Berbagi Pengalaman Dengan Praktisi Eksportir [Part 3]

Summary

The transcript highlights key challenges in the global export business, focusing on supplier integrity, competition, quality control, and legal considerations. The speaker shares insights on the importance of a solid long-term strategy, careful selection of reliable suppliers, and maintaining consistent product quality to meet buyer expectations. They also discuss the risks of political instability and legal hurdles, emphasizing the need for exporters to be vigilant and proactive in managing their operations to ensure success in the global market.

Takeaways

• 😀 One key challenge in global business is managing competition, especially in export activities.
• 😀 Having a clear strategy is essential for sustaining a business. A 20-year strategy is a benchmark for success in this context.
• 😀 Ensuring speed and efficiency in the export process is important, with a target of reaching 20 tons of goods.
• 😀 Integrity of local suppliers is a major concern in export activities, as they may not always honor commitments or contracts.
• 😀 Some local suppliers may mislead by not adhering to agreements or taking payments without delivering the goods.
• 😀 It is crucial for exporters to thoroughly vet local suppliers, checking their integrity and ability to meet agreements.
• 😀 Challenges arise when dealing with local suppliers who may not have the necessary commitment or business ethics.
• 😀 The export business faces the issue of political instability and the need to maintain consistency and stability in the products being exported.
• 😀 Product consistency, in terms of quality and specification, is critical in global trade, as discrepancies can lead to failure in meeting customer expectations.
• 😀 Exports require attention to detail in product manufacturing, such as uniformity in size, color, and packaging, to meet international standards.
• 😀 The pressure in export businesses is not just about product quality, but also the stability of supply chains and maintaining good relationships with international buyers.

Q & A

What is the primary challenge faced by the business in exporting products globally?

The primary challenge discussed is the competition in the global market, with many other players in the industry. Additionally, ensuring the integrity of local suppliers and managing the risks associated with dealing with suppliers who may not honor commitments is another significant challenge.

How does the speaker suggest overcoming the challenges in working with local suppliers?

The speaker advises caution when dealing with local suppliers who may lack integrity. It’s important to ensure that suppliers are committed and can demonstrate their seriousness by meeting specific criteria, like paying an advance (DP) to show commitment.

What is the significance of the 20-ton target mentioned in the script?

The 20-ton target refers to the initial strategy of the business, where they calculated that they must achieve a consistent volume of 20 tons to maintain business sustainability. This volume, calculated over 20 years, is an important benchmark for their operational planning.

What issue does the speaker highlight regarding local suppliers and advance payments?

The issue highlighted is that some local suppliers do not fulfill their commitments even after receiving an advance payment (DP). This creates a risk for businesses, especially for newcomers who may not fully understand how to handle such transactions.

What does the speaker mean by 'political wash' in the context of exporting products?

In this context, 'political wash' refers to the need to test and ensure the consistency and stability of a product. This includes checking whether the product's quality, color, and size meet the specifications required by international buyers.

What example does the speaker give to illustrate issues with product quality and consistency?

The speaker mentions that some products, like food items, may be mixed with substandard ingredients or other materials to make them look better or meet quantity requirements. An example given is mixing items with plastic bottle components, which compromises product quality.

What role does trust play in managing relationships with local suppliers?

Trust is a crucial factor when dealing with local suppliers. The speaker emphasizes that it is important to ensure that suppliers have integrity and can be trusted to fulfill agreements, as some suppliers may not be reliable or might engage in unethical practices.

How does the speaker describe the behavior of certain individuals in the supplier network?

The speaker describes some individuals as 'predators,' referring to those who exploit business relationships for their own gain. These individuals may attempt to deceive or take advantage of others in the network, often undermining fair business practices.

Why is product specification consistency important in global business?

Product specification consistency is important because it ensures that the products meet the expectations of international buyers. Deviations in size, color, or quality could lead to disputes and potentially jeopardize the business relationship or reputation.

What is the role of testing and product validation in the export process?

Testing and product validation are essential to ensuring that products meet the required standards for international markets. The speaker emphasizes that without proper testing and consistency, there is a risk of substandard products being shipped, which can damage the business’s credibility and success.