Small Business: Global business
Ready to expand overseas? Here's a guide to the resources that can help you get started.
Peter Van Wolvelaerd, Scottsdale
My company has been doing business with the U.S. government, and we have been awarded some new business, in no small measure because of our service-disabled veteran-owned status. We have located business opportunities in Europe with the U.S. government and are trying to partner with a European company. Because we don’t have assets abroad it is very important we work with a local partner. My question is, what are the rules that the U.S. government has for companies when they partner with others? All of our local assets will have to come from our European partner.
Our Caribbean experts weigh in on which island is best for an expat's bar biz.
Edd, Philadelphia, Pa.
I'm interested in starting a bar or café somewhere in the Caribbean. I have around $400,000 in startup capital and 20 years of experience managing restaurants. I am trying to find the best and easiest island on which to start my business. Read more…
An expert rundown on the best payment methods for overseas transactions.
Karen, Fogelsville, Pa.
I work for a small business that sells a product to veterinary distributors worldwide. What is the best method of receiving payment from overseas vendors? Is it better to use wire transfers or credit cards? We would like to avoid any extra charges for credit processing if possible. Read more…
Should this owner seek out international investors to grow his business?
Jean Luc Gaudry, Los Angeles
I have a unique music Web site on which one can find listings of shows, bands on tour, clubs and venues. I have two questions. I am looking for some investors – what are the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when they decide to add an investor to their company? Also, I want to set up a company in Europe and eventually have my Web site branch out all over the world. Is it better to have different investors on each continent? Read more…
Translation software may have let you down, but there are other options for crossing the language barrier.
Sid Smith, The International Art Materials Trade Association, Huntersville, N.C.
As an avid reader of Fortune Small Business, I zeroed right in on the March 2008 story “Goodbye Language Barrier?,” only to be disappointed in the answer, that current software packages are still very poor in doing electronic translations into other languages. As an association for manufacturers and retailers, we have members all over the world, and our Web site and e-mail lists are the only practical way to reach most of them. How are other companies, organizations and Web sites translating large amounts of information into several different languages? Can it be done inexpensively? Read more…
Open-source e-commerce solutions are plentiful, but don't put your wallet away just yet.
Kenneth C. Fletcher, Oakland, Calif.
What are the best, free open-source solutions for e-commerce? My needs include robust international transactional functionality, a shopping-cart mechanism, and something that can be easily customized to handle products and Web content on a global scale, from Japan to Brazil.
Ask FSB's experts offer advice for a wine importer starting up a new line.
I. Safdie, Miami, Fla.
I introduced a South American wine to the person in charge of importing food to his Caribbean island. He has a sample of the wine, and agrees that it's good. I have no capital of my own, so am unable to import the product to the U.S., where I know it would do very well. I did all the research and used my personal contacts and references to get this person an appointment with the winery. This person has now offered me a finder's fee, should the wine pass the initial compliance inspections necessary for his country, after which he will offer it for sale there. How do I validate this, and what do I charge as the finder's fee? And if I looked into importing it myself into the U.S., what are the first steps I should take? Read more…
The search for a low-cost, mobile plan for international business.
Kevin Abell, Baltimore
I am starting a new business that will entail a great deal of international travel, primarily in Europe. Do you have any suggestions on the lowest-cost international mobile service that also allows me to get BlackBerry data so that I can seamlessly receive both forwarded phone service and e-mails? Read more…
An Indian textile business checks with Ask FSB's experts for advice on international expansion.
Abhiram, New York City
I have a handloom and textile business in India and I would like to start an import/export business in New York City this year. Can you suggest a good book on how to get started and be profitable? I want to start with the least burden. I want insight into the problems, and also I’d like to read real-time scenarios. Read more…
Christopher wants to know how to handle write offs for defective imports on his taxes. Do you have experience with defective imports? How did you handle the situation?
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