1. What products can you source?
2. What quantity of product makes it viable for me to import?
3. Which countries can GSS help us import from?
4. What is the product quality like?
5. What do I need to start importing from overseas?
6. How long will it take for my goods to be manufactured, and arrive into Australia?
7. What process can I expect to happen through the importing process with GSS
8. Why should I use your services?
9. What makes GSS a better choice than buying directly online?
10. What will be my investment to use Global Sourcing Services?
11. What if my product is not a generic good and needs to be made to our specifications?
12. How do I pay the manufacturers for the goods?
13. How will my goods be delivered?
14. Do I require an import licence?
15. Why should I source from overseas?
16. Where do I start?

1. What products can you source?

   Most products, and if we cannot source it, we can usually have it manufactured especially for you.

2. What quantity of product makes it viable for me to import?

   This will depend upon several factors so as to get the optimum economies of scale, we take into consideration thing such as:-

   • The type and value of the product and relate it back to how much it costs to transport it.
   • Any tooling or moulding costs that will need to be absorbed into the project.
   • Your frequency of purchases.

   As a general rule of thumb, if your order is at least AU$20, 000 of one type of product from a Western supplier, then it is likely to be in your best interests to source your products from overseas. For a complimentary assessment of your product(s)

3. Which countries can GSS help us import from?GSS are constantly building our group of partners so have access to most manufacturing countries. Please feel free to ask us, if you have a particular request (link to email us)
4. What is the product quality like?There are always risks associated with importing, however GSS have formulated proven procedures and systems to greatly reduce the risk involved. We have multiple steps and checks in place to ensure that manufacturers can deliver what they say they can, and do.

   We also involve you in the sampling stage to ensure that you are satisfied with the quality level of the product, and we do not proceed until you have signed off the sample.

   We are also able to provide services such as quality checking so as to ensure that the end result is what you want it to be.

5. What do I need to start importing from overseas?
   1. You will need to gather detailed specifications of your product(s).
   2. You will need 3 samples of your product, or a detailed description of what you are looking for.
   3. You will need to ensure you have checked if there are any:-
      • Standards the products are required to meet
      • Permits or Approvals required, or
      • Import Licences required to import these products into the country.
6. How long will it take for my goods to be manufactured, and arrive into Australia?The actual process usually takes between 3 and 4 months initially, and thereafter about 2 months for repeat orders.
7. What process can I expect to happen through the importing process with GSSAfter an information gathering exercise with you, either on the phone, email, or in person, we research the best possible options for your business. This includes particulars such as which country and area has the best quality to price ratio for your particular products to be sourced from, or manufactured in.

   GSS then acquires samples of the product from the best manufacturers and gathers your feedback on them. They may be exactly what you want first off; however, if you are not satisfied we request another sample with the new changes until you are happy with the result.

   GSS then negotiate the best prices and terms possible and at this stage we place the order with the manufacturer. When the order is completed we do a final quality check, and manage all of the logistics, customs requirements, and other details required when importing into Australia. The goods are then delivered to your selected location.

8. Why should I use your services?Whilst importing from overseas represents a great option, it also comes with a certain level of risk. We have both an Australian head office as well as personnel on the ground in China, Taiwan, and other such countries, thereby reducing the risk your business is exposed to whilst still helping you achieve the many benefits that come with the territory.

   Not only are GSS able to advise on more effective ways to approach the importing of your products, but we are also able to assess the legitimacy and capacity of manufacturers from the beginning. We can also help provide an insight and solution into any issues that may arise, whilst not having the additional problems of cultural and language barriers since our personnel are local to the country.

   GSS also save you a great deal of time and stress with our structured processes and procedures, as well as avoiding costly hold ups due to misunderstandings.

   We are also able to monitor the product quality and ensure you are getting what you have paid for, before the shipment leaves the overseas port.

   GSS are also able to advise on more effective ways to approach the importing of your products

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9. What makes GSS a better choice than buying directly online?The first thing, is that you will end up paying less, and most probably getting a better quality product by going through GSS.

   Many online agents offer to source your goods for a low percentage cost, however end up adding much more than that amount onto the price of your goods resulting in you paying a premium price for what is often not a high quality product.

   GSS also has local people on the ground in the countries we are importing from, thereby giving you eyes and a presence on the ground to ensure that you get what you pay for on a consistent basis.
   GSS is an Australian based company, so you will always have someone local to get an update about your importing project.

10. What will be my investment to use Global Sourcing Services?After our initial consultation if you wish to proceed with sourcing your goods from overseas we will require an initial deposit and then charge the remainder in a stage by stage basis.
11. What if my product is not a generic good and needs to be made to our specifications?That is fine, if you can provide us with the specifications, and either a sample, or a picture of the product(s), and we will source the appropriate manufacturer to produce your goods.
12. How do I pay the manufacturers for the goods?Payments are usually made directly to the overseas supplier via either telegraphic transfer or a letter of credit. GSS are also able to arrange payment for you via electronic transfer if you would prefer.
13. How will my goods be delivered?Since we negotiate prices on a FOB (Freight on Board) basis, the supplier takes care of transporting your products to the port or airport depending upon the urgency and weight of the products.

    GSS then organise either air freight if they are high value, light, or urgent items, or send them via ship which usually takes about one month to get them to your desired Australian port. GSS then arranges further land transport to your requested location.

    We are also able to organise delivery to other countries so feel free to ask if this is what you require.

14. Do I require an import licence?An import licence is not required for most products, however, we recommend that you research whether you require one for your particular product(s). We also recommend that you confirm if your product is required to adhere to any standards, or requires a permit or particular approval.
15. Why should I source from overseas?Importing may, or may not be for you. A couple of reasons why sourcing from overseas may be a profitable and viable option for you are:
    • Profit Margins - There are two ways to make a business more profitable, 1) Sell more and 2) Cut costs. Importing directly from overseas often reduces your product costs from between 20% to 80%. With the cost savings you will gain options such as simply increasing your profit margins, or reducing costs so as to sell greater quantities.
    • Outsource labour intensive processes – With not only the expense of these processes, often it is hard to find the skilled staff that can perform them. By outsourcing sections of your manufacturing to overseas you can overcome these problems and continue to help your business grow often utilising your staff in other areas of the business.

    If you would like to find out if sourcing products from overseas is for your business give us a call on 07 3161 5109 or email us on info@globalsourcings.com.au

16. Where do I start?Once you have gathered all the information you require as listed in Answer 4 call us on 07 3161 5109 or email us on info@globalsourcings.com.au to book an information gathering session.

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