Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Do you have a company with VAT number?
Yes, it is called BRACHEV LTD and is exporting sunflower kernels. Most of my transactions however, are done on behalf of and at the expense of my clients, as if I have been recruited to work in their export (import) department.
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2. How much should I pay for a representation on a certain market?
The contract for foreign trade representation does not cost anything. My revenues come from the commissions resulting from the closed transactions, which are contracted in advance, but which are received after these transactions have been paid. My standard commission is 2%, but depending on the specific nature of the product and of the market, there might be another percentage too.
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3. Do I have to pay anything in advance to start working with you?
No, you don’t have to pay in advance. You need to sign only a contract for foreign trade representation, in which you need to specify what and where I will sell. A certain commission is fixed in the contract too, due for payment only in case there was a real transaction, which has been fully paid.
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4. Do you evaluate the products that you sell?
The evaluation of the products and the quality control system referring to these products is a must. Very often there is no transaction because the qualities of the product do not meet the requirements of the buyer. If this is your case, you will receive recommendations, what you need to change in your product and/or your company in order to be able to work with a certain category of clients.
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5. Do you guarantee that you will sell the products that I will offer?
No, but you must know that I will do my best to close the transaction. Otherwise I will not receive any commission...
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6. On whose behalf and at whose expense are done the transactions?
They will be done on behalf of and at the expense of your company. Of course, if you wish, you can offer another form of co-operation.
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7. If we win a new client during our cooperation, whose is that client? Mine or yours?
The client belongs to nobody – he decides with whom and how to work. If the real question is whether to use my services or not - you will have to use your own judgment and to make your decision. If you don’t need my services then you can always cancel your contract for foreign trade representation..
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8. How do you guarantee the payments referring to the foreign trade transactions?
By negotiating the right method of payment that protects both the interests of the seller and the buyer. I often recommend a payment within a certain time period after the delivery to be used for clients that have proved their reliability and that have a good financial rating. In case of refused or delayed payment, I have a direct personal financial responsibility.
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9. Do you have assistance for claim settlement in your services?
Yes, I do. A transaction is considered completely finalized, when the buyer has received and accepted the goods and when the seller has received all due payments. It is my responsibility to clarify all circumstances that refer to a certain claim. If necessary a survey is made by an independent expert, the aim of which is to clarify the scope of the claim and the cause for it (who is responsible for that claim). All costs that refer to the claim, must be covered by the party that is responsible for the claim or which has caused it..
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10. What types of marketing research do you offer and how much do they cost?
This depends on your needs and on the market that is subject to research. Very often I work with specialized marketing agencies, which I chose in compliance with the requirements of the marketing survey that has to be made.
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11. Can I change my offers (prices)? When and how?
Yes, you can do that whenever you wish but only in written from. Every offer however, has some validity and I do not recommend changes within the validity term. It is good to remember, that frequent and unnecessary changes, might kill the interest of the clients.
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12. What types of goods do you trade?
My experience is primarily with agricultural products and a variety of foodstuffs (have a look at my CV). I have also dealt with instruments, machines, technical equipment, chemicals, sanitary fixtures and ceramics, etc. I am ready to work with other products too, provided that I have the necessary product information.
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13. On what markets do you work?
I work most on the markets of the EC member countries, but I also have business relationships with partners from non EC countries, including other continents too. Contemporary business is global and there is no problem to work with companies from all over the world...
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14. I would like to buy specialized equipment from China. Can you help me?
Yes, I can. It is only necessary to define clearly the parameters of the equipment that you need.
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15. Can you help me to prepare a marketing plan and how much will this cost?
Yes, I can. I have included in my services business consulting, which is normally paid at 10 € per hour.
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16. What languages do you use?
At the moment we use 4 languages – English, German, Polish and Russian. If necessary, I can attract specialists with other languages too.
Tip of the day
Make an effort to be humorous throughout the day. It diffuses tension in difficult circumstances and creates an excellent atmosphere wherever you are.