Informal entry and the need of having a person in the country of or

Re: [spiers] Informal entry and the need of having a person in the country of origin


In a message dated 3/11/03 2:43:30 PM, carolfreire@earthlink.net writes:

I'd like to join the recent discussion about informal entry. I was told
that, if it is the first time one is importing, it is advisable to hire a
custom broker, even though the merchandise is worth less than U$ 2,000. Is
this right?

***Well, one more or less retains a customsbroker as soon as you know what
you will import and where you will get it... there really is nothing to be
paid until there is an entry to be made. So yes, one retains (not hire,
technically) a customsbroker as soon as possible, and certainly before any
importations, or purchases for that matter. if the importation is above
$2000, certainly have the customsbroker handle it. If less than $2000, then
have the goods sent directly to your home, and avoid unnecessary and large
fees. Most customsbrokers won't begrudge you this cost savings on what is in
essence sample shipments.***

Also, I am negotiating with several suppliers in Brazil and I am thinking of
importing merchandise from 5 different suppliers. I have to alternatives:
1) To hire a person in Brazil, who would receive and gather all
merchandise from the different suppliers; check the products' quality and
ship it to me when there is a satisfactory quantity or value of merchandise
(more than $2,000).

2) To have different entries from each supplier, but each entry would be
less than $2,000. In this case each supplier would send me the merchandise by
mail an I would have to clean it by myself.

***You said clean, I think you mean clear, but option 2 sounds best and is
most common. And of couorse you have orders for all of thei $10,000 worth of
goods, right?***

Which alternative is the best, considering costs, time, quality control and
workload? Some people advised me that it is better to have someone in the
country of origin in order to check the quantity and quality of the products
before sending to U.S. However, I am not sure if it is really necessary. I
think I can handle all informal entries by myself, since mail entries seems
to be an easier process.

***This is really something limited to start up, so it is not a big
decision... either way you get teh ball rolling, eventually you'll leave all
this to the service sector people. Just make sure you have orders first,
from your customers.***

John

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