Sourcing suppliers from online marketplaces like Alibaba can be a quick and cheap option for your business. However, you must know what to look for and what to avoid.  Read More »

First, a Commercial Invoice document is an important trade document used in Global Trade. When products ship internationally, the shipper will have to provide the buyer with a Commercial Invoice document. The buyer (importer) will use this invoice and other shipping documents to get the products cleared through customs in the country of import. In doing so, this provides all important information and instructions for buyers, freight forwarders, Customs, agents and banks (if required). Read More »

First, a Proforma Invoice document is an important document that the seller of goods creates and shares to their buyer. When the buyer and seller have communicated the details of the products they want to order, the seller will create a Proforma Invoice document to to confirm the new order. Read More »

A Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) is an essential legal document/contract created between the shipper and the freight forwarder (or 3rd party) that is organizing the export of a shipment. It is a detailed document used in International trade that provides logistics instructions relating the the export of a shipment. Read More »

When Importers source new products and connect with Exporters, the exporter will offer their product details and pricing information. The Exporter must ensure that all information is clearly stated in a correctly formatted Quotation document. This will ensure that there are no disputes relating to product quality, specifications, pricing and delivery terms. Read More »

An export packing declaration is an important document that states the type of packaging materials that are used to pack goods inside shipping containers for export. Read More »

When Buyers and Sellers in International trade place new orders, the seller (exporter) can send an Order Confirmation document to the buyer (importer) to reconfirm all of the details of the new order.  An order confirmation document is usually sent to the buyer after the buyer has issued a Purchase Order document to confirm the new order. Read More »

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize Global Trade and the import export process. Warwick from BeefLedger explains what blockchain technology is, how it works and how blockchain solutions are being applied to real world import export shipments Read More »

Heather from Sourcing Playground explains how buyers should correctly source imported goods from online marketplaces such as Alibaba, Made-In-China, Global Sources others.  Heather gives key tips on how to correctly give suppliers detailed product information, how to compare supplier's quotations and product specifications, overcome language and cultural barriers, understand if you are dealing with a factory or trading company and how to negotiate pricing with suppliers. Read More »

Steve from Coverfreight gives our listeners and understanding of how marine insurance works. We discuss why it's important for shippers to insure their cargo and who should cover insurance based on the IncoTerms agreed. Steve gives insight into some of the common problems and claims made when shipping goods Internationally. We give tips on how shippers should choose a marine insurance provider for their business operations. Read More »