Tilde Publishing and Distribution ISBN: Import/Export Mapping International Trade for Australian Business Import Purchasing

The main elements of import purchasing can be categorised as: – product sourcing; – supplier evaluation; – product evaluation; – purchasing negotiations; – purchase orders; – expediting; quality management

Import Purchasing There are a number of ways of identifying who the international suppliers of particular products are. These include: – Attendance at trade shows and expos – Industry /trade publications – Government external trade departments – Networking and referrals – The internet

Import Purchasing The main factors to consider when evaluating suppliers include the ability of the supplier to: – supply the required product at the required quality standard on a consistent basis; – supply the required products at an acceptable price; – supply the required products in the required quantities and at the required intervals – supply all the required product specifications and other product information – consistently provide the required level of customer service.

Import Purchasing Supplier evaluation methods include: – Direct observation – References – Supplier history and details – Trial transactions – Combination of methods Product evaluation methods include: – Reviewing product information – Obtaining samples – Comparing with relevant standards

Import Purchasing Purchasing negotiations could cover: – price – Incoterms; – payment terms and method; – packaging and labelling; – claims; – delivery or lead times; – warranty; – technical support; and – quality standards

Import Purchasing The purchase order (PO) performs the following functions: – serves as a formal written notification from the importer to proceed with the transaction; – provides full details of the goods being purchased and other details of the transaction; – confirms the details of the agreement between the importer and the exporter; and – serves as a documentary record of the purchase.

Import Purchasing Once the PO has been issued, you should follow up with your supplier to ensure that the order will be ready by the required date. An effective quality management strategy will largely involve actual physical inspection of the products, which can either be carried out prior to shipment or after receipt, depending once again on specific circumstances.