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Importer/Exporter

Do you want to become a Importer/Exporter? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Exporters have to discover and satisfy the needs of overseas customers at a profit. Importers seek out the most advantageous source for the goods they wish to import. There are a number of different jobs available in the industry including exports sales administrator, supervisor and manager.

Importers/exporters may be involved with:

• researching and finding the right partner to trade with
• negotiating with customers, often in a foreign language
• getting a license and paying for the goods
• arranging for the inspection of the goods
• arranging documentation and agreeing final contracts
• calculating what the goods will really cost.

Importers and exporters normally work regular office hours, but may have to work overtime during busy periods.

The starting salary is around £12,000, and can rise to around £83,000.

Importers/exporters should:

• have good organisational skills
• be able to deal tactfully with customers
• have good negotiation skills
• be confident with figures
• have an interest in economics, business and accounts.
• ideally have knowledge of one or more foreign languages.

Importers/exporters can work for a range of organisations including major retail companies, large industrial organisations, companies that import and export specialist goods, or organisations that supply services to overseas clients.

There are various ways of getting into the occupation including joining straight from school with suitable GCSEs/S grades, through an Apprenticeship, by taking a course with the Institute of Export, or by studying for a degree. Adults can start this work at any age, particularly if they have a particular skill or knowledge of a foreign language.

Training may be on the job, gaining experience of various departments in a company. Several professional bodies, such as the British Institute of Export, offer relevant courses.

It is possible to be promoted from administrative posts, to supervisor and then manager, and from regional sales representative to regional sales manager.

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