Focusing on exporting fresh produce is a viable option for people who live in regions where agriculture is well-developed.
However, if you’re not located near a large population base, you may want to start by importing products instead. Here is a step-by-step approach to starting a fruit and vegetable import company in India.
The import-export industry is highly organized and offers plenty of opportunities for small businesses to enter. You can begin this business from anywhere.
Here are the 7 Steps to Start a Fruits & Vegetable Export Business
1. Fruits Vegetables Export Research & Business Plan
In starting a fruit and vegetables exporting business, firstly conduct a thorough market survey about the products that are readily available for sale and the foreign markets that are willing to purchase those goods.
Stay informed about your own business. Finding the perfect market for a certain product is essential to achieving success. You also must know how currency exchange works.
It’s important for you to prepare a good marketing strategy before starting fruit and vegetable export. You can begin this activity by focusing on local growers or setting up an international exporter with the necessary facilities.
In any case, prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. Plan out what you’re doing, how much money you’ll spend, and what you’ll do if things go wrong.
Figure out where you can source your materials cheaply and what the costs will be. And then decide whether you should sell online or offline. You may also want to consider selling abroad.
2. License For Fruits Vegetable Export Business
To start exporting fruit and vegetables, you’ll first need to obtain an export permit from the relevant government authorities.
A permit allows you to ship your products abroad. It is only granted after a thorough examination of the facts surrounding the shipment.
3. How to Get an IEC Number for Vegetable Export Business in India
To start exporting from India, exporters need to register with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, Government Of India. DGFT provides them with a unique International Export Code Number.
For the purposes of exporting, an exporter must obtain an International Economic Code (IEC) number from the government before he exports any products.
You can submit an application for the IEC Number through the Regional Authority of DGFT. The application is called Aayat Niryaat (IEC) Application – ANF 2A. It can also be submitted online here: https://www.dgft.gov.in/content/aayat-niryaat-application-anf-2a
While applying for an IEC certificate, applicants are requested to provide their Aadhaar card details along with their PAN card numbers. An individual can get only one IEC certificate per PAN card. The IEC certificate is valid for three years.
You need to pay an application fee of Rs 1000/-. This can be paid either via a demand draft from any bank or by using an electronic fund transfer (EFT) by a nominated bank.
Obtaining an RCMC from EPCs is important because it allows you to export goods into certain countries without having to pay any taxes.
4. Making Connections For Fruits Vegetables Export Business
Try to gather information about foreign marketplaces. Find out where they import the products that you’re trying to sell. Write letters to everyone who might be able to help you.
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When you continue your communication with foreign companies, establish a good relationship with their representatives. Make sure you prepare samples so that they can send them back to you. You might be able to get direct access to a wholesale importer of an overseas manufacturing company.
5. Fruits Vegetables Export Business Operation
In order to ensure that your clients get what they pay for, you should make sure that you have an agreement with them before any transaction takes place. A good starting point would be to consult with an attorney who can help you draft the agreement.
Be very clear about how much commission you are paying to your distributor. Make sure that you include a clause stating that if you fail to deliver the goods within the agreed-upon timeframe then the distributor may charge you late delivery fees.
The main points of the agreement should include the length of the deal, the conditions under which it may end, whether one side has the right to cancel the deal at any point, and so forth.
Ask your bank if they offer Letters of Credit (LoCs). LoCs eliminate risk for you, the fruit and vegetable growers or suppliers, and distributors.
When making up the total cost for the shipment, you’ll want to add together the grower’ prices, your commissions, dock and cartage rates, shipping insurance, marine insurance, duty, and any other hidden expenses.
6. Product Wise Market List For Fruits Vegetables Export Business
7. Promote Your Fruits and Vegetable Export Business
The profits of the fruit vegetable export company are in the volume of exported products. The greater the volume of exports, the larger the income from your percentage.
This export-based company is an excellent investment opportunity. With little initial capital, you can build a successful exporting operation. You must know how to market your product effectively, though.
Advertise in newspapers and magazines for distributors and for products. To obtain the right supply, you can set up a business relationship with local agricultural inputs dealers.
You should register your company with online directory services. Established an eCommerce site to generate sales opportunities from there too.
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