stores in the states was from the Philipines and southeast Asia.

Scott

[corecto]

Would you share the name of the factory?
corecto

Originally Posted by Escott

What about the ability to PACK for containers? What about distribution once you get your containers to Florida? There is a factory in Navarete I deal with that is well run and I have had good dealings with but they have no ability to carton.

Shipping is easy and outgoing is a lot less corrupt than incoming regarding payoffs and the like. Pib was a broker and you may want to talk with her about shipping. The lines of Wicker and Rattan I carried in retail stores in the states was from the Philipines and southeast Asia.

Scott