Import/Export- need some advice please
 

I've been thinking of getting into importing and exporting for a while now, since my boyfriend lives in the UK and I live in the US, and we finally decided to do something about it. I've been researching it online, but I'd also like any ideas from fodorites, you guys are always a lot of help!
Does anyone have any experience doing this?
What would be some good items to start with?
Do you know of any good websites for help?
Also, I'm not just thinking about the UK and US, that's just a starting point, I'm open to suggestions.... any excuse to travel! Thanks for your help!

Any thoughts anyone?

Yes, I've done it. That's why I'm not answering.

Have you looked into the legalities involved?

Do you understand customs regulations?

What do you know about international shipping?

I sold an item on ebay - against my better judgement to someone in France. (I had said US buyers only but they didn;t disclose their location until they had won.)

It was a pain getting the paperwork done, took way more time and money than anticipated - and then they started complaining about non-receipt only 3 days later. They eventually got the item - but it was 3 weeks of me listening to their complaints.

Never again.

I'm just doing my research now so I'll be checking into the legalities etc. Yes, I do understand customs regulations and I have shipped internationally. Several times to my boyfriend and when I sold a few things on ebay. I didn't mind the paperwork and fortunately had no one complain.

We regularly ship to the UK. Full airline containers are the cheapest way to go. We use aacargo.com. Lots of info there. You need to become a known shipper before you even start. New security regs in august increased our shipping costs dramatically. The paperwork changes constantly on both sides. It's frustrating, but not so bad. Make friends with all the gov't agencies so you are able to get info easier. All depends on the product (s).

Thanks for your help Christabir, that's a great site with a lot of helpful info!

Make sure you understand the currency exposure you have and the timing difference between when you pay in one currency and expect to be paid in another.