You
do not need to own a warehouse: you can always rent a
warehouse per transaction. There are several warehouses available for renting
temporarily. You can rent these spaces for 2-3 weeks depending on the kind of
arrangement you have. Prices could range from 10,000- 30,000 per transaction.
You
do not need to be a manufacturer: you do not have to be
a producer or a manufacturer to be able to export. You can operate as an export
merchant. You do not need to own any product. You just need to be an expert at
sourcing and exporting. This is quite flexible and easy to achieve.
You
do not need to own a factory: except in a situation
whereby you manufacture your own goods, you don’t need to own factories to be
an exporter. All that you are required to do is identify sourcing points where
you can get the products you need in commercial quantity. After which you can
source and export.
You
do not need a large number of staff: export can be very
flexible, you can decide to have a large number of staff if you can afford to
but in reality, even with two staff you can operate an efficient export
business. As an export merchant who sources for products in different places,
it is easier to find labour at your sourcing point. It is therefore flexible as
you only pay per work done and it is only when you need their services you
request and pay for it. This makes it easier and cheaper to operate as an
exporter. Also, when you have an office or outlet you only need two or three
staff to manage the office efficiently. It is not compulsory you have a large
number of staff. Mostly you need a manager and maybe a personal assistant
depending on you and how you choose to structure your business but you can also
choose to expand as you grow.
You
do not need to run around the port area: every exporter needs
the help of a freight forwarder. The freight forwarder does the running around
within the port area. They connect with customs, shipping lines and different
other agencies involved. They are also responsible in assisting you with the
various documents you need like your BL, Certificate of origin, SGD etc. Export business is flexible unlike the way many people would perceive it. You do not spend millions in getting your own warehouse and other things as people would comfortably think. You can start an export business easily and comfortably without too many money consuming or stressful processes.