2012 Business Plan.

**Blurock** · 05-Jan-12, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by tec0

Buying stock is nothing short of being a nightmare at the moment.

Is importing an alternative to the franchise idea?

**tec0** · 17-Jan-12, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by Blurock

Is importing an alternative to the franchise idea?

I am not too sure at the moment, importing is connected 3 factors the exchange rate, transport cost and availably. Now I can't say for sure that franchising is good or bad but turning a profit as is at the moment is near impossible so perhaps it is time to widen one's gaze to the over-sea markets and do some much needed research.

Our importers at the moment will cut deals with any large company and the smaller business just can't cut it anymore.

**Blurock** · 17-Jan-12, 10:52 PM

If you are buying an imported product from a local middle man, then importing yourself may be an option.

There are many pitfalls though; getting a trusted supplier, exchange rates, reputable and efficient shipping company etc. The most daunting is the impact on cash flow, having to pay 30% on order and the balance on FOB. Then wait 3 weeks for the ship to arrive before you can sell on 30 day terms. You need really big pockets!

You may consider trade finance, but it can be very costly if your volumes are small.

**yuemax** · 06-Jan-12, 03:36 AM

Originally Posted by tec0

It is literally trying to play cards in a tumble-drier filled with glass at the moment. The info I am getting on my new market strategy is not too bad. That said quality… there is no way to guarantee quality if the fabricator is "new" and is half a world away.

Buying stock is nothing short of being a nightmare at the moment.

Hi Tec0 - with due diligence and good QC procedures, this can be alleviated quite well. If your suppliers know from day 1 that they will be inspected DUPRO or pre-shipment, the quality standards can be raised naturally. Add to that if you add in your contracts that failed quality inspections will lead to rejected shipments (and re-inspection fees on suppliers account), things can be quite positive.

Rgds,
Max

**tec0** · 17-Jan-12, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by yuemax

Hi Tec0 - with due diligence and good QC procedures, this can be alleviated quite well. If your suppliers know from day 1 that they will be inspected DUPRO or pre-shipment, the quality standards can be raised naturally. Add to that if you add in your contracts that failed quality inspections will lead to rejected shipments (and re-inspection fees on suppliers account), things can be quite positive.

Rgds,
Max

Now this I like a lot… Really a brilliant way to insure quality

**ivyzhusu** · 05-Jan-12, 10:39 AM

Buying stock is nothing short of being a nightmare at the moment.

this is right.

**Nilu753** · 17-Jan-12, 09:53 AM

A business opportunity consists of four integrated elements all of which are to be present within the same timeframe (window of opportunity) and most often within the same domain or geographical location, before it can be claimed as a business opportunity.

**Blurock** · 17-Jan-12, 10:44 PM

Welcome to TFSA Nilu

**wynn** · 18-Jan-12, 08:31 AM

It will require some admin but what if a few independant users like yourself formed a co-op to buy these items like the farmers did to break the monopoly of certain suppliers in the old days.

You can start by all buying from one local importer and when the numbers allow you can import directly.

I know it will be like trying to get a shoal of mullet to stay in one place but if you get it right the original members will benefit enormously.