Errores comunes al IMPORTAR un PRODUCTO para VENDER en Amazon FBA 📦 Como Hacer Importaciones 😱

Common Mistakes in Importing: Avoid These Errors

Introduction to Common Import Errors

• The video discusses the 13th live session of the channel, focusing on over 10 common mistakes made during imports or first orders that should be avoided.

• Viewers are encouraged to join future live sessions for networking and asking questions by subscribing to the channel.

Importance of Inspections

• A major error is not conducting inspections before shipment; many avoid this to save money but it can lead to significant issues later.

• If products are inspected only after arriving at home, any claims against manufacturers become complicated as they may deny responsibility for damages incurred during transit.

• Conducting inspections prior to shipping allows for immediate resolution of issues, preventing wasted time and resources.

Utilizing Alibaba's Services

• Alibaba now offers options for inspection services through third-party companies like SGS, which ensures independence from manufacturers.

• Using these services provides a reliable way to handle disputes since they are documented through Alibaba’s platform.

Negotiation Tactics

• Starting negotiations with price discussions is discouraged; instead, establish communication first to build rapport and demonstrate seriousness.

• Ask relevant questions about minimum order quantities and customization options before discussing prices.

Verifying Product Certifications

• Failing to verify necessary certifications for products can lead to compliance issues; it's crucial to research what certifications are required beforehand.

• Manufacturers may not disclose certification needs unless specifically asked; thus, proactive inquiry is essential.

• Consulting specialized companies or freight forwarders can provide insights into required documentation and certifications needed for customs clearance.

How to Verify Product Certifications and Payments in Amazon FBA

Understanding Certification Validity

• The speaker emphasizes that anyone can create a certificate using Photoshop quickly, highlighting the importance of verifying authenticity through reliable sources.

• It is suggested to hire an expert or use Google to check if a certification is valid by comparing it with established websites.

• Buying competitor products can serve as a metric for determining whether certifications are necessary; if competitors have them, it may indicate their importance.

• New sellers on Amazon FBA are encouraged to deepen their knowledge through free weekly classes offered by the speaker.

Payment Recommendations for Alibaba Transactions

• The speaker advises using Alibaba's payment system for protection, similar to PayPal, where funds are held until all conditions are met.

• It's crucial to document all agreements in writing (e.g., Word documents), as anything not documented cannot be claimed later.

• A common payment structure discussed is 30% upfront and 70% upon completion and inspection of the product, which helps mitigate risk.

Negotiating Payment Terms

• If not negotiated properly, suppliers may demand full payment upfront; thus, it's important to establish terms that protect your capital.

• The speaker suggests negotiating at least a 50/50 split if possible but warns against paying more than necessary unless dealing with low-cost items.

Choosing Payment Methods Wisely

• Avoid traditional banks like BBVA or Santander for international transfers due to high fees; instead, opt for specialized services like Wise (formerly TransferWise).

Presenting Your Business Professionally

• When starting small, it's beneficial to present your business as larger than it is. This can involve creating professional email addresses and branding strategies.

• Using titles such as "Head of Purchasing" can enhance perceived credibility when communicating with manufacturers.

Enhancing Communication Skills

• The speaker advises against appearing inexperienced by asking questions about terms without prior research; understanding terminology beforehand builds confidence in negotiations.

Understanding International Shipping and DDP vs. EXW

Importance of Terminology in Negotiation

• It's crucial to understand basic shipping terms to avoid being at a disadvantage during negotiations. If you don't know key terms, it signals a lack of knowledge, which can lead to unfavorable deals.

• Always look up unfamiliar terms before asking questions; this shows preparedness and professionalism. For example, "XW" refers to "EXW" (Ex Works), which indicates the seller's responsibility ends at their premises.

Concerns About Alibaba Transport Providers

• A participant named Manuel Sanz expresses distrust towards Alibaba transport providers due to competitive pricing but raises concerns about reliability. The speaker admits they have not used these services personally but advises caution regarding DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipments.

• Understanding different shipping types is essential for international transactions, especially concerning responsibilities and costs associated with customs clearance.

Explanation of Shipping Terms: EXW vs. DDP

• EXW (Ex Works): The buyer assumes all responsibilities after the goods leave the seller's factory, including customs clearance and transportation costs from the factory to their destination country. This means manufacturers bear no responsibility once goods are shipped out.

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): In contrast, this term implies that the seller handles all aspects of shipping until delivery at the buyer's location, including customs duties and taxes—similar to an Amazon order where everything arrives without additional fees for the buyer. However, buyers lose control over declared values and potential VAT payments when using DDP services.

Risks Associated with Using DDP

• One major risk with DDP is that buyers do not have oversight on how products are declared for customs or what value is assigned by transporters; this can lead to unexpected tax liabilities or issues if documentation like DUAs (customs documents) is missing later on during inspections by tax authorities.

• Without proper DUAs linked directly to your name, you may face complications proving import legitimacy if questioned by authorities in future audits or inspections related to VAT payments or product origins. Thus, it's advised against using DDP unless dealing with small quantities initially as larger imports could complicate matters significantly later on.

Recommendations for Importing Goods

• Start cautiously with smaller quantities when importing goods internationally; while it may seem manageable initially, scaling up without proper documentation can lead to significant problems down the line regarding compliance and taxation issues in your home country’s regulations concerning imports from outside Europe or other regions.

• Be aware that some logistics companies might advertise expertise in FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) but often utilize methods like DDP that could jeopardize your compliance status if not handled correctly regarding necessary paperwork such as DUAs needed for legitimate import verification purposes later on during audits or inquiries from tax agencies about imported goods' values paid through VAT assessments based upon those declarations made during transit processes involving multiple parties involved along supply chains leading back into domestic markets post-importation activities completed successfully overall!

Buying Agents and Their Benefits

The Role of Buying Agents

• Jose inquires about the use of buying agents for negotiation. The speaker mentions using trading companies, which function similarly to buying agents, especially when starting out.

• These agents can negotiate better deals and access products that may not be reachable by individuals directly.

Importing Strategies

• Carlos asks if it's possible to dispatch goods through France to avoid immediate VAT payments. The speaker confirms that entering through France or Italy is feasible.

• Once in France, products can be sent to Spain or Amazon warehouses in France, where Amazon will manage inventory distribution across Europe.

Brand Registration and Product Certification

Importance of Brand Registration

• Agus questions the necessity of having a registered brand for product photography. The speaker advises that while generic brands can be requested, having a registered trademark is preferable to avoid complications.

• A registered brand simplifies the process of obtaining necessary certifications on platforms like Amazon.

Inspection Recommendations

• Edu asks about inspection types during production. The recommendation is for a total inspection during the first order due to unfamiliarity with manufacturers and products.

• It's crucial to schedule inspections after confirming manufacturing completion; clauses should ensure accountability for any failures in preparation.

Certification Requirements

Certificate Ownership

• Edu raises concerns about certificate ownership. Certificates must typically be under the company's name unless specified otherwise based on product type.

• In cases of importation within the EU, responsibility often lies with the importing company, necessitating proper certification documentation.

Competitor Analysis for Certifications

• To verify competitor certifications, purchasing their products can provide insights into their compliance (e.g., CE marking).

• Products must display certification information visibly; contacting competitors directly may yield additional documentation regarding their certifications.

Accessing Class Links

Availability of Classes

• Joseph queries about class availability on YouTube. The speaker confirms that classes are published there but may have delays post-live sessions.

Accessing Recorded Sessions

How to Find Previous Live Sessions

• Users can access recorded live sessions by visiting the profile on Teach and clicking on the logo or searching for "espacio emprendedores" to view all past recordings.

• The recorded sessions are also available on YouTube, albeit with a delay.

Billing and Invoicing Practices

Understanding Trader Charges

• Traders typically charge fees in two ways: either as a percentage of the transaction (e.g., 1% of the total purchase).

• If a trader charges a higher price per unit, it is essential to request an invoice reflecting this cost for proper accounting.

Importance of Invoices

• If traders do not provide invoices, it may indicate unprofessionalism; serious traders should always issue invoices upon request.

Business Structure and Regulations

Compliance with Local Laws

• Regardless of business structure (e.g., LC or SA), if selling in Spain, one must comply with Spanish regulations.

• A Spanish VAT number is required for businesses storing goods in Spain, regardless of their origin.

Importing Challenges

Dealing with Samples from Abroad

• Importing samples from Argentina can take over three months due to strict personal import limits.

• To verify product quality without seeing samples firsthand, consider hiring a trusted agent in the manufacturing country who can provide photos and videos.

Brand Registration Requirements

Necessary Documentation for Amazon Listings

• To register a brand on Amazon, sellers must provide real product photos featuring their brand logo.

• If products cannot be manufactured with branding initially, sellers can ask suppliers for mock-up images or use creative solutions until actual products are available.

Selling Strategies in Spain

Recommendations Based on Tax Implications

• For Spaniards planning to stay in Spain long-term, forming an LC may not be advisable due to potential tax disadvantages.

• However, if there are plans to relocate to countries with lower taxes (like Panama), establishing an LC could be beneficial.

Importing and VAT Calculations in International Trade

Understanding Product Costs and Customs Duties

• When importing a product priced at 300, the declared value for customs should be 550, which includes shipping costs and insurance. Additional factors must also be considered.

• Customs will assess the total cost, including product value, shipping, and insurance before applying taxes like VAT. It's crucial not to undervalue goods to avoid arbitrary assessments by customs.

• If customs suspects that the declared value is lower than the actual worth, they may impose their own valuation. Disputing this can be challenging.

Import Regulations in the United States

• Carlos inquires about importing to the U.S., confirming that tariffs are applicable upon importation; however, VAT does not exist there.

• Nico asks for reasonable pricing courses; it's noted that prices fluctuate frequently. A recommendation is made to check Amazon's course list for updated information.

Strategies for VAT Management

• Manuel discusses a strategy where Amazon purchases units on behalf of sellers to simplify invoicing processes across different countries.

• This method allows invoices to be issued under Amazon’s name rather than the seller's name, potentially easing tax obligations.

European VAT Compliance

• To engage in pan-European selling (selling across EU countries), sellers must have an appropriate VAT number from each country where they store products.

• For example, if selling in Germany while storing goods there, a German VAT number is necessary for compliance with local regulations.

Obligations Under Pan-European Selling

• Sellers activating pan-European services must obtain VAT numbers even if no sales occur; this includes filing declarations regardless of sales volume.

• The discussion emphasizes that having a local VAT number is mandatory when storing inventory in any EU market as part of compliance with tax laws.

Logistics and Cost-Saving Measures

• Carlos raises a question about dispatching imports through other countries (like Germany or France), which might offer lower upfront costs due to reduced VAT rates compared to Spain.

• It’s confirmed that logistics can allow for such strategies but requires careful planning regarding tax implications and compliance with local laws.

Starting an Amazon Business: Key Considerations

Choosing the Right Market

• Joseph shares his experience, emphasizing that starting in Spain is beneficial due to logistical reasons and familiarity with the market.

• It is recommended to begin selling in one market only, as managing multiple markets without prior experience can lead to failure.

• The analogy of opening a restaurant illustrates that handling two businesses simultaneously without experience is impractical.

Gradual Expansion Strategy

• Starting in Spain allows for comfort with language and local nuances before expanding into other markets like France or Germany.

• Once established in Spain, sellers have ample time to scale their operations gradually.

Common Mistakes When Placing Orders

Payment Terms Negotiation

• A critical mistake is failing to negotiate payment terms upfront; paying 100% upfront for large orders is not advisable.

Documentation and Specifications

• Not including a purchase order or specification sheet can lead to issues later on; these documents are essential for clarity and accountability.

Handling Defective Units

• It's important to preemptively discuss how defective units will be handled, as they are statistically likely to occur.

Importance of Samples

Requesting Product Samples

• Failing to request samples from suppliers is a significant error; always ask for samples from multiple providers to assess quality.

Evaluating Supplier Performance

• Observing how suppliers handle your requests (packaging, labeling, etc.) during the sample phase provides insight into their reliability.

Launching Your Product Effectively

Focus on Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

• Initially prioritize launching the product over perfect packaging; improvements can be made later once sales are established.

• If high-quality packaging requires excessive capital upfront, it’s better to launch first and enhance later based on market response.

Discussion on Project Management and Resources

Overcoming Challenges in Project Execution

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of not getting stuck in "analysis paralysis" when facing challenges with a manufacturer. If complications arise, it's better to pivot quickly rather than delay progress.

• Encouragement is given to launch projects even if they are not perfect initially; improvements can be made later as needed.

Final Remarks and Resources

• The session concludes with an invitation for feedback, indicating that the information shared was intended to be useful for participants.

• A new feature on the website is introduced: a countdown timer for upcoming live sessions, enhancing participant engagement and awareness of event schedules.

Notifications and Private Consultations

• Participants are reminded that notifications about live sessions will also be available through YouTube and Discord, ensuring multiple channels for updates.

• The speaker mentions private consultations for specific topics, highlighting their focus on working with manufacturers who have unique competencies or differentiators.

Additional Services Offered

• An agency service is mentioned that includes photo and video editing, showcasing the team's diverse skill set which includes designers among other professionals.