Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am wanting to start a business in which I import products from Indonesia. However, I must first find buyers. How do I do this? Any suggestions? Buyers for furniture, jewelry, etc.

Do you mean internal buyers for your company? Or do you mean you are looking for buyers that would essentially be your customers? This will help in giving us a direction to go when answering your question. Best Wishes!

I am looking for buyers who would be my customers. How do I find customers for these products I wish to import from Indonesia?
Also, is there a job anyone could suggest to me....I just arrived back home after being overseas for 5 months and am looking for a job. It would be great to get a job that would help me learn about the importing business of jewelry, handicrafts, clothing, etc.

Thank you!

I`ll tell you what, shoot me a resume and I will see what I can find for you. Is there a specific area of the country you are looking to work in? 

As far as finding the buyers(customers) for your products, I would suggest doing a simple search on superpages.com and then finding companies that retail your goods. Once you find the companies do some research on who they are, what they sell, who owns it, who sells for them and who buys for them. I will tell you from experience in the import business, everyone will tell you that they are the buyer just to feel you out. With some practice you will start to learn who is who they say they are.  If you need some pointers, I would first lead you to read a book called, "Selling to VITO" by Anthony Parinello. It has some excellent stratagies to get to the person you need to and to get them to listen to you. It is good for anyone who is a B2B sales person. You can always email me or call me for any questions you might have as well. Best Wishes!

Wow! Thanks for your assistance and advice. It will send that resume to you asap--but it might take a day or two.

Hello,

I just started my furniture and handicraft export business in indonesia.
I used to work for nearly 10 years in 2 companies supplying some retailers in US market. Among them are Cost Plus, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Container Store.
If I were you, I would definitely start contacting these retailers.
Or, you can you also start searching on superpages.com and look for wholesaler. they are usually buy direct from supplier like me.

Wish you all the best!

I am always looking to buy quality earthborn, or handmade
items for resale. That`s my biz. Maybe you should send me a
little info about what you have or what you would like to supply.
You can contact me here or at work...
www.elusivetreasures.com

So it`s that easy to find potential customers. :)

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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

Hello Vincent,

Visited your website and I think my products may fits your needs.
We do handmade products from stone, clays, woods, rattan and other natural fibers. We based in Jogjakarta Indonesia.

Is it okay to email you our latest catalog?

Best regards,
Arya

Arya

Absolutely! I would love to view your catalog. I look forward to
receiving it.

See everyone! Connections are being made everyday on the
Start Up Nation.

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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

Vincent, Arya, Ken, and Abb--

Abb-Can I ask you...what 2 companies did you work for that supplied retailers in US market?

I am young, but very motivatated and hardworking. I know I can achieve anything I put my mind to...but I am just getting started! I don`t know where to start yet! I just ordered my first shipment, so once I get that I will definitely make a product list or small catalog. What is the best way to start? Ideally I wish to work straight out of Indonesia and live there with my Indonesian husband, but how would I find buyers while living in Indonesia? ANY help with be SO greatly appreciated!

Janelle