4.
Re: How to import/container shipping? Oct 20, 2007 8:54 PM
As already posted, you really need a shipping partner/broker. (I'll second the Apex endorsement for anyone importing large machinery -- don't know about tea.) As you probably know (since you asked the question), tea is especially tricky to bring in, because it is considered one of THE prime targets for bioterrorists.
How much tea are you talking about? It seems like you would have to be importing a LOT to make the lower cost worthwhile, plus it requires careful storage and has a limited shelf life even then. Perhaps buying the teas you want from an American importer/wholesaler of tea, at least to begin with (until the business is stable), would be an option to consider. Your costs could be identified exactly, and you'd have no delays or surprises. If your business volume showed that importing it yourself was the way to go, you could always do that later -- and you'd have a crystal clear idea of what and how much you needed.
Good luck!
