How to become an importer, exporter, and wholesaler

Negotiate with multiple stakeholders to buy and sell goods across international borders.

What does an importer, exporter, and wholesaler do?

Duties and tasks

  • Coordinate the shipping and collection process of products locally and internationally, working with multiple stakeholders and agents to transport and distribute goods
  • Create standard procedures for importing, exporting and distributing activities including planning and scheduling production and pricing
  • Examine importing and exporting customs and regulations to be followed as well as laws pertaining to the wholesale distribution of goods or produce
  • Keep an accurate record of all orders and operations, as well as transportation of supplies and produced items; prepare financial statements and reports on performance
  • Maintain relationships with suppliers and distributors ensuring quality and finding new partnerships and opportunities
  • Manage and appoint staff working in importing and exporting activities and distribution
  • Work with suppliers, staff and stakeholders to ensure quality of products, delivery schedule and negotiate costs

Industry bodies

Related jobs

  • Customs broker
  • Distribution and sales representative
  • Merchant wholesaler
  • Sales manager
  • Sales representative

Discover related degrees

Available majors

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Maritime Business Management

Discover related subjects

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