Anyone do any importing business?

[Bogie]

I'm thinking of ordering a few pallets of an item, probably from China, and wondering what kinda bad craziness I can run into...
 
Shipping will prob be via an outfit like DHL, but hey... Just getting into this.
 

[Gewehr98]

Well, if it's audio electronics, particularly vacuum tube, I've been approached through my e-Bay business to sell their stuff.  I haven't jumped on it because I know absolutely nothing about import licensing and tariffs. 

[Bogie]

We need to talk some then...
 
I don't know anything either, but hey, I can learn. Fast.

Wasn't really thinking of audio gear, but hey... What's your store?
 

[Northwoods]

I had an interesting experience trying to get a bunch of wine I bought in New Zealand.  'Course involving alcohol is bad mojo, and although I thought I'd done my homework I apparently hadn't quite figured out enough ahead of time.  At the end of the day I was able to get my wine, but not without a lot of stress and aggravation.

If you'd like to hear the gory details let me know.  I can give you my cell phone number in an email.

[Gewehr98]

That's the funny part, Bogie.  I haven't even opened an e-Bay store yet, the Chinese who contacted me went on the fact that I sold a bunch of electronics, ship internationally, and have a 100% feedback rating.

Their approach unnerved me at first, but the more I think about it, and the more research I do, I may just give it a try - assuming there's a profit to be had.