A : → If you are representing French producers to export wines to the Far East you are already an export agent. You can choose and operate your business from the UK. We would suggest the first thing for you to do would be to approach the licenced wine importers in Hong Kong and make your offers to them. China and Hong Kong are large markets for table wines despite high duties. You can read a number of postings in this Forum for more information.
Q : → I am intending to set up a wine export trading business to the Far East from France. The transaction for the sale of alcohol will be based in France and I will be running my administration from the UK. 1. Do I need any special licence to trade my business, if yes what is the procedure, time and cost? 2. As a new exporter I need to get it right at this stage. I am intending to hire an export agent to help me sell my products abroad. Do you think this is the ideal way to do it as a small business? Where should I find these potential agents? How much will it cost monthly approximately on top of the sales commission?
A : → The big question is what makes your business special? If you are simply buying some wine from France and then asking an export agent to sell it in Asia for you, well... why does anyone need your company to be involved? Hope that does not sound too harsh, but you need to be sure you can confidently answer this question before risking your money on this venture. You should also carefully research the markets in Asia. There is already a large amount of French wine available all over Asia. The problem is not one of lack of supply but rather lack of demand in Asia at this point. Sure, it is gradually growing, but it still has a long way to go. Cognac, on the other hand, sells like crazy in Asia! thomas at innovatize.com
