Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key advantages of importing on my own directly from an overseas manufacturer?
2. What are the risks of importing on my own?
3. Why should I use Kraft Global?
4. What is the cost of Kraft Global's services and are there any additional fees?
5. Do I have to be a large company to get started and what are the minimum order requirements?
6. What types of products does Kraft Global specialize in?
7. Do I need a prototype or can the manufacturer create an "original sample"?
8. What is a freight forwarder and why do I need one?
1. What are the key advantages of importing on my own directly from an overseas manufacturer?
Importing your inventory or new product idea directly from the original manufacturer will ensure you are getting the best pricing and eliminate all middlemen. By dealing with the manufacturer directly you will also gain control over product quality, payment terms and delivery. Choosing an overseas manufacturer will allow you to take advantage of inexpensive overseas labor and ultimately increase your Return on Investment (ROI).
2. What are the risks of importing on my own?
The import process can be complicated and hard to navigate without the proper knowledge and experience. The biggest obstacles are language and communication followed second by product quality control. Trademark piracy, patent infringement, proper RFQ creation, foreign exchange rate changes, customs regulations, theft, misrepresentation and distance are all important considerations in the import process. At each step in the process crucial decisions have to be made to ensure success.
3. Why should I use Kraft Global?
Sourcing and importing your own new product(s) or existing inventory can be overwhelming and is riddled with opportunities for making costly mistakes. Kraft Global has the experience necessary to successfully navigate the sourcing/import process from beginning to end. From Phase 1 and the signing of a mutual NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) to delivery of your first order and beyond, Kraft Global works with you to ensure you are taking the necessary steps to guarantee successful delivery of a high quality product in the most cost efficient way. We provide constant communications and keep you informed at each point in the import process.
To be successful in the business of importing and international trade one must have an infrastructure in place and the experience to use it. Kraft Global has developed that necessary infrastructure and gained that experience through years of importing, negotiations and relationship building. Kraft Global employs highly skilled people on the ground to communicate with & qualify original manufacturers, help produce samples, ensure quality standards are met, guarantee payments are secure, make shipping arrangements and inspect deliveries before they ship.
To extend beyond our core value proposition, Kraft Global has partnerships in place with other industry-leading companies, abroad and within the USA that can assist our clients with other aspects of sourcing inventory and new product creation. We understand that helping our clients includes helping them sell and market what they are sourcing. From creative website design to online marketing to protecting your ideas with patents & trademarks we can help our clients make the right decisions the first time.
4. What is the cost of Kraft Global's services and are there any additional fees?
The initial fee for Phase1 is $400USD. This fee demonstrates a commitment on the part of the client to move forward with our services. It is a retainer with deliverables. Those deliverables are the first stage of the import process and include the signing of a mutual NDA ( Non-Disclosure Agreement) and the creation of an RFQ (Request for Quote) page which will be hosted on Kraft Global's server and used to solicit bids from qualified manufacturers.
The additional costs of Kraft Global's services are determined by the time and effort associated with your particular project. This cost is a percentage of the FOB (Freight on Board) price of your final order(s). This percentage can range from 5%-25% depending on the depth of negotiations and the time it takes to make final arrangements.
Additional costs of projects are approved by and passed directly to the client. These costs include expenses incurred at any point during the process. Typically these are shipping and sample costs, import duties and taxes, freight forwarding & shipping and any incidentals incurred by Kraft Global.
Every project is different and priced accordingly. The first step is to arrange a brief initial conversation with an import specialist to assess your specific needs and goals. To schedule this initial call please submit a Request for Contact. A specialist will contact you to discuss your product, market, goals, timetable and budget. Our first task is to learn about your needs, goals and requirements.
5. Do I have to be a large company to get started and what are the minimum order requirements?
No project is too large or too small. If you are considering creating a new product, importing, exporting, sourcing your inventory or selling your products online, we can help. We are more than happy to work with small companies and individuals who are just getting started.
Minimum order quantities are ultimately determined by the manufacturers. Depending on the product supply and demand and the will of the manufacturer, the MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) could be a single unit or 1,000,000 units. It all depends. Because of our business record and reputation in the manufacturing community Kraft Global does have the unique advantage of negotiating smaller MOQ's for our clients wishing to execute in lesser quantities.
6. What types of products does Kraft Global specialize in?
Kraft Global's main office in China is located in Guangzhou, the heart of the world's largest manufacturing district. Our second largest concentration and presence is in Chennai, India. From these locations we have access to the manufacturing of all manner of industries.
The following are a few examples:
| Apparel Automobile Business Services Chemicals Computer Hardware & Software Construction & Real Estate Electrical Equipment &Supplies |
Electronic Components & Supplies Energy Environment Excess Inventory Fashion Accessories Food & Beverage Furnishings General Industrial Equipment Mechanical Components |
Gifts & Crafts Hardware Health & Beauty Home Appliances Home & Garden Lights & Lighting Luggage, Bags & Cases Manufacturing Machinery Measurement & Analysis Instruments |
Minerals & Metallurgy Office Supplies Packaging & Paper Printing & Publishing Rubber & Plastics Security & Protection Service Equipment Shoes & Accessories Sports Entertainment Telecommunications |
Textiles & Leather Jewelry |
7. Do I need a prototype or can the manufacturer create an "original sample"?
Manufacturers can create original samples if you do not have one. However, it is strongly preferred that you have at least a rough sample of the product for reproduction. Even with detailed blueprints and drawings it is extremely difficult to convey nuances in product design. If you do not have a sample ready for reproduction it is imperative to draft an RFQ and drawing to exact detail in order for the manufacturer to create the initial product samples.
8. What is a freight forwarder and why do I need one?
You need a freight forwarder. Kraft Global has existing partnerships with many 3rd party freight forwarding companies from around the world to determine the safest, most economical and most efficient way to have your goods shipped and delivered.
A freight forwarder is a third party logistics provider. As a third party (or non asset based) provider a forwarder dispatches shipments via asset based carriers and books or otherwise arranges space for those shipments. Carrier types include waterborne vessels, airplanes, trucks or railroads.
Freight forwarders typically arrange cargo movement to an international destination. Also referred to as international freight forwarders, they have the expertise that allows them to prepare and process the documentation and perform related activities pertaining to international shipments. Some of the typical information reviewed by a freight forwarder is the commercial invoice, shipper's export declaration, bill of lading and other documents required by the carrier or country of export, import, or transshipment.
9. How long does each phase in the process take and can I hire Kraft Global to assist with just one Phase?
PHASE 1 - NDA(non-disclosure agreement) & RFQ(Request for Quote)
Estimated Time: 1 week
Available as a standalone service? Yes
PHASE 2 - Supplier Search, Contact & Selection
Estimated Time: 2-3 weeks
Available as a standalone service? No
PHASE 3 - Samples, Terms & Client Approval
Time: Depends on the product and order specifications.
Available as a standalone service? No
PHASE 4 - Manufacturing & Quality Control
Estimated Time: Dependent upon lead time.
Available as a standalone service? No
PHASE 5 - Freight Forwarding & Delivery
Estimated Time: Dependent upon lead time.
Available as a standalone service? Yes
10. I already have a supplier but I need help to arrange orders. How can Kraft Global help me in this process?
Many clients use Kraft Global to act as a liaison to ease the difficulty of overseas communications and to bridge the gap between business cultures. Kraft Global is available to assist as your interpreter, negotiator and representative on the ground. If you have already found a qualified supplier or have been doing business with a supplier and need help negotiating or communicating your instructions, we are here to help. Contact us to discuss your current situation and needs.