How in the world does someone own an import company but doesn't stay in their home country for the entire year? Well I could tell you but then I'd have to .... Oh wait, I guess that's the point of the article, I'll tell you.
First, I'll give you my story - If you just want to see the answer to my question above scroll down below. Above is (starting left to right) Nepal, Laos & Egypt.
So back in 2005 I went to Asia to teach English. After coming across various scarves, accessories and other home decor pieces I decided to buy some as gifts and bring them home.
Luckily I had parents who quickly spread the word that I was overseas and before we knew it the gifts were starting to be in demand. We started small, shipping scarves back home to Colorado. As we looked around, we slowly hit farmers markets selling our goods. The key aspect here is talking to more people who sell and then we figured out selling the mountains of Colorado at ski areas in the summer brings loads of International families and fellow Americans looking for a summer vacation. After a couple years of hitting the mountains we met up with a fellow merchant they recommended large holiday events packed with hungry shoppers looking to buy not one pieces but gifts for the whole family - think Xmas.
Years later, I figured out that real money was in holiday events because people aren't buying for them, they are buying for everyone. And thus an idea and formula began - sign up for various higher end, juried events and pack our work year into 3 months. It's where the money's at. I figured out awhile ago that its more sensible to go where the people are buying than wait for customers at a brick and mortar location. This is very similar to what food trucks do. And if you think food trucks don't make money, you'd be sorely mistaken (at the right events).
I sell scarves, accessories, home decor pieces, down vests and other goods. Take a look on my business website - www.barrettimports1.com
HOW DO I SELL MY PRODUCTS? WHERE DO I SELL?
I have found a selection of profitable shows and events during the holiday season. Throughout the years I've consolidated a number of sponsored events and holiday shows. Many of these shopping bazaars and well organized gift affairs are advertised online and even on TV. I came to the conclusion awhile go that during the festive seasons the average sale is 3 to 4 times greater (people are shopping for friends and family opposed to buying one piece during the rest of the year).
There are a list of well attended events (I've done these shows for over 12 years) that I can give to you, just email me. Here are a few ideas to help you out - Junior League Holiday Events, Holiday Boutique group, Summer State Fairs. I have a complete list with the names of each of the various shows. Feel free to email for details.
Also I do make an income from my website but to be honest it's still in the early stages as far as sales. I continue to manage and advertise in a business campaign which focuses on social media - IG (TRAVELING_ON_THE_GO, FB (TRAVELING ON THE GO)
WHEN DO I SELL MY PRODUCTS?
From October to mid-February. I participate in retail events from Oct. to Dec. then in January and February I go to Las Vegas and Atlanta to sell wholesale as take store orders.
HOW DO I TRAVEL FROM CITY TO CITY?
I travel in a Honda Odyssey Mini Van with all the seats removed and drive from event to event. Occasionally I fly from city to city and rent a car if the event is 4 or 5 days (longer show).
ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SELL SOMETHING?
Find products that don't require sizes (clothing can be a killer because you will need 5 sizes for one shirt). If you sell clothing or shoes, free sizes are the best. With sizing your inventory will get out of hand for sure.
WHERE DO I LIVE WHEN I'M IN AMERICA?
I usually stay at my parent's house and catch up with them. Then I'm usually on the road in a different major city each weekend. I do events around the USA in September, October, November and December. I see my brother in NC and then see friends in CO while staying at various budget or average hotels ($40-85 a night).
My last trip to Aswan, Egypt as we went up the Nile.
I use www.hotels.com a lot and every 10th night is free.I have an IHG rewards card and that gives me about 5 free nights when I sign up and then free nights later including an anniversary 1 night free up to $350 a night. Yes there is an annual fee of $69 but it is worth it.
WHERE DO I LIVE OVERSEAS AND HOW MUCH RENT DO I PAY?
I stay outside of Bangkok in a nice and thriving suburban area. This country has by far the best value and safety that I've ever seen. See my blog "Thailand is the best value in the world." I pay about $300 a month and keep my condo (including a resort style pool and fitness club) when I leave Thailand.
DO I MAKE ANY MONEY WHEN I'M OVERSEAS?
Yes, I teach English part time at various language institutions and hopefully soon will teach online too. I recommend have a BA degree and TEFL certificate but you don't have to. I probably bring in $500-1500 USD a month, it's up to me.
HOW DO I SHIP PRODUCTS BACK IF I'M OVERSEAS?
This is where I'm quite lucky but anyone can do it. I send the shipments back to my parents house or my brother's house. I do also have some good friends I send things to and then pick them up when I get back. I usually make sure my buddies have some good earned beer and steak when I see them.
SHIPPING PRICES FROM ASIA TO THE USA:
DHL by air - A 50 pound / 23 KG box will arrive at my place in Arizona in 3 business days for $250. I usually can fit around 90-150 scarves in a box, so shipping per pieces isn't that much
Ocean freight (Using Thai Post) - A 50 pound box is about $100 dollars and it takes about a month and half.
ARE THERE ANY TRICKS TO GETTING FREE TRAVEL TICKETS OR HOTELS?
Yes, if your credit is average or above. There are endless amounts of credit cards that will give you money when you spend money. Some people say this is risky but you shouldn't open another card/account before you get the benefits on your first credit card. After you get the benefits cancel the card. Then start on the next card.
Example: I used the CHASE SAPPHIRE CARD and received $500 when I spend $3000 in 3 months with no annual fee. So, knock out the $3000 by spending it on products/necessities and get your money then close the card. If you chose to use the $500 for travel, you'll actually get a higher amount or value, possibly $550-600 on travel.
There are definitely airline credit cards that are a must giving out free flights:
CHASE UNITED MILEAGE PLUS
CHASE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
DELTA AIRLINES SKY MILES
BE SURE TO GET MILES FOR YOUR INTERNATIONAL CLUB AIRLINE GROUPS
Example - Star Alliance. I flew EVA AIR that is part of the Star Alliance grouping including UNITED AIRLINES and after I took an EVA AIR flight I called and got milage credit to my Mileage Plus Account which then got me to 40,000 miles which equals a one way free flight from Asia to America.
FOLLOW ME ON:
📸INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/traveling_on_the_go/
😁FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/barrett.brescian/
📌BARRETT IMPORTS - https://barrettimports1.com/
FOLLOW MY LAST VIDEO ADVENTURE IN THAILAND HERE: ✈️ 🇺🇸 ➡️ THAILAND