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Articles from September 18, 2011

Thinking of using Anjouan as an offshore financial center?

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Anjouan - This is a little island country located off the coast of Tanzania which is Africa. The Island is in the Straits of Mozambique. It is part of the Comoros Island geographically but in 1997 Anjouan broke away from the Comoros Islands and declared independence. Since the Comoros Islands independence from France in 1975 there have been 19 coups or attempts in the Comoros Islands. In 2002 they held elections and each of the 19 Comoros Islands has its own President. The country is 12 times the size of Washington, D.C. Their population is about 750,000. 98% of the people are Sunni Muslim. Alcohol is forbidden. Mosques are plentiful. They have four airports, five Internet providers. This is one of the poorest countries in the world.

Anjouan Corporations - They seem to have bearer share corporations. Their prices are very high when you get finished with resident agent, nominees, etc. It is unclear as to where they stand on cooperation. It is going to be extremely hard if not impossible to open a bank account with such a corporation. For one the banks will not know how to do the due diligence on the corporation.

Secondly this is not a recognized offshore jurisdiction, which will scare the bank.

Thirdly it would be most difficult if not impossible to execute a real estate transaction using such a corporation for reasons of due diligence and the general unfamiliarity with Anjouan as an offshore jurisdiction.

Anjouan Banking Licenses - No doubt Anjouan will sell you or anyone else with the requisite funds a banking license. Trying to operate an international bank with this license would be extremely difficult if not impossible in our opinion, we lean towards impossible. How are you going to get correspondent banks in the EU for Euro transactions, in the USA for USD transactions etc? FATF regulations call for the bank to have a brick and mortar presence. This means the bank needs to have offices with tellers, employees, guards, vault etc. It is doubtful that you would set up such an operation in Anjouan even if they even let you do so.

Next what bank is going to act as your correspondent and what would they charge you if they even accepted you? Correspondent fees can easily be $200,000 for the annual fee plus a percentage of the transactions, wire fees, etc. A correspondent bank can lose its banking license for allowing you to commit violations. So after a large expenditure of money you will have a banking license that you can probably do nothing practical with.

But consider what would happen if you actually got going and had $25,000,000 in deposits and the Anjouan government banking commissioner conducted an audit and found violations of their banking laws and practices, inconsistencies, loans they were not comfortable with, deposits where they did not like the due diligence and source of funds documentation, etc. Why they might have no choice other than to put your bank into receivership, appointing an accountant or lawyer on the island to liquidate the banks assets. This means close your bank, seize the assets, possibly investigate the source of funds, maybe charge you, and so forth. The legal fees might run into many millions of dollars. The depositors would do well if they got any money back.

One liquidation in Latvia a few years back netted the depositors 2% of their deposits. Bank liquidations in Grenada more recently got even less than 2% of their money back and in some cases the bank that was closed by Grenada had several hundred millions of dollars. If you did not know this Grenada shut down all of its offshore banks except for one in 2003. Your former depositors will get all sorts of international orders calling for all sorts of things to happen to you and your assets. Life might not be pleasant for the next five or ten years and there is no one to run to for help since this would be considered an Anjouan affair.

Anjouan Gaming and Insurance Licenses Are Also Available - See above.

Conclusion - Getting a bank or an insurance license is not so easy. If it were many would do it. Before you believe any of these obscure jurisdiction banks are real have them send you a wire for $50.00. First send them the wire. Make sure you understand wiring instructions. Do not be confused between having a regular bank account at a bank and a correspondent banking relationship. Trying to operate a bank through a regular bank account will be over in a few days or weeks at most and then the account will be closed and you may have trouble with the return of funds for pulling a move like this on a bank. The correspondent banks will surely complain and that will be the beginning of the end.

Over the years numerous jurisdictions have popped up selling all sorts of licenses, corporations etc. None of them survive. The real offshore jurisdictions are extremely tight regarding the issuance of banking licenses. Belize, BVI, Dominican Republic together have not issued any banking licenses in the last five years. Caveat Emptor.

Catalog Printing Services Are Great Printing Solution

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Businesses nowadays are in tight competition. In order for these businesses to stay contact with their customers is through the use of marketing tools. One of the most effective ways in promoting a certain business is by using catalogs. Creating a catalog perhaps can be complex. The best way to do is to enlist the help of professional catalog printing services.

Catalog printing services is a single source for obtaining quotes from multiple catalog printing companies. These catalog printing services are very simple to use. It is all about making choices and answering a few questions.

As our technologies are continuously uprising, most of the printing companies today have all of the latest technology at their fingertips, providing you and your company a means of different options when you are looking to advertise or market your business.

If you want to offer products or advertise new business or just offering your services through using a catalog, these catalog printing services can meet or maybe exceed your catalog printing needs.

Before printing companies can only offer you the printing option such as traditional offset printing, but due to the advancement in printing technology they added the fast and efficient the so-called digital printing technology. Either the two methods are capable of producing high quality images and print with little error. However, we can’t deny the truth that the speed of latest printing machines is supreme. Hundreds, if not thousands of pages can be printed every single hour. Whether you are looking for business cards or brochure printing, these catalog services can take care of your printing needs.

Sometimes it is too difficult to know what kind of printing services we need for any given project. A little bit of advise take some time to become more informed about the types of printing jobs, and the services you might need. For the reason, many people make the erroneous assumption that the cheapest and most cost-effective way to go with printing jobs is simply to "do it yourself." Nothing could be further from the truth in most cases.

If you're looking for good reproductions of high-quality catalogs you'll be looking at nearly a thousand dollars in supplies. That is why several catalog printing services are offering affordable printing solutions that are really far from low in cost, when you look at the bottom line.

Regarding the prices for catalog printing services nowadays are increasingly getting more affordable due to the tight competition.  Most of catalog printing companies are developing new techniques to help them increase their productions.

Growing the Leader in Us

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"For what we've discovered, and rediscovered, is that leadership isn't the private reserve of a few charismatic men and women. It's a process ordinary people use when they're bringing forth the best from themselves and others. Liberate the leader in everyone, and extraordinary things happen."

— James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, The Leadership Challenge: How to Keep Getting Extraordinary Things Done in Organizations

Leadership is a verb, not a noun. Leadership is action, not a position. Leadership is defined by what we do, not the role we are in. Some people in "leadership roles" are excellent leaders. But too many are bosses, "snoopervisors," technocrats, bureaucrats, managers, commanders, chiefs, and the like. Conversely, many people who have no formal leadership role are excellent leaders. In today's fast changing world, we all need to be leaders.

To lead is to show the way by going in advance. To lead is to guide or direct a course of action. To lead is to influence the behavior or opinion of others. We all need to be leaders, regardless of our formal title or role. This starts with inner self-leadership and moves outward to influence, guide, support, and lead others. The process of becoming a leader is the same as the process of becoming a highly effective human being. Leadership development is personal development. Leadership ultimately shows itself in what we do "out there." But it starts "in here."

It would be easy if we could all become leaders by following a simple set of steps. But the journey of personal growth means finding our own way. There are, however, critical areas of personal development based on timeless principles. The distance we need to grow along each leadership dimension will differ for each of us, but defining and continually growing along each of these paths is the way of the leader.

Strong leaders are well-rounded and constantly expanding their personal leadership across these key areas:

* Choose Not to Lose. Whether we choose to focus on our problems or our possibilities is a key leadership issue. When we are faced with obstacles and failure, those who can overcome adversity and learn from their experiences, turning them into opportunities, are the ones who will be truly successful.

* Focus and Context. THE CORE OF MY BEING: This is central to our growth along all the other dimensions. Our Focus and Context is shaped by three vital questions: Where am I going? (my vision); What do I believe in? (my principles and values) and; Why do I exist? (my purpose or mission).

* Responsibility For Choices. IF IT'S TO BE, IT'S UP TO ME: Leadership means accepting responsibility for our choices in life. Leaders realize that life accumulates, that choice more than chance determines their circumstances. They refuse to succumb to the "Victimitus Virus" ("it's all their fault" and "there's nothing I can do").

* Authenticity. GETTING REAL: Leadership isn't just what we do, it's something that we are, which then drives what we do. Genuine leadership comes from within. It's authentic, and based on honesty, integrity, and trust. We must ring true to ourselves by exploring our inner space, gathering feedback on our personal behavior, and ensuring consistency with our stated values and principles.

* Passion and Commitment. BEYOND NEAR-LIFE EXPERIENCES: Successful people are energized by a love for what they do because it brings them ever closer to who they are. They overcome apathy and cynicism, develop a burning commitment to their cause, and with discipline achieve their dreams and desires.

* Spirit and Meaning. WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL: What is the purpose of our work? Of our lives? Material success alone is not enough. Leaders seek within — and find something more. In what is too often a mad dash from cradle to grave, we need to take time — in work and life — to nourish our inner selves.

* Growing and Developing. FROM PHASE OF LIFE TO WAY OF LIFE: The popular goals of security, stability, and predictability are deadly. The closer we get to these dangerous goals, the more our growth is stunted. True and lasting security comes from constant growth and development, based on regular R&R (reflection and renewal).

* Mobilizing and Energizing. PUTTING EMOTIONS IN MOTION: Leaders don't motivate with rewards and punishments. Whether at home or in the workplace, they energize people to motivate themselves. Highly effective leaders boost the energy of others with their passion and appreciation. They engage people's hearts as well as their minds. They get them involved and participating. They actively nurture the "being" or culture of the group, not just the "doing."

The more the world changes, the more leadership principles stay the same. Leadership principles are timeless. And they apply to all of us, no matter what role we play in society or organizations.

Are You Still Not Backing up Your Data?

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Planning for a worst-case scenario isn't alarmist. It's common sense. By putting together a data back-up plan you can avoid a business catastrophe!

You should know this by now: Computers can and do fail. And nasty viruses can take down your system by creeping through your antivirus software

and firewall.

The problem is that you usually get no warning before it's too late.

This has happened to many. In extreme cases, it has put companies out of business. And the worst part is this: It's completely avoidable. By backing

up your data, you can retrieve all or most of what you lose.

Yes, there is a hassle involved. But you owe it to yourself — and your business — to take stock of your backup plan (or lack thereof) by reviewing

these tips.

Most Important: Back up Your Customer Databases and Payroll Records

What's the heart and soul of your company? People have different opinions, but certainly your customer or client database has to rank high.

Inside one or two data files are all the nitty-gritty details including what they buy, when they buy, how they pay and so forth. Contact lists also are

databases, and you might have yours combined with your customer list.

So, where would you be if you lost your database? How would you feel if you attempted to open your database and it wasn't there? Not good, I'll bet.

So you should be backing up.

Also mission-critical for backups are your employee payroll records. You don't want to lose the information that you have to report to the tax

department. Your employees don't want problems with them either. And they certainly don't want to be paid late.

Protect Your Registry Settings

You should be backing up <em>all </em> of your data. But if you don't, a third item you should have high on your priority list for regular backups is

your Windows Registry. This is the huge database that tells your computer how to run. Without it, you have an expensive paperweight.

Most backup programs allow you to back up the Registry automatically. If not, you can easily do it manually. Here's how:

• Click Start &gt; Run.

• In the box, enter "regedit" (without the quotes). Click OK.

• In the Registry, click File &gt; Export (or Registry &gt; Export Registry File in Windows 98). Navigate to your backup medium. It will probably be drive

E:.

• Name the file and click Save.

You don't need to back up Windows or your applications, such as Microsoft Word. If the worst happens, you can always re-install them. But

information you create must be protected.

Store Your Backups Off-Site

To really be safe, the backup medium (tape, CD or DVD, etc.) should be removed from your site. If you are backing up to tape, for instance, and you

leave the tape cartridge in the machine, you'll be protected if the hard drive fails. But if the equipment is stolen, or the office burns to the ground, the

backup will be lost.

The safest procedure is to use a different tape or disk each day. Keep all but the current day's backups off-site — at your home, perhaps.

Forget About Doing Backups with Floppies

The earliest backup medium was the floppy. These are no longer practical. They hold hardly any data, so a large collection would be needed for a

backup. You would have to sit at the computer for hours, swapping the floppies in and out. Don't even think about it.

Tape has been the medium of choice for a number of years. Tapes are relatively slow, but the process can be automated. You can schedule the

backup for when you're sleeping.

Tape drives and the tapes to go with them are relatively expensive, too. And the software can be difficult. Tape is a great backup medium, once you

understand it. It has its drawbacks in terms of the time and work involved. But once you get a system running, it can go smoothly.

Here are some other options:

• Back up to a burner — a CD or DVD drive. Neither holds nearly as much data as a tape. If you decide to go this route, be sure your software allows

automated backups. A CD or DVD will work well if your data is not voluminous. CDs will hold up to 700 MB; most DVDs will hold 4.7 GB.

• Use a Zip or Jaz drive. These are made by Iomega. Zips hold 250 MB of data; Jaz holds 2 GB.

• Use an external hard drive. These hold a vast amount of data. They attach to the computer via high-speed connections such as USB 2.0 or FireWire.

Hard drives are fast, so the backup wouldn't take much time. But an external hard drive is relatively bulky, so you would get tired of taking it home.

Another Option to Consider: Backing up on an Internal Hard Drive

You could use a second internal hard drive, although that would mean leaving the backup in the office. Windows automatically accommodates multiple

hard drives. You could simply copy your data from the master hard drive to the second one, known as a slave.

If having two hard drives appeals to you, consider a RAID system. RAID stands for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. These systems can be

complicated but a two-disk system is simple; you set it up as a mirror.

When you save something, it automatically saves to both drives. The second drive looks just like the first. So if one fails, you have a perfect copy. And

RAID will automatically switch you over to the working drive.

Some motherboards have RAID capability built in. If yours doesn't, a RAID card can be added to the computer.

However, a RAID system would leave your backup inside the computer. That leaves you vulnerable to fire or theft.

Need More Security? Consider an Online Backup Service

If you're especially concerned about safety, you might want to consider an Internet backup. There are many firms on the web that will store your data

for you, for a monthly fee. You can run the backup automatically.

Don't consider this route unless you have a high-speed internet connection. Backups by dial-up modem could tie up your phone lines for hours at a

time.

Also, Microsoft SharePoint offers the ability to store copies of your most-vital business documents in a secure area that you can access through the

Internet. SharePoint is available as part of Windows Server 2003.

Liquidators Play a Crucial Role in the Online and Retail Marketplaces

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Today's marketplace is extraordinarily competitive. Whether you sell merchandise online or in a brick-and-mortar retail store, the prices you pay for inventory can mean the difference between profit and financial ruin. Sole proprietorships and small, family run businesses often have the most to gain - or lose - in the game of inventory acquisition and resale. Thankfully, liquidators have stepped in to fill the gap by providing businesses with high-quality inventory at wholesale prices.

What Liquidators Buy and Sell

In essence, liquidators buy surplus inventory. Sometimes their merchandise comes from a large retailer's overstock, while at other times they buy discontinued items or excess stock from manufacturers. They also buy closeout merchandise when a retail store or supplier goes bankrupt, as well as other circumstances where inventory liquidation comes into play.

There are a number of reasons why large retailers, suppliers, and manufacturers appreciate the services that a liquidator provides. For example, a liquidator will buy a huge quantity of merchandise, giving the original owners the ability to dispose of their entire excess inventory in one fell swoop. There are also times when a supplier or manufacturer does not wish to impinge upon their existing wholesale or retail markets, and turns to a liquidator to ensure that the merchandise does not go through existing sales channels.

As for the types of products that liquidators carry, the only limit is your imagination. Apparel, sunglasses, wedding gowns, and footwear are often in stock, but you might also find flooring, automotive parts, shelving, and other items.

The Buyer's Advantage

For etailers or discount retailers, liquidators provide an incredibly inexpensive source of inventory. Because liquidators pay only pennies on the dollar, even the most expensive items sell at a fraction of their wholesale prices. While some liquidators only sell pallets of a single item, small sellers can take heart in knowing that the best liquidators often sell in much smaller lots. For example, you may only have to buy 50 belts, 20 evening dresses, or 10 wedding dresses.

For the buyer who is an eBay seller, who sells at flea markets, or who has a small discount store, the opportunity to buy in small lots is a godsend. It's extraordinarily difficult to find sources for high-quality, inexpensive inventory, but liquidators enable even the smallest business to sell at a profit. And, when liquidators have closeout sales, you can often get free shipping with a minimum order.

Bridging the Gap

One of the biggest problems that etailers and discount retailers have is finding a reliable source for products. One of the biggest problems that manufacturers and suppliers have is finding a single middleman who will pay cash for excess inventory. Liquidators serve both constituencies, bridging the gap between those who have the merchandise and those who need it for resale. Ultimately, they allow small sellers to stay competitive and make a profit, while enabling suppliers to maintain a positive cash flow and stay afloat.

What separates EDC Gold from all the Rest?

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This is the easiest question to answer. Michael Corcoran and Craig Garcia were the inventors of the 100% commission program. They have owned and operated multi-million dollar companies in the past, which they have both retired from. Now they have created EDC Gold, the top rated internet company on the internet.

They are the only internet company that has a three tiered program under $1000 that pays out 100% Commission. EDC Gold and EDC are Direct Sales and Your New Fortune is a monthly residual Income.

Craig & mike answer the phones Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM. They will answer any questions from the members, give marketing advice and even talk to your prospects and make sales for the members. This happens without the prospect even talking to the member until they have been paid.

There is a team of customer support agents Monday though Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM PST. There are…Real people, who are ready willing and able to help any member.

There are over 12 recommended training classes per week. We have the most training of any internet company on the net. But it is not just quantity….they are quality training classes with real substance that teach you step by step…what to do and how to do it. Read what other members are saying.

“I love the updated EDC sites.  Outstanding!  And, your training is second to none.  I have been playing back your seminars and logging in to the seminars that I can work into my schedule.”

Best regards,

Doris Birung

“I want to say thanks for creating the BEST opportunity on the internet! I have tried different programs before with no money ever returned. Not only is this the best program I've ever been in this has got to be the best dummy proof training ever. There is no way or no excuse why anyone should ever fail this program. You and Mike make yourself available to your members which is a plus in my book, the products are incredible, the training is second to none, and the MONEY is great!” Stefan James

“This online business has all the qualities one needs to succeed: great products, unbelievable support, best compensation plan (100% profits), hands on training, and the Owners will close your sales, if you like. I am so happy that I found EDC Gold, and you will be as well.”  Kathy Calhoun

The Products are Incredible. EDC’s products teach people how to market on the internet. So who would want our products? People with a website who want to market their website or people who want to use EDC’s products to promote EDC’s products as their business. That is only around 100 million potential customers. Are you getting this yet?

They have a website that turns visitors into cash. The websites convert. This means you get paid, you make money, you can get rich with EDC Gold.

Clinical Research Organizations shifting focus to North India

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Going further and analyzing Indian market, so far Hyderabad is considered as a key location for the drug manufacturing and Clinical/Contract Research with a majority of units located in and around this city in the south central part of the country. But as of now companies are shifting there focus to other regions also and wants to exploit better opportunities available in other parts of the country as well.

Northern India being an emerging market, companies face a number of unique hurdles and often gets perplexed before entering this lucrative region. As North India is most sought after market theses days,this articles explores scope and feasibility of pharmaceutical,CRO(Clinical/Contract Research Organization) and biotechnology market, and answers the following key questions:

Who are the key players in the Northern India CRO market?

Regulations environment in northern India ?

The scenario of super specialty hospitals and pool of trained investigators ?

Opportunities available in Northern India for conducting clinical trials ?

How can companies engage with India for collaboration ?

Literally speaking Contract or Clinical Research Organization (CRO) refers to a person or an organization who is contracted to conduct clinical trials and duties with sponsor. India holds a market of $300 to $500 million in the field of Clinical Research Organization(CRO). Where Northern India constitutes ten percent of it and generates revenue of $40 million out of it.

Genetically diverse population and people who have not been exposed to many medications but have a range of diseases from tropical to severe diseases provides a reason strong enough to consider North India the front runner in the race of clinical research.

Adding to the diverse patients, Northern India has highly qualified and skilled doctors,Super specialty hospital,Medical Research Centers for clinical studies and experienced CRO's. Also, Northern India provides the most cost effective clinical trials, that too with the competitive infrastructure available for conducting clinical trials.

CD and DVD Replication Take Marketing to the Next Level

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Every business needs to have an edge, and it's been proven time and time again that creative, attention-grabbing marketing strategies can push a product into prominence, garner media attention, and reinforce brand awareness and loyalty. In today's world, multimedia rules. For that reason, CDs, DVDs, and even HD-DVDs should be part of your marketing repertoire.

Getting Your Message Out

Whether you need to send out training materials to employees or product information to prospective customers, CD replication services or DVD replication services can help you place your information in front of your target audience in a format that they will embrace. Similarly, you can easily use CD duplication or DVD duplication services to make thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of discs that can be sold, handed out a trade shows, bound in along with magazine advertisements, or bundled inside mass mailers. And, when your goal is to disseminate the highest quality images that technology has to offer, you can even take advantage of HD-DVD duplication services.

Finding the Right Partner

Whether you're interested in HD-DVD replication or CD duplication, it's critical to choose the right company with which to do business. Here are some characteristics to look for in a manufacturer:

Experience: Your multimedia disc will say volumes about your company, so you need to ensure that the manufacturer you work with has extensive experience in CD and DVD replication, media services, and information technology.

Customer Service: The company you use should place a premium on customer service, and should have a client roster that contains repeat customers.

Cutting Edge Technology: Look for comprehensive premastering, mastering, and replication services for all CD and DVD formats, as well as the ability to copy protect your discs. For example, the company should use a laser beam recording machine to transfer your digital information onto a glass master, which is then developed and activated, and then transferred to a bath to grow the stamper that will provide you with DVD replication or CD duplication.

Quality Control: Ensure that the company you select has exceptional quality control standards. For example, the first discs that are replicated should be tested bit-for-bit against the original, and should also be played in a variety of drives and players to test functionality.

Creativity: The service you choose should be able to go beyond standard round discs and provide you with creative options that include customized designs and disc shapes. You could, for example, distribute a CD that is the size of a business card, that is in a shape that reflects the nature of your business or the theme of your campaign, or that has other unique characteristics.

Packaging: At the very least, the company you work with should be able to offer UV cured inks and up to five-color printing on durable labels for your CDs or DVDs. Beyond that, the best companies also offer incredibly effective packaging services that will make your CD or DVD stand out from the crowd.

From products to promotions, you can use CD and DVD replication that will put you ahead of your competition and enhance your company's image.

How Pick the Right Freight Forwarder – What to Keep In Mind?

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Who is a Freight Forwarder?

A freight forwarder is a company or an individual who is in the business of dispatching shipments through various carriers like airplanes, trucks, railroads, and shipping vessels. One of the primary functions of a freight forwarder is arranging the movement of cargo to and from an international destination. As can be seen their core competency and functionality demands accountability, responsibility, and experience. Therefore it’s important that your pick the right freight forwarder. Here are a few tips to keep in mind, when it comes to choosing a freight forwarder.

The Size of the Freight Forwarder

The freight forwarder’s company must be big enough to accommodate all your requirements. Moreover, even if the freight forwarder is away on a tour or vacation, the services rendered, must not get affected. This is of paramount importance if you run an export business. Your exports should not come to a halt and the freight forwarding company must be big enough to see to it that all your shipping needs are handled effectively and on a continuous basis.

The Stability of the Freight Forwarder

This is one of the most important factors to be considered while selecting a freight forwarder. The stability not only refers to the number of years in operation, but also financial stability. If a freight forwarder has been in the business for a number of years then rest assured, you are making the right choice. However, to be on the safe side, check the credentials of the freight forwarder through banks and trade references.

Ship Them the Way You Want To

The freight forwarder that you select must have the requisite ability, expertise, and resources to handle all kinds of products and ship them according to the choice you make in this regard i.e. land, sea, or air. It’s also advisable that the freight forwarder also be an import broker. This comes handy in case you need to import some goods if your client returns your goods for some reason.

Good Networking

Go for freight forwarders who have a superior network of overseas agents. If your freight forwarder has a great network of agents in your target market, then the better it is for you. You must also be well aware of the handling capacity and capability of these agents.

A good network means that your shipment will reach its destination without any hassles and within the requisite deadline. If you want to deliver perishable products, then you want them to reach a particular country, in good time and before they perish. If you don’t, then it might have some serious consequences for your reputation.

A Good Communicator

Not many people have an expertise when it comes to the shipping of their products. Therefore, your freight forwarder must have the patience and ability to explain the necessary procedure to you. Moreover, the forwarder must be able to talk to you in a language that you understand.

Product Knowledge

If you can, do choose a freight forwarder who has some kind of knowledge or comfort level with the product that you want shipped. The freight forwarder that you pick must be able to recognize the special needs of your product, if any, and make the necessary preparations for shipping.

Check the Antecedents

You must closely scrutinize the references of your freight forwarder. After all you are going to do some important business with the company, and thus this becomes a crucial parameter of your selection process. Another aspect of this is the overall customer satisfaction provided by the freight forwarder in the past dealings.  Try getting some information in this regard from their past clients or customers.

The Insurance Factor

The best of people are liable to make mistakes. Even if your freight forwarder is extremely conscientious, it is liable to make an error or a mistake. Even a minor error can cause irrevocable damage to your sales, and your revenue. Therefore it’s important that the freight forwarder you choose has something called "errors and omissions insurance". This is enormously beneficial in the event that a mistake is made.

A Good Communications Network

How fast can the freight forwarder get in touch with you and vice-versa? How soon can the freight forwarder give your information about the status of your shipment? Is real time tracking information available? The answer to all these questions will give you fair idea about the forwarder’s communication links and whether they are good enough for your requirements.

Licenses and Certifications

Your freight forwarders must be licensed by the Maritime Commission, FMC, and be registered with organizations like IATA. Each organization has unique requirements when it comes to a freight forwarder. However, the basic needs remain the same. The tips listed above cater to the general needs of every organization when it comes to hiring the services of a freight forwarder.

Exercise caution while you select a freight forwarder and research thoroughly before you pick one.