Assess Competitors

Before you open an import business in your area, it's essential to see how many competitors you have. Try our link below to find competitors nearby. After following the link, enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of import businesses in your area.

• Get a List of Nearby Import Businesses

Is the established competition doing a good job? It's important to understand their strengths and weaknesses and think through how you'll stake up against those established businesses.

Learn from Others Who Are Already In This Space

If you want to open an import business it's a smart move to speak with somebody who is already in the business. If you think owners of nearby import businesses will give you advice, think again. It'd be crazy for them to teach you the business.

Thankfully, an owner of a an import business in a location that is not competitive to you may be willing to share their entrepreneurial wisdom with you, after they realize you reside far away from them and won't be stealing their local customers. In fact, they are often very willing to share startup advice with you. If you are persistent, you can find a business mentor who is willing to help you out.

Do you know how to find an import business founder outside of your area who is willing to talk?

It's easy. Here's a link you can use to find a mentor outside of your area.

• Find Import Business Owners Who Might Advise You

Don't Rule Out Franchising

Joining a franchise network ensures that you are exposed to proven ideas that were developed by experienced entrepreneurs who know your industry inside and out.

If you planning on starting an import business, a smart move is to investigate whether franchise opportunities in your space might make sense for you.

The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.

• How to Buy a Franchise