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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Strade.global</title> <atom:link href="/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://strade.global</link> <description>Global Wholesale Marketplace</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2021 17:18:33 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://strade.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-Strade-Logo-Icon-Transparent-1011x1011-32x32.png</url> <title>Strade.global</title> <link>https://strade.global</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height></image> <item> <title>Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Label Branding</title> <link>https://strade.global/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-private-label-branding/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Strade]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2021 17:08:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Retail]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wholesale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[private label]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://strade.global/?p=125539</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-private-label-branding/">Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Label Branding</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>When you want to sell branded products as a seller, you have the choice of either choosing to design, develop, test, manufacture, and market the products yourself, or you can buy ready-made products, add your brand and sell them.</p><p>Private-label branding is the branding of products made by third-party manufacturers or contractors. As a private label seller, you don’t have to worry about the manufacturing process. A contracted manufacturer can manufacture and deliver your products. All you have to do is provide product specifications, branding guidelines, logo, and packaging requirements. The manufacturer will follow your instructions and ship the products directly to you. Private labeling allows you to set your own price and have control over profit margins.</p><p>Private-labeled goods are available across a wide range of categories including food and beverages, cosmetics, clothing, and technology. This makes it easier for new sellers to test market trends to build brands. Outsourcing manufacturing opens up a lot of possibilities for sellers as they can focus on marketing the products and attracting customers.</p><p>As one of the most profitable online-selling business models, Private labeling has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at them.</p><p><strong>Advantages of Private-Label Branding</strong></p><p>The advantages of private-label branding entice many sellers to venture into new markets to grow their business.</p><ol><li><strong> No Manufacturing Expertise Required</strong></li></ol><p>Private labeling does not require the in-house manufacturing of goods. A third-party manufacturing partner will take the responsibility to manufacture products. Everything from sourcing raw materials to creating the final product is taken care of by the manufacturer. Since the manufacturer will have connections with various suppliers, the cost of production will be much lower than if you were to manufacture the goods.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Better Profit Margins</strong></li></ol><p>It costs more money to market and sell branded products. Hence, manufacturers can sell you only the products at a lower price. Since you’re saving money on the purchase cost of the product, you can set your own profit margin when you add your branding and market the product.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Building a Brand</strong></li></ol><p>The best way to build a brand is to design, develop, and manufacture products in your own facility. However, private labeling can still work. Even Nike sources its products in bulk from credible partners to add its brand and sell them. When you’ve built a brand reputation, it becomes easier to add new product lines. Private labeling enables a cost-effective way to build a brand. You can either add your brand label when you receive products from manufacturers or request them for custom-design labeling.</p><ol start="4"><li><strong> Brand Equity and Customer Loyalty</strong></li></ol><p>A unique brand will set you apart in the market from competitors and allow you to strengthen brand equity. As more customers share their positive reviews of your brand, you improve visibility and attract more customers. If your product is highly preferred, you will begin to gain customer loyalty for your brand. This will improve the chances of success for new product lines you’ll launch in the future.</p><p><strong>Disadvantages of Private-Label Branding</strong></p><p>There are a few disadvantages of private-label branding. However, as long as you make good strategic and financial decisions, you should be able to stay profitable and grow your business.</p><ol><li><strong> Minimum Order Quantity</strong></li></ol><p>Most manufacturers require a minimum order quantity (MOQ) for private-label products. If you have the financial resources to meet the minimum order quantity, you will not have any problems. However, small businesses and startup companies may struggle to meet the <a href="/the-importance-of-quantity-discounts-in-wholesale/">order quantity</a> requirements. If you’re not able to meet the minimum order requirement, try negotiating with the supplier to see if an exception can be made or if you can pay a little extra for each unit.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Unsold Inventory</strong></li></ol><p>Unlike branded products that can be sold at a small discount if goods remain unsold, private-label products require huge discounts to clear shelves. The higher minimum order quantity can result in stale inventory. Hence, it is important for sellers to conduct market research to understand the demand for products before buying in bulk from manufacturers.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Lack of Trust</strong></li></ol><p>Initially, private-label brands lack the trust of customers. They need positive reviews from early customers and work on marketing and customer experience to build trust. It can take years and decades to build brand loyalty and trust.</p><ol start="4"><li><strong> Manufacturer Dependence</strong></li></ol><p>As a seller, you can get dependent on a manufacturer and fail to get promised deliveries on time during a peak season. Also, your preferred manufacturer’s business failure will affect your business. Hence, it is important for sellers to have a list of manufacturers to work with, that have a proven track record of success.</p><p> </p><p>If you’re a private-label brand looking to sell wholesale online to verified buyers from 100+ countries around the world, <a href="/sell-wholesale/">register for a seller account</a> on Strade. We are revolutionizing the global wholesale market by making it easy to set up your store on our marketplace to receive orders and sell products. Grow your business with Strade and avail benefits such as safe escrow-like online payments, integrated shipping, and payments deposited in your currency.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-private-label-branding/">Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Label Branding</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>How to Save Packaging Cost as a Wholesaler?</title> <link>https://strade.global/how-to-save-packaging-cost-as-a-wholesaler/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Strade]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2021 21:43:57 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Shipping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[packaging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[shipping]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://strade.global/?p=124073</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/how-to-save-packaging-cost-as-a-wholesaler/">How to Save Packaging Cost as a Wholesaler?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>There is a lot riding on the packaging as a wholesaler. Your packages may have to travel thousands of miles via air, sea, and land. There are going to be different environmental conditions as your package moves from your warehouse to the customer’s destination. Your packages will be subjected to extreme temperatures and rough handling. After the transit that can take days to weeks, you want the customer who opens the package to expect the product to be intact and flawless, just the way it was packed.</p><p>The magic lies in optimal and efficient packaging. While wholesalers can get away with standard boxes and void fillers for some time, the opportunity cost of ignoring optimized packaging is hard to ignore in the long run. Also, efficient packaging lines and warehouse operations make a world of difference and add to the savings in packaging costs.</p><p>Your packaging is the first thing that a customer notices when they buy from you. The first impression matters a lot. Not only because it delights the customer, but because it can lead to repeat purchases and new customers through recommendations. Poor packaging that results in product damages leads to returns, refunds, and in the worst case, bad reviews that can hurt your business.</p><p>Knowing that packaging is important and not to be ignored, here are 5 ways to save packaging costs as a wholesaler.</p><ol><li><strong> Research All Options</strong></li></ol><p>The packaging needs of every wholesaler are different. Depending on the products you’re selling, you can choose from various packaging materials such as cardboard, plastic, and paper. There are also stuffing materials you have to consider based on your requirements. You have to research all options to choose the most efficient way to ship your products. Remember, standard-size boxes are easier to source. But that doesn’t make them efficient for shipments.</p><p>Most wholesalers will benefit from custom packaging for their products. Since dimensional weight is calculated for shipments, you can save costs by using packages that hug your products. For example, if you’re a clothing wholesaler, you can use vacuum sealers to compress clothing to ship in bags and mailers instead of large boxes.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Improve Assembly and Packing Time</strong></li></ol><p>The improvement in your assembly and packing time has an impact on the packaging cost. You need an efficient system for quickly assembling and packing products. Workers spend a lot of time packing and sealing boxes with packaging tape to ensure that the product is secure. While assembling and filling the boxes happens quickly, packing can slow down the entire process.</p><p>To improve packing time, you can look into alternative ways to pack boxes. If you have to use boxes, consider using boxes that need less tape or have a self-locking mechanism. This will reduce the packing time that can be utilized to pack more or take care of other assembly work.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Use Custom-sized Packaging</strong></li></ol><p>When your business grows, one of the problems you’ll come across is sourcing packaging quickly. Many businesses can struggle with this and choose standard-size boxes based on their easier availability.</p><p>However, standard boxes can be oversized for some of your products. You do not want to end up paying for an oversized box with a small product. You are leaving money on the table that can be used in other areas of your business when opting for standard-size boxes.</p><p>When you use a box that is specifically designed for your product, you can save costs by making better use of the space. Your package can take the form of your product or it can have custom inserts for efficient packaging that eliminates the need for using void fillers to protect the product during transit.</p><ol start="4"><li><strong> Automate and Optimize Processes</strong></li></ol><p>Highly optimized processes at your warehouse will reduce the time needed for packing and result in better packages. When you have an established process and operate smoothly, try to optimize the process and automate a few things. Remember, do not do this when you’re in a shopping season or under any time constraint. You need to test out processes to optimize them only when you have the luxury of time on your side.</p><p>Start by analyzing your current inventory of product packages. Next, group together similar items. Finally, identify and group infrequently used packaging materials. The goal is to create highly optimized packaging lines.</p><p>Try to automate manual processes wherever possible with machines. The use of machinery gives precision and perfectly packaged products with reduced chances for damage. With automation, you can increase the output, reduce workplace injuries, and enhance brand reputation.</p><ol start="5"><li><strong> Reduce the Number of Suppliers</strong></li></ol><p>The packaging industry is continuously getting better with newer innovations and smart packing solutions. Eco-friendly packaging and 3D printing for package design are improved along with better solutions being researched. As a wholesaler, you should be changing your packaging when a new and more efficient packaging method becomes available.</p><p>To save costs and be ahead of the game, you need to be agile to switch to newer packaging methods. By working with fewer packaging suppliers, you can conveniently test and switch to better packaging options.</p><p>You do not want to be stuck in a system where you source corrugated cardboards from one supplier, bubble wraps from another, custom-sized boxes from yet another, and so on. When you’re working with fewer suppliers, it’s easier to communicate across the board and switch to more durable and lightweight packaging options.</p><p>If you’re looking to sell your products to customers from 100+ countries around the world, <a href="/sell-wholesale/">register for a seller account on Strade</a>. At Strade, we are revolutionizing the wholesale marketplace by simplifying trade across borders. As a wholesale seller, you get to enjoy benefits such as verified buyers, safe escrow-like payments, integrated shipping, and payments deposited in your currency.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/how-to-save-packaging-cost-as-a-wholesaler/">How to Save Packaging Cost as a Wholesaler?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Domestic vs International Trade: 5 Key Differences</title> <link>https://strade.global/domestic-vs-international-trade-5-key-differences/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Strade]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2021 16:32:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Importing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wholesale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[domestic trade]]></category> <category><![CDATA[international trade]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://strade.global/?p=118882</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/domestic-vs-international-trade-5-key-differences/">Domestic vs International Trade: 5 Key Differences</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>Ever since the rise of human civilization, we have been involved in trades. It started with the barter system of exchanging goods and services. With the advent of currencies, we have started using money in our trades with other people. As technology has opened new routes for trading on a global scale, we are witnessing large-scale organizations and individuals involved in buying and selling products and services in domestic and international markets.</p><p>While the essence of trade remains the same, there are differences when it comes to domestic and international trade. A wholesale business that has been operating in a domestic market will need to understand the nuances of international trade while expanding operations overseas. Understanding the differences between markets will ensure businesses make the best use of the unlocked new opportunities while expanding and serving more customers in different markets.</p><h2><strong>What is Domestic Trade?</strong></h2><p>Domestic trade is the exchange of goods and services within the borders of a country. These trades can either be wholesale or retail. In wholesale trades, you may be involved in buying goods in large quantities from a local manufacturer and distributing it to businesses within your country.</p><p>Domestic trades have fewer regulations when compared to international trades. Since the trades happen within the country, a lot of aspects can be controlled by the local government. An example of domestic trade is a fashion clothing wholesaler buying in large quantities from a local manufacturer and selling them to stores within the country.</p><h2><strong>What is International Trade?</strong></h2><p>International trade is the exchange of goods and services between two entities across international borders. The world has rapidly grown due to international trade. By selling products that are naturally abundant or easier to make in one country and buying products that are naturally scarcer or difficult to make in the country, consumers in the country can enjoy the best of what other countries have to offer.</p><p>International trade has contributed to the growth of global economies. Countries like China that are global suppliers of electronics and clothing have grown their economies and improved the quality of life of their people. Global trades have led to improved employment, better innovation, increased productivity, and higher efficiency.</p><p>Traders who venture into foreign markets can grow their businesses and make them more profitable. The changing domestic market trends will not affect the business and it will no longer be dependent on a single market. Political, social, and economic downturns will not have a major impact on the business if it is diversified globally.</p><p>An example of international trade is a fashion clothing wholesaler who not only supplies to domestic businesses but also to businesses in international locations. If there were political and economic factors that trouble the wholesaler locally, he can shift his focus to the international market and not suffer a significant drop in sales.</p><h3><strong>5 Key Differences Between Domestic and International Trade</strong></h3><p>International trades are complicated but they can be extremely rewarding. Here are five key differences that separate domestic and international trades.</p><ol><li><strong> Operational Area</strong></li></ol><p>Domestic trade is restricted to areas and happens within one country. Meanwhile, international trade is open and spread around the globe.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Policies and Regulations</strong></li></ol><p>Domestic trades have fewer policies and regulations. This is because all the trade activities fall under the authority of one government. Meanwhile, international trades have a lot of policies, regulations, taxation laws, and tariffs. Different products have different tariffs and rules that have to be met in order for the trade to be successful. Failure to meet policies and guidelines by any one country will result in the product not being shipped or refused to be cleared by customs.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Transportation and Logistics</strong></li></ol><p>There are complications involved in shipping and transportation in international trades. They are inherently risky and the complexity of Incoterms, established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), can be challenging for importers and exporters. Meanwhile, domestic trades do not have major transportation and logistical challenges.</p><ol start="4"><li><strong> Market Research</strong></li></ol><p>It is far easier and more accurate to conduct market research when your business deals with domestic customers. Cultural and social differences act as barriers to effective market research and targeting of international customers.</p><ol start="5"><li><strong> Currencies</strong></li></ol><p>Domestic trades involve the local currency for all transactions. However, international trades can include multiple currencies and the fluctuations in exchange rates can impact the profitability of your business.</p><p>While international trades are filled with regulations and challenges, optimizing your strategy can deliver better results and higher profits. There is no reason why you should not expand to international markets. You can leverage better margins and reach more customers by entering overseas markets.</p><p><a href="/">Strade</a> can allow you to easily expand your business overseas. You can buy and sell wholesale to verified individuals and businesses from 100+ countries around the world. Strade is building a global wholesale online marketplace that has unique products from global vendors with benefits like safe escrow-like payments, global shipping, and cashback rewards.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/domestic-vs-international-trade-5-key-differences/">Domestic vs International Trade: 5 Key Differences</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>5 Common B2B Sales Challenges You Should Overcome</title> <link>https://strade.global/5-common-b2b-sales-challenges-you-should-overcome/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Strade]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2021 17:09:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Wholesale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[overcoming business challenges]]></category> <category><![CDATA[retaining customers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[value proposition]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://strade.global/?p=117756</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/5-common-b2b-sales-challenges-you-should-overcome/">5 Common B2B Sales Challenges You Should Overcome</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>When you’re in the B2B business, one of the most difficult responsibilities you’ll have as a business owner is overcoming sales challenges. Marketing your products effectively to the target market and expecting sales to naturally flow does not work in B2B. There are multiple touchpoints required and you have to be on top of your sales game to convert customers. Since there are many decision-makers involved in B2B purchases, it is more difficult to build consensus and engage with multiple stakeholders.</p><p>However, it is not impossible to have an effective sales process in place that reliably converts prospects into customers. When you understand the common challenges you’ll face in B2B sales, you can set up a process to tackle and overcome them.</p><p>Here are the 5 common B2B sales challenges you should overcome.</p><ol><li><strong> Value Proposition</strong></li></ol><p>For every unique product in the market, there are ten other similar products. This can be highly confusing for customers, especially if they’re not sure of what they want. Your role in sales is to effectively position yourself as the best choice for your customers by answering their pain points and differentiating yourself from the competition.</p><p>You have to understand the needs of your customers to clearly explain your value proposition. Start by knowing more about their industries and common problems. You can effectively sell your products to your customers when you know more about them and their problems. This will allow you to position yourself better to meet their unique needs.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Marketing Materials</strong></li></ol><p>In the age of the internet, most of the research happens <a href="https://emtemp.gcom.cloud/ngw/globalassets/en/sales-service/documents/trends/win-more-b2b-sales-deals.pdf">without any help from sales representatives</a>. There is plenty of information available online for customers to compare and choose the best products for themselves. It is therefore important as a B2B seller to provide as much content as possible for customers to make an informed decision. Content can be in the form of blogs, reviews, case studies, etc. Anything that gives you an edge over the competition when the customer is researching your products will enable them to consider your offering.</p><p>When you provide information that allows customers to make good decisions, you’ll gain their trust that increases the chances for a sale. Create content for each stage of the buying journey to make sure your customers have a detailed understanding of your product without needing the help of a salesperson.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Ineffective Sales Pipeline</strong></li></ol><p>Your sales pipeline has to be solid and highly effective when working with business customers. Any leaks in your sales process can lead to a huge loss in revenue from missed opportunities. Since the size of the purchases are much larger and associations are much longer in B2B when compared to B2C, it is important that your sales team is effective when handling leads.</p><p>When your marketing materials have convinced customers to shortlist your business and be open for a trade relationship, your salespeople should ensure the leads convert. This is possible when the sales team is solely focused on serving more customers instead of spending a lot of time on administrative tasks and research.</p><ol start="4"><li><strong> Long Buying Cycle</strong></li></ol><p>The buying cycle for B2B sales can be longer. It may take months before a buyer makes the decision to purchase your products. This is because businesses take the time to analyze and compare offerings to choose the best choice for them. While it may feel time-consuming to deal with multiple executives from the buyer’s business on the way to closing the deal, it is more than worth it in the end. B2B customers are looking for sellers whom they can work with on a long-term basis.</p><p>Your sales team should not be discouraged by the time it takes for buyers to make their decision. Instead, your team should be trained to address the problems of the customers so that even if the deal fails to materialize, the customer knows that there is a reliable seller in the market that can be trusted in the future.</p><ol start="5"><li><strong> Retaining Customers</strong></li></ol><p>B2B sellers should focus more on retaining existing customers. Most businesses that are looking for sellers are interested in long-term partnerships. It is far easier and more profitable to retain existing customers than to constantly look for new customers. Only in the event of customers looking for short-term relationships or going out of business should B2B sellers lose customers.</p><p>It is important to make B2B buyers feel satisfied and valued that they don’t have any reason to look for better prospects besides you. Retaining existing customers is a valuable business for you that takes significantly lesser time, resources, and energy than trying to sell to new customers.</p><p>B2B sales are challenging and can feel unrewarding at times. You need to expand your sales channels so that customers naturally find your products and choose you over your competition. At <a href="/">Strade</a>, we offer wholesale sellers the platform to showcase their products to buyers from 100+ countries around the world. The intuitive e-commerce interface allows your buyers to check your products and reviews to instantly place orders online without going through extensive sales processes typical of B2B sales. There are a lot of benefits offered by Strade for sellers including safe escrow-type online payments, integrated shipping, and payments deposited in your currency.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/5-common-b2b-sales-challenges-you-should-overcome/">5 Common B2B Sales Challenges You Should Overcome</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Local Sourcing vs Global Sourcing: How to Choose For Your Business</title> <link>https://strade.global/local-sourcing-vs-global-sourcing-how-to-choose-for-your-business/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Strade]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2021 18:32:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Importing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wholesale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[global sourcing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[importing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[local sourcing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://strade.global/?p=112888</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/local-sourcing-vs-global-sourcing-how-to-choose-for-your-business/">Local Sourcing vs Global Sourcing: How to Choose For Your Business</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>When you’re looking for a manufacturer or supplier of raw materials and goods, you have the option to source locally and globally. Depending on your business and customer needs, you can choose local sourcing or global sourcing, or a combination of both. There are pros and cons to both sourcing models and you will have to take into account factors such as quality, cost, timing, and technical details to make an informed decision. By considering all the factors, you can get a more accurate analysis of the sourcing model that suits your business.</p><p>The prevailing sense is that domestic sourcing works best if you need more control over goods, special customizations, and faster delivery times. Meanwhile, international sourcing works best when you need cheaper products. While these ideas are true, they are oversimplifications that should not be the basis for making strategic decisions.</p><p>Depending on the nature of your business, you should compare and analyze factors that are key decision drivers. Let us understand local and global sourcing in detail to understand how to choose to source for your business.</p><h2><strong>What is Local Sourcing?</strong></h2><p>Local sourcing is the sourcing of goods and materials from manufacturers and suppliers within your home country. Instead of dealing with the intricacies of international trade, you choose to source from local manufacturers.</p><p>While sourcing your products locally can seem to be cost-effective, it is usually not the case. The unavailability of resources and higher production costs can lead to increased operating expenses. If your priority is cheap products, you’re better off sourcing them internationally. However, if you need quick turnarounds, better quality control, and customizations, domestic sourcing will be ideal for your business.</p><h3><strong>Advantages and Disadvantages of Local Sourcing</strong></h3><p>Local sourcing has its advantages and disadvantages. By knowing what to expect when you’re sourcing from within your home country, you can strategically make good decisions.</p><h3><strong>Advantages of Local Sourcing</strong></h3><p>Sourcing products from local manufacturers and suppliers has its benefits. You may realize that it is the best sourcing strategy for your business and that you don’t need to rely on international suppliers.</p><p>Some of the main advantages of local sourcing include:</p><ul><li>Increased reputation in the local community due to good PR.</li><li>Ability to travel to suppliers to check the development, management, and quality control processes.</li><li>Shorter supply chains for faster and more predictable product delivery times.</li><li>Easier management, coordination, and customization options.</li></ul><h3><strong>Disadvantages of Local Sourcing</strong></h3><p>Despite being able to support the local community by sourcing products from local manufacturers, sometimes local sourcing is not profitable. Since each country has its own naturally abundant resources and skilled laborers, you have to look overseas for high-quality and cheap products.</p><p>Some of the big disadvantages of local sourcing include:</p><ul><li>Inability to find high-quality products at the best prices within the home country.</li><li>Lack of skilled laborers with expertise in the manufacturing process.</li><li>Lesser flexibility to change to innovative and new processes for improved product quality.</li></ul><h2><strong>What is Global Sourcing?</strong></h2><p>Global sourcing is the sourcing of goods and products from different countries around the world. You choose to buy products from businesses in countries known to manufacture the goods you need.</p><p>International suppliers and manufacturers can supply raw materials and goods at cheaper prices than domestic suppliers. For example, fashion businesses in the United States source their garments from resource-rich East and Southeast Asian countries like China and Vietnam. While you can get better prices for your products, global sourcing can be complex and require a good understanding of international regulations combined with careful process management to generate a healthy profit.</p><h3><strong>Advantages and Disadvantages of Global Sourcing</strong></h3><p>Global sourcing requires experience and expertise to be sustainable and successful. You have to sacrifice the convenience of local sourcing for better profit margins.</p><h3><strong>Advantages of Global Sourcing</strong></h3><p>Global sourcing is beneficial for various reasons. You get high-quality products at better prices from many reputable manufacturers and suppliers worldwide.</p><p>Some of the advantages of global sourcing are:</p><ul><li>Access to unique and hard-to-find products.</li><li>Access to a wide pool of suppliers worldwide for increased options.</li><li>Access to a wide range of products manufactured from materials not available locally.</li><li>Substantial cost savings for improved profit margins on sales.</li></ul><h3><strong>Disadvantages of Global Sourcing</strong></h3><p>Global sourcing has some disadvantages that you should be aware of when you’re finalizing your suppliers. The complex processes involved in cross-border trade combined with geopolitical tensions can be detrimental for businesses relying heavily on global sourcing.</p><p>Some of the disadvantages of global sourcing are:</p><ul><li>Different industrial and technical standards for products that may not comply with your home country’s requirements.</li><li>Import restrictions and regulations including quotas and tariffs.</li><li>Time-consuming cross-border processes requiring various documents.</li><li>Geopolitical tensions and instability leading to delays and temporary pauses in operations.</li></ul><p>There is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to sourcing products for your business. We suggest you work with more than one supplier and expand your options to not have a single point of failure if something goes wrong. A hybrid model can work where you can have your main supplier and backup supplier from different parts of the globe. The main supplier can be from an international location while the backup supplier can be from your home country.</p><p>At the end of the day, customer satisfaction should be the top priority and you should set up suppliers so that you don’t have a single point of failure in your sourcing process. If you’re looking to buy wholesale from verified suppliers from 100+ countries around the world, <a href="/buy-wholesale/">register for a buyer account on Strade</a>. We are revolutionizing global wholesale trade and offer features including an intuitive shopping interface, safe escrow-like payments, and convenient shipping options for our buyers.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/local-sourcing-vs-global-sourcing-how-to-choose-for-your-business/">Local Sourcing vs Global Sourcing: How to Choose For Your Business</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>5 Reasons Why You Should Work with a Customs Broker</title> <link>https://strade.global/5-reasons-why-you-should-work-with-a-customs-broker/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Strade]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jul 2021 16:33:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Importing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Shipping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[customs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[customs broker]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://strade.global/?p=110286</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/5-reasons-why-you-should-work-with-a-customs-broker/">5 Reasons Why You Should Work with a Customs Broker</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>When you’re dealing in international trade, there are a lot of processes involved in moving your goods. As an importer, you need to understand the import rules and regulations while adapting to them as they change. Clearing goods through customs requires you to spend a lot of time, money, and effort mastering the clearance process. However, this is not always possible when you’re in charge of a business and need to focus on growing and expanding your business. To ensure smooth operations, you need professional help from an expert who can handle customs clearance for you.</p><p>By working with a customs broker, you can save a lot of time and money. The complexities of navigating cross-border trade become easier when you’re working with an experienced professional. A licensed customs broker can benefit you immensely and allow you to spend more time on important things that make a difference.</p><p><strong>What is a Customs Broker?</strong></p><p>A customs broker is an expert who specializes in customs clearance. They specialize in the laws, regulations, and tariffs of imported and exported goods. A licensed broker can assist you to clear your goods through customs without difficulties. The customs broker will prepare the required documentation for taxes, payment duties, and other charges so that your goods are not held up during the customs clearance process.</p><p>It is hard to track all the changes in the requirements for documents needed for clearance and hence it is important to work with a customs broker. They are responsible for professionally preparing all documents and evidence so that your goods are not held or confiscated by the customs officer. As a business owner, the last thing you need is to have your goods stuck at the customs clearance for not submitting the required documents.</p><p><strong>5 Reasons Why You Should Work with a Customs Broker</strong></p><p>If you depend on international shipments for your business, you need a customs broker to help you clear your shipments at the border for smooth operations.</p><p>Here are 5 reasons why you should work with a customs broker.</p><ol><li><strong> Convenience of working with a single person</strong></li></ol><p>One of the biggest advantages of working with a customs broker is that you have one person to get in touch with for all your queries regarding customs clearance. You don’t have to deal with many government agencies for requirements for documents. Instead, you can get in touch with your customs broker to know the documents required, the status of the shipments, and when customs clearance is expected.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Clearing goods without additional stress</strong></li></ol><p>There is no need to lose your mind over not submitting documents or feel the last-minute rush when customs demand more documents for clearing goods. There are a lot of things involved in clearing goods and it is extremely difficult to reliably manage the clearing process and focus on your business. Save the time and additional stress by hiring a licensed and reliable customs broker who can give you peace of mind that your shipments will clear the customs process without delays.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Avoid unwanted costs and fines</strong></li></ol><p>Mistakes happen all the time in customs clearance. There are fines and additional charges for not submitting required documents on time and errors in submitted documents. You can save yourself the additional costs and fines by working with a good customs broker. They will ensure that your shipments don’t get stuck at ports and will help you avoid overpaying VAT and duty charges.</p><ol start="4"><li><strong> Classification of goods</strong></li></ol><p>All products have their own classification and each classification has its separate duties and tariffs. A customs broker will have updated knowledge on all the classifications for products and help you to declare the correct classification for your goods. For all products imported into the United States, the tariff is according to the classification of products set by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). You can save the time and effort needed to find the exact classification of goods when you’re working with an experienced customs broker.</p><ol start="5"><li><strong> Stay up-to-date with the latest regulations</strong></li></ol><p>Customs regulations are different in different countries and they constantly change. An expert customs broker will be updated on the latest regulations and procedures when it comes to international shipping. You will get the best information and guidance on complying with regulations and reducing tariffs based on the products you’re importing. For example, if you’re dealing with food products and medicines, there are many regulation changes you have to constantly adapt to. These regulations are from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A licensed customs broker will allow you to stay up-to-date with all the latest regulations and to stay compliant with your imports.</p><p>Whether you’re dealing with air freight or sea freight, you need a reliable customs broker who can clear your goods with ease and without delays. You will save a lot of headaches when you’re working with a competent customs broker who can make the process easier and guide you to make the right choices for clearing shipments and reducing tariffs.</p><p>If you’re an importer looking to import high-quality goods from verified sellers from 100+ countries around the world, <a href="/buy-wholesale/">register for a buyer account on Strade</a>. You can buy wholesale from manufacturers and distributors globally while enjoying benefits like convenient online orders, safe escrow-like payments, and tracked shipping.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/5-reasons-why-you-should-work-with-a-customs-broker/">5 Reasons Why You Should Work with a Customs Broker</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Air Freight vs Sea Freight: How to Choose</title> <link>https://strade.global/air-freight-vs-sea-freight-how-to-choose/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Strade]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:09:34 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Shipping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Air Freight vs Sea Freight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[air shipping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[boat shipping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sea freight]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://strade.global/?p=109133</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/air-freight-vs-sea-freight-how-to-choose/">Air Freight vs Sea Freight: How to Choose</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>When you’re importing goods internationally, you have to decide whether air freight or sea freight will be the right option for you. There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing the best shipping option. You’ll need to consider the size and weight of the goods, type of goods, and the country you’re shipping from to make a good choice.</p><p>Arriving at the ideal shipment choice can take some time. You need to strategically think before deciding the best option as making the right choice can result in increased efficiency and saving cost.</p><p>Let us understand what air freight and sea freight are and how to choose between them.</p><p><strong>What is Air Freight?</strong></p><p>Air freight is transporting goods by air. When you’re importing goods from an international supplier by air, your goods will be shipped on an airplane to your destination. Air freight is usually much faster than sea freight and more suitable if you need shorter delivery times. On the other hand, air freight tends to be more expensive than shipping by the sea.</p><p><strong>Benefits of Air Freight</strong></p><ul><li>Fast and reliable international shipments</li><li>Low insurance premiums</li><li>Higher security and reduced risk of damages</li><li>Ability to track goods in transit</li><li>Ability to receive goods from anywhere in the world</li></ul><p>Goods that are expensive and smaller in size are usually shipped via air. Since air freight is reliable and fast, the buyer benefits from using it for high-value shipments.</p><p><strong>What is Sea Freight?</strong></p><p>Sea freight or ocean freight is transporting goods by the sea. As a buyer, you should work with a freight forwarder or third-party logistics provider when importing goods via cargo ships. Sea freight is ideally suited for importing large packages and when shipping times are not a major concern. You can ship a large number of goods for relatively cheaper prices by shipping via sea.</p><p><strong>Benefits of Sea Freight</strong></p><ul><li>Suitable for large shipments internationally</li><li>More affordable than air freight for medium and large quantities</li><li>Ideal for shipping bulk or high-volume orders</li></ul><p>When you need to import a large shipment and do not have time constrain, shipping by sea is the better choice for you. By working with a freight forwarder or third-party logistics company, you can ensure smooth operations when importing internationally.</p><p><strong>Factors to Consider When Choosing Air Freight vs Sea Freight</strong></p><p>There are tradeoffs to consider when choosing between air freight and sea freight. Depending on the factors that are most important to you, your ideal choice of shipment can vary.</p><p>Here are the four main factors to consider when choosing your shipment mode.</p><ol><li><strong> Speed</strong></li></ol><p>If you want faster shipment times and do not want to wait for weeks or months for your shipment to arrive, you’re better off going for air freight. You will get your shipments a lot faster when you ship them via air You will receive your goods in one to two days for most international shipments in comparison to weeks/months taken by sea freight.</p><p>However, you have to understand that it can be very expensive to ship large packages by air. Only if it is absolutely necessary, choose to ship large packages by air. Otherwise, air shipments work best for small packages.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Cost</strong></li></ol><p>Sea freight is much cheaper than air freight in most cases. Since shipments are billed by container, there is a flat fee per full standard container (20’ x 40’) which makes sea shipments ideal for shipping large packages. Meanwhile, air freight uses chargeable weight as a metric for billing. Chargeable weight is calculated by combining the weight and size of the shipment.</p><p>When you’re using sea freight, it makes sense to make use of a third-party logistics company if you’re new to international imports. There are inventory costs, warehousing fees, etc., that will be handled efficiently by a good third-party logistics provider.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Reliability</strong></li></ol><p>Air freight is more reliable than sea freight. There are a lot of factors that can reduce the speed of sea freight and disrupt normal operations. It takes a lot of time for sea carriers to realign and resume smooth operations. Meanwhile, even though airplanes are delayed due to weather conditions, there are usually a lot of airplanes operating regularly between major cities around the world that rescheduling air freight is a lot easier and the slight delays that can happen are usually not noticed.</p><ol start="4"><li><strong> Environmental Concerns</strong></li></ol><p>The growing concerns for reducing carbon emissions and taking more responsibility for caring for the planet have made a lot of importers prefer sea freight over air freight. CO2 emissions are much lower in ocean freight than air freight. Importers can leave a much smaller carbon footprint by opting for shipments by the sea. However, the environmental concerns due to oil spills on water bodies hold back sea freight from being the ideal solution for lesser environmental impact.</p><p>As an importer, it is important to understand the factors that matter the most to you when shipping goods. By understanding your requirements, you can choose the best shipping mode for international shipments. If you’re looking for the best shipment rates while working with wholesale sellers from 100+ countries around the world, <a href="/buy-wholesale/">sign up for a buyer account on Strade</a>. Wholesale trades are a lot more simplified on Strade and there are many benefits you enjoy including different shipping options (air/sea/truck), verified manufacturers/distributors, safe escrow-like payments, and tracked international shipments.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/air-freight-vs-sea-freight-how-to-choose/">Air Freight vs Sea Freight: How to Choose</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>5 Tips to Prevent Supply Chain Disruption</title> <link>https://strade.global/5-tips-to-prevent-supply-chain-disruption/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Strade]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:08:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Retail]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Shipping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wholesale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[supply chain disruption]]></category> <category><![CDATA[supply chain managment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wholesale]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://strade.global/?p=108751</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/5-tips-to-prevent-supply-chain-disruption/">5 Tips to Prevent Supply Chain Disruption</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>A disruption in your supply chain can have significant impacts on multiple areas of your business. To ensure that operations remain smooth and your buyers receive their goods without any delays and quality issues, you have to maintain a robust supply chain. While there are a lot of moving parts in a supply chain and that disruptions can occasionally happen, you have to make sure that you learn from supply chain disruptions to not make the same mistake twice. These disruptions can be costly and impact your reputation and bottom line.</p><p>Let us understand what a supply chain disruption is, the types of supply chain disruptions, and how you can prevent them.</p><p><strong>What is a Supply Chain Disruption?</strong></p><p>Supply chain disruption can be defined as a breakdown during the production or distribution phase that can affect the normal flow of operations. These disruptions can be caused by external factors and internal factors. External factors like natural disasters, machine breakdowns, and fire outbreaks can disrupt the supply chain. Meanwhile, internal factors like quality concerns can interfere in the production and distribution of goods.</p><p>When a supply chain disruption happens, it can increase the production and distribution cost, reduce productivity, and affect shipping and logistics. Your customers may or may not realize a supply chain distribution. If you know that your customers may be affected due to an interruption of processes at your end, either by having to wait longer to receive their goods or not being able to avail the regular discounts, you have to share with them the issue you’re facing and how you’re working hard to resolve it at the earliest. There is nothing that beats authentic and regular communication with your buyers.</p><h2><strong>Types of Supply Chain Disruptions</strong></h2><p>Supply chain disruptions vary in probability and severity. It is important to know the types of disruptions that can happen to position yourself better to avoid them or reduce their impact on your business.</p><ol><li><strong> Natural Disasters</strong></li></ol><p>While the probability of natural disasters is less, you have to take them into consideration if the supplier you are dealing with is present in a geographical location prone to disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, etc.</p><p>The Japan earthquake in 2011 is an example of how a natural disaster can disrupt and halt the supply chain of businesses around the globe. The nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant as a result of the earthquake crippled the global economy and affected many businesses. Such disasters are a stark reminder of the emergency measures needed to reduce the severity of supply chain disruptions.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Pandemics</strong></li></ol><p>A global pandemic can wreak havoc on the supply chain. The recent COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for many businesses unprepared for disruption on a global scale. The businesses with suppliers from China suffered the most as global trade was badly affected. The massive supply chain problem for health supplies impacted the lives of millions of people around the world.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Transportation and Logistics Failures</strong></li></ol><p>As trade has become more international, there is an increased strain on many international and domestic trade routes. An overreliance on certain routes can lead to congestions and delays in the delivery of goods to consumers. The geopolitical factors also play a role in the smooth movement of supplies by land, sea, and air.</p><ol start="4"><li><strong> Quality Concerns</strong></li></ol><p>The issues with products at any stage during production can cause supply chain disruptions. You do not want to ship sub-par quality products to your buyers and hence need extra time to ensure the highest quality of goods before shipment. Giving more attention to quality control and management is vital to prevent quality concerns.</p><ol start="5"><li><strong> Price Fluctuations</strong></li></ol><p>Price fluctuations for essential and raw materials required to manufacture products can have an impact on profitability. There are a number of factors that can cause price fluctuations of essential supplies and you need to take them into consideration to avoid supply chain disruptions.</p><p><strong>5 Tips to Prevent Supply Chain Disruption</strong></p><p>To ensure that your supply chain remains strong and able to withstand disruptions, you must put in place a good strategy to manage eventualities. While there may be a lot of things that need improvement to prevent almost all supply chain disruptions, you have to focus on the major disruptions that can happen to your supply chain and devise a strategy to mitigate and overcome them.</p><ol><li><strong> Create an Emergency Plan</strong></li></ol><p>You need to have an emergency plan in place to avoid surprises that can put you in a bad spot running your business. Take the time to evaluate the entire supply chain and create a backup plan with a reserved emergency budget to give you room to think and come up with innovative ways to tackle the problem.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Build Your Inventory</strong></li></ol><p>You need to have a stockpile of essential supplies and/or finished goods for several months to ensure that your business is not affected in case of a severe disruption of trade. Always plan for the worst-case scenario so that you are prepared even if the worst situation presents itself.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Diversify Your Suppliers</strong></li></ol><p>Similar to diversifying your investments so that you are not entirely hurt when one of your investments does not yield expected returns, you need to diversify your suppliers across geographical locations so that if there is a disruption of services in one location, you can rely on suppliers from other locations.</p><p>The COVID-19 pandemic made businesses consider diversifying their suppliers since they saw that their suppliers in China could not fulfill deliveries as borders were closed and international trade was affected. If possible, try to maintain connections with a few local suppliers as you can reliably depend on them in case you have trouble accessing your international supplier base.</p><p>Use <a href="/">Strade</a> to find suppliers from around the globe who can process your orders and deliver goods to you at the best prices along with a myriad of other benefits.</p><ol start="4"><li><strong> Conduct Supply Chain Vulnerability Audits</strong></li></ol><p>You need to understand your supply chain to identify potential weak spots that can be troublesome if left unattended. While supply chain vulnerability audits can take time, it is essential that you do regular audits to understand the health of your supply chain and be better prepared to tackle problems that can disrupt your supply chain.</p><ol start="5"><li><strong> Partner with a Logistics Expert</strong></li></ol><p>A logistics expert can be hugely helpful when disruptions happen. A highly skilled supply chain expert can allow you to continue fulfilling your orders when the primary solutions do not work as a result of a major disruption. With the expertise of a fulfillment partner, you can understand how to deal with disruptions and navigate better to serve your buyers.</p><p>Supply chain disruptions have an impact on all operations of your business and you need to avoid and manage them effectively to continue shipping goods and meeting the needs of your customers. As you work on creating an emergency plan and adding more suppliers for backup, consider using Strade to streamline your entire wholesale business. Strade allows you to buy and sell wholesale with a lot of benefits including cashback rewards, safe online payments, integrated shipping, and payments deposited in your currency.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/5-tips-to-prevent-supply-chain-disruption/">5 Tips to Prevent Supply Chain Disruption</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>What is a Buyer Persona and Why Should You Create One</title> <link>https://strade.global/what-is-a-buyer-persona-and-why-should-you-create-one/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Strade]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2021 16:31:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Retail]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wholesale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wholesale Products]]></category> <category><![CDATA[buyer persona]]></category> <category><![CDATA[target marketing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://strade.global/?p=108343</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/what-is-a-buyer-persona-and-why-should-you-create-one/">What is a Buyer Persona and Why Should You Create One</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>Your ability to reach more qualified buyers and sell more products depends on your ability to find the right qualified buyers to focus your marketing efforts on. This begins with creating an ideal buyer persona for your business.</p><p>An ideal persona will be a person that you can envision buying your products. Every buyer person will have a personality and key characteristics that will enable you to understand their needs better and do business with them.</p><p>When you’re making use of buyer personas in your marketing strategy, you can get invaluable insights that can be used to further refine your personas and supercharge your sales.</p><h2><strong>What is a Buyer Persona?</strong></h2><p>A buyer persona is a research-based semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer. It is a description of the kind of customer who will find your product valuable and is more likely to buy from you.</p><p>As a B2B business, it is more important to fix your buyer personas to find more qualified leads and increase your sales. Almost all B2B sellers have a target market they want to sell to. This market includes customers with specific goals and needs. By understanding the specifics of your target customers, you can create a strong buyer persona that will aid in your marketing efforts.</p><h3><strong>Why Should You Create a Buyer Persona?</strong></h3><p>You should create a buyer persona for several reasons. We have compiled a list of 4 reasons why you should create a buyer persona.</p><p><strong>Reason #1 Better Understanding of Customers</strong></p><p>A buyer persona will allow you to have a better understanding of your customers. This will give you the information you need to know about them as a person. This includes their age, gender, marital status, children, location, education level, preferred social networks, role and position in the company, career goals, challenges and pain points, obstacles in making buying decisions, considerations, and more.</p><p>By understanding your customers, you can effectively market your products to them while solving their problems and removing any obstacles.</p><p><strong>Reason #2 Eliminating Negative Personas</strong></p><p>When you’re creating your ideal buyer persona, you can also create negative personas you should not be targeting in your marketing efforts.</p><p>This may be because selling to these customers is not a financially good decision and/or that you have to spend a lot of resources only to get below-average returns with them. Identifying negative personas as you build your buyer persona will let you focus better on your target customers and hence maximize your marketing results.</p><p><strong>Reason #3 Allows Internal Team to Understand Customers Better</strong></p><p>The buyer persona you create will be invaluable to your internal team when they are working with customers. For example, your sales team can use this information to identify with and target qualified customers for better conversions. They will have a good understanding of the ideal buyer and can also help refine your buyer persona as they work with more and more customers.</p><p>Similarly, for your customer support team, the buyer persona will give them a good idea of the kind of customers they will be dealing with in regards to complaints and queries. Your internal team will benefit a lot from knowing the kind of customers they will be working with.</p><p><strong>Reason #4 Influencing Decisions When Creating New Products and Services</strong></p><p>Understanding your buyers will influence your decisions when you’re creating new products and services. You will take into consideration the needs and goals of your buyers when making decisions. This will result in highly refined decisions that will benefit you and your customers.</p><p><strong>How Should You Create a Buyer Persona?</strong></p><p>Before we understand how to create a buyer persona, let us take a look at a sample buyer persona to understand an ideal buyer.</p><ul><li><strong>Name:</strong> Founder Jessica</li><li><strong>Gender:</strong> Female</li><li><strong>Age:</strong> 33</li><li><strong>Location:</strong> United States</li><li><strong>Marital Status:</strong> Married</li><li><strong>General Overview:</strong> Has 2 kids and loves to play with them when she is free. Enjoys connecting with family and friends on Facebook and Instagram. Uses LinkedIn for professional connections and business activities and Twitter for discussions and sharing thoughts.</li><li><strong>Role:</strong> Founder and CEO of a small-sized fashion label</li><li><strong>Goals:</strong> Wants to reduce the initial costs of her fashion label by finding suppliers that can provide quality textiles at competitive prices</li><li><strong>Challenges:</strong> Not good margins by buying textiles from local suppliers. Looking for international suppliers. However, is worried about quality and assurance in shipping.</li><li><strong>Buying Decision Influence:</strong> Ready to buy from international suppliers if she gets assurance on quality and shipping.</li></ul><p>Now that you know how a sample buyer persona looks like, you need the information to create your own buyer persona.</p><p>You can get this information from your internal team, your customers, and market research.</p><p>Let’s see how this is possible.</p><ol><li><strong> Internal Team</strong></li></ol><p>If you’re already in business and are selling products/services to buyers, you will have collected data regarding your customers, spread across different teams in your company. You will have to ask your internal team to share the information regarding the customers to get a good understanding of your ideal customers.</p><p>The sales team, customer support team, and marketing team will have data when put together will be very useful in understanding your target customers. For example, the sales team can share with you the kind of customers that tend to convert well. Meanwhile, the customer support team can share with you the common complaints and queries they receive from customers. The marketing team can tell you which platforms are most favorable to find your target customers.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Your Customers</strong></li></ol><p>Your existing and past customers are valuable resources. You can survey them using tools like Survey Monkey and Google Forms to know more about them, how they found your business, the challenges they faced, their motivations to buy, and what they consider could be done better to make the buying process smoother in the future.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Market Research</strong></li></ol><p>You can get invaluable data about your customers with market research using Google Analytics, CRM Software, Social Media, and more.</p><p>You should always cross-reference the data you’ve received from your internal team and your customers with the data from market research to remove any inconsistencies. This will refine your buyer persona and help you create the best buyer persona possible for targeting.</p><p>Google Analytics has a lot of data about customers visiting your website. You can get information like where they came from, how they found you, which pages on your website they visit the most, and other useful information.</p><p>CRM software like Salesforce will provide you with information that tells a lot about your customers. You can get vital information from your CRM analytics that covers every aspect of the buyer’s journey.</p><p>Social media platforms are highly preferred to gather useful information on your customers. Facebook Insights and Twitter Analytics are tools that can tell how people interact with your product. LinkedIn is very useful to get information on existing and new customers. A lot of professionals love sharing their roles, insights about the industry, successes, and challenges in their role on LinkedIn. You can even get to know the structure of companies by following the key decision-makers in the companies.</p><p>Once you’ve created a buyer persona, you will find it incredibly easy to channel your marketing activities to target highly qualified buyers. You may also find out that you need more than one buyer persona for your business. You can go ahead and create new buyer personas to efficiently target your customers. Remember, creating a buyer persona allows you to be more efficient in your marketing efforts to increase your sales and improve your growth.</p><p>At Strade, we have verified wholesale buyers from over 100 countries looking for the best products. You can register for a <a href="/sell-wholesale/">seller account on Strade</a> and take advantage of the various benefits offered by the platform including integrated shipping, safe online payments, and payments deposited in your currency. We also have an analytics tool that lets you know more about your buyers to help you in creating buyer personas.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/what-is-a-buyer-persona-and-why-should-you-create-one/">What is a Buyer Persona and Why Should You Create One</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Sustainable Packaging and Why it is Important</title> <link>https://strade.global/sustainable-packaging-and-why-it-is-important/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Strade]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2021 16:20:05 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Retail]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wholesale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[packaging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sustainable packaging]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://strade.global/?p=108350</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/sustainable-packaging-and-why-it-is-important/">Sustainable Packaging and Why it is Important</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>As sustainability and eco-friendliness are becoming a key concern for people and governments all over the world, companies are starting to shift towards more sustainable ways of doing business. This means reducing the carbon footprint by cutting back on the waste they produce and sourcing products in a way that does not negatively affect the environment.</p><p>As more and more people value the need to avoid waste and become aware of their consumption habits, they are preferring products that are more environment-friendly and sustainable.</p><p>One of the things that customers nowadays actively look for is sustainable packaging. Since they want to cut back on the amount of waste they produce, they are leaning more towards sustainable packages that are good for the environment.</p><p>Businesses can take note of the change in customer preferences and shift their focus towards becoming more eco-friendly. They can start this by taking the steps to create a sustainable packaging plan for their products.</p><h2><strong>What is Sustainable Packaging?</strong></h2><p>Sustainable packaging is packaging that is environmentally friendly and that does not negatively affect the environment. This means that the packaging and materials used for packaging are sourced from sources that do not contribute to higher carbon emissions. Also, the packages are disposable easily and do not affect the environment.</p><p>You have to understand that there is more carbon-di-oxide creation in manufacturing and sourcing certain products. The higher carbon-di-oxide emission cannot be offset by the natural environment and this leads to global warming and ultimately climate change. So, in order to be sustainable, you have to use products/materials sourced from sources with fewer carbon emissions.</p><p>There is also the need to not add waste to the environment when you’re disposing of packages. Eco-friendly packages should be sustainable and not lead to accumulative waste in a landfill. Usually, environmentally friendly packaging is recyclable, reusable, and degradable.</p><p>Since eco-friendly packaging can be a bit costly, they increase your packing or shipping costs. This is a small price to bear for committing to sustainability. Usually, customers recognize your push towards being more sustainable and are happy to pay extra for eco-friendly solutions.</p><h3><strong>Why is Sustainable Packaging Important?</strong></h3><p>Sustainable packaging is genuinely important as customers are seeking more eco-friendly solutions in their daily lives. There is a move towards living sustainable lifestyles and sustainable packaging appeals a lot to buyers.</p><p>As a seller, you can be genuinely interested in reducing your carbon footprint and deliver sustainable solutions for your customers. If yes, you should go ahead with a good sustainable packaging plan that can be seamlessly integrated into your operations to serve your customers. Remember, by opting for sustainable alternatives, you’re signaling to your customers that you care about the environment and issues like global warming and climate change.</p><p>While there are sellers who definitely try to ride the new shift in customer preferences to market their products as ‘eco-friendly’ to appeal to environment-conscious buyers, you should try to stay clear of this tactic if you aren’t genuinely interested in reducing your carbon footprint. Your buyer’s trust in you shouldn’t be broken for simply appealing to more customers. When you’re mentioning terms like ‘natural’, ‘non-toxic’, ‘biodegradable’, and ‘BPA-free’, make sure that you actually care for the environment and are working on your environmental goals.</p><h3><strong>Sustainable Packaging Options </strong></h3><p>As a B2B seller, you have a few sustainable packaging options available. You have to weigh the pros and cons of switching to sustainable packaging and should always proceed with caution in the initial stages. You do not want to risk your customer orders as you’re moving to a new sustainable packaging solution. We suggest you take your time and slowly make the transition to sustainable packaging.</p><p>Here are 5 sustainable packaging options available for B2B sellers.</p><ol><li><strong> Bioplastics</strong></li></ol><p>Going plastic-free will be a huge step forward in the direction of environmental friendliness as a seller. Plastics that find their way into landfills can take up to 500 years to decompose. They are harmful to the environment and many ecosystems.</p><p>Bioplastics are plastic-like materials made from plant-based materials. Unlike plastics, bioplastics are compostable and degradable and leave a smaller carbon footprint. Bioplastics are usually made from glucose, protein, or starch that are derived from plants. Other materials used to make bioplastics include corn, beans, sugarcane, seaweed, and algae.</p><p>Bioplastics can decompose in three to six months. They don’t cause much harm to the environment since they are made from non-toxic materials.</p><p>Meanwhile, bioplastics are more expensive than regular plastic and hence increase the cost of packaging or shipping. If customers are happy with your products and love your move to sustainable packaging solutions, they will not mind paying a little extra for sustainability.</p><ol start="2"><li><strong> Paper</strong></li></ol><p>While paper cannot replace all kinds of packaging, it is a good start towards sustainable packaging. Try to use paper packaging for small products initially. You can use cardboard boxes for items you know are safe to ship in cardboard boxes.</p><p>You should identify product wrappings that are in plastic that do not require plastic wrapping. Good examples of this are bars of soap, books, and notebooks.</p><p>Paper can be easily replaced and you can make every effort to add it to your sustainable packaging plan.</p><ol start="3"><li><strong> Compostable Packaging</strong></li></ol><p>Compostable packaging is a great option to add as a seller. These packages are often plant-based and highly degradable. This means that they do not leave any harmful material pile-up in landfills. The packaging also aids in the regeneration of fertile soil.</p><p>A lot of companies that sell health supplements are switching to compostable packaging that is not only attractive but also environmentally friendly.</p><ol start="4"><li><strong> Biodegradable Packing Peanuts</strong></li></ol><p>Biodegradable packing peanuts can replace Styrofoam packing peanuts to provide a more eco-friendly option. These biodegradable peanuts are easily degradable and most of them can actually be dissolved in water.</p><p>They are made from starch that comes from potatoes, corn, and other plants. Though biodegradable packing peanuts are a bit more expensive, they are non-toxic and more sustainable.</p><ol start="5"><li><strong> Cork</strong></li></ol><p>Cork is made from the bark of the Cork Oak Tree. This material is sturdy and looks good for packaging. Since the bark of the tree grows back and can be harvested again, the activity of getting more bark does not harm the tree.</p><p>Containers made of cork are durable and can absorb some shock. Hence, they are good for shipping items that need protection over sea and air.</p><p>While being biodegradable and sustainable, cork is resistant to fire and can eliminate moisture and odor. This is why you see cork used to plug bottles of champagne and wine.</p><p>Sustainable packaging goals are hard to hit, but not impossible. There are a few brands that are actively moving to sustainable solutions for packaging and you can win over your customers by committing to doing the same. For example, Dell has replaced Styrofoam with a plant-based packaging made out of mushrooms and other plants. You can start small and replace individual parts of your packaging with sustainable packaging to impress your customers and stand by your commitment to eco-friendly living. Weigh the pros and cons of your decision and choose the right sustainable packaging option for your needs.</p><p>At Strade, we are committed to ensuring your business grows as you reach more buyers around the world. <a href="/sell-wholesale/">Register for a seller account on Strade</a> and reach thousands of buyers from 100+ countries around the world while enjoying benefits like safe online payments, integrated shipping, and payments deposited in your currency. Selling wholesale online will never be the same again with Strade.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="/sustainable-packaging-and-why-it-is-important/">Sustainable Packaging and Why it is Important</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="/">Strade.global</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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