Get Started as a Home Agent

Import and Export, both parts of the overall business called 'international trade' is one of the most interesting and potentially  most profitable of all.  But many people worry that the import and export business is complicated.  Import / export is actually not complicated at all, but anyone who does worry about starting their own import / export business can easily learn the ropes as a home agent.  This is the most obvious forerunner to a career in import/export, yet few people capitalise on this simple, and very profitable business idea.  Running a home agency actually has little to do with the overall import/export trade, other than it being a very good way to learn the business without cultural, language and communications problems such as are commonly experienced by newcomers to international trading.

Being a home agent simply means mediating between buyers and sellers in your own country, as opposed to import/export which traditionally means bringing together buyers and sellers from all over the world.  Despite your restricted marketplace, earnings can be very high.  Many manufacturers operate exclusively in a very short radius of home, sometimes because they lack time or enthusiasm, or simply because they haven't the knowledge or ability to market themselves on a wider scale.  That's where you come into the picture and you can actually link hundreds - even thousands - of domestic manufacturers with home-based buyers for their products, generating ongoing commissions for every transaction between parties introduced by you.  Other benefits for the aspiring international trader include less complicated paperwork and no quotas, tariffs or import duties to bother about. 

Establishing your business couldn't be easier.  You simply spot a product that doesn't seem to be sold anywhere else, then set about introducing it to other parts of the country, preferably through less obvious marketing outlets.  One successful operator recently developed an agency for home-made cosmetics and beauty products sold only through craftshops in a neighbouring county which he then introduced to other parts of the country, not only to craftwork outlets but also to chemists, small supermarkets, even party plan organisers and market traders. 

Once you've found your product, you'll need to know who the manufacturer is.  This might be indicated on the product itself, or you can ask whoever is selling it.  Next, you simply write to the manufacturer offering your services as 'manufacturers' agent' or 'manufacturers' representative'.  

When you get the go-ahead, you'll need to prepare a proper agency agreement with the manufacturer to protect your interests on the first, and future transactions between him and buyers introduced by you.  Have your lawyer advise you here.

Next you start looking for likely buyers for this and whatever other products you handle for other manufacturers.  Just one buyer can represent an ongoing source of commissions from numerous manufacturers. 

Spotting likely buyers is a matter of keeping your eyes and ears open for any opportunity and keeping a record of any likely market for products you currently represent, or any you might add to your range future. 

Keeping records of all contacts - actual and prospective - is essential and will repay you many times over.  Once you've learned the basics and developed a solid manufacturer/buyer network, then is the time to widen your horizons with your own import/export business.