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Summary

In this insightful interview, Aji, a small-scale exporter and importer based in China, shares his journey into the international business arena. He discusses the products he exports, such as mobile phones, spare parts, and children's clothing, with a focus on countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Nigeria. Aji reflects on the challenges of international trade, including payment delays, customs issues, and language barriers. He offers valuable tips for aspiring exporters and outlines his plans to expand further, with goals to improve logistics and explore European markets.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aji is an exporter and importer, currently running a small-scale business focused on three types of products: mobile phones, motor and car spare parts, and children's clothing.
• 😀 Aji initially started selling locally but expanded to export after receiving demand from overseas markets, especially Malaysia, the Philippines, and Africa.
• 😀 The decision to venture into exports stemmed from observing friends buying goods from abroad and realizing that foreign markets were more stable compared to Indonesia.
• 😀 Major challenges in exporting include lengthy payment processes, varying product specifications, and the need to send samples due to different international regulations.
• 😀 Effective promotion methods for exports include using global marketplaces like AliExpress, Shopee International, and reaching out to buyers through social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.
• 😀 Word-of-mouth marketing and building relationships are the most effective ways to promote products in international markets, along with leveraging TikTok for global outreach.
• 😀 Export documentation varies depending on the product, with essential documents including invoices, packing lists, and customs clearance forms. Special products may require additional certificates, like certificates of origin or quarantine documentation.
• 😀 Customs issues, such as product detainment due to missing documentation, can occur during exports. It's advisable to work with local freight forwarders who are familiar with the regulations of the destination country.
• 😀 Expanding into international markets has significantly boosted Aji's business, with a more stable cash flow from international orders and more efficient logistics.
• 😀 For beginners in export-import, Aji recommends focusing on products you understand, conducting thorough market research, finding reliable logistics partners, and being prepared for challenges and learning from mistakes.

Q & A

What is the main business of Kak Aji?

Kak Aji is primarily involved in the export and import business. He focuses on three main types of products: mobile phones, automotive spare parts, and children's clothing.

Why did Kak Aji decide to venture into the export-import business?

Initially, Kak Aji didn't plan on entering the export-import business. However, after seeing friends buying products from abroad and noticing a market opportunity, he became interested. He discovered that international markets, especially those outside Indonesia, had more stable demand and were more serious about purchases, which motivated him to expand into exporting.

Which countries does Kak Aji primarily export to?

Kak Aji primarily exports to countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and some African countries such as Nigeria. Additionally, he also exports spare parts to Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea.

What are some of the challenges Kak Aji faces in the export-import process?

Kak Aji faces several challenges, such as the time it takes for payments to be processed, and the need to send product samples to ensure quality and compliance with the buyer's expectations. Additionally, negotiating effectively with buyers and handling customs regulations are key challenges.

What is Kak Aji's strategy for promoting his products internationally?

Kak Aji uses a variety of methods for promoting his products. These include listing on global marketplaces like AliExpress and Etsy, reaching out to potential buyers via LinkedIn and Instagram, and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals. He also promotes his products on TikTok, which has gained significant international reach.

What kind of documentation is required for exporting products?

The standard documentation for exporting includes an invoice, packing list, and customs clearance documents such as the PEB (Export Declaration). Additional documents like a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a quarantine certificate may be required for specific products like mobile phones.

Has Kak Aji ever encountered issues with customs, and how did he resolve them?

Yes, Kak Aji has faced issues with customs. For example, a shipment of mobile phones to the Philippines was held by customs, and additional documents were requested to verify that the products were not illegal. Kak Aji resolved the issue by working with a local forwarder in the destination country to assist with the required documentation.

What impact has exporting had on Kak Aji's business?

Exporting has had a significant positive impact on Kak Aji's business. It has allowed him to reach a global market, resulting in more stable sales compared to his previous domestic market in Indonesia. The ability to target niche markets, like mobile phones in the Philippines, has also helped improve his cash flow and business growth.

What tips does Kak Aji have for beginners in the export-import business?

Kak Aji advises beginners to start with products they are familiar with and to conduct thorough market research before choosing what to export. He emphasizes the importance of finding reliable logistics partners to simplify the export process and encourages consistency and perseverance, as initial failures are part of the learning process.

What are Kak Aji's future plans for his export-import business?

Kak Aji plans to expand his export-import business by opening a warehouse in one of the countries he exports to, to streamline distribution and speed up local deliveries. He also intends to explore partnerships in Eastern Europe for automotive spare parts and aims to maintain a focus on expanding his export activities.