Export and import advisor for small businesses

Small manufacturers, food and drink producers, online retailers and farmers who want to sell overseas, plus importers sourcing products.

Fixed-fee market entry reports, hourly or day rates for advice, and monthly retainers for ongoing help with documents and compliance.

• Knowledge of exporting or importing
• Research and report writing
• Clear explaining of complex rules
• Good organisation and attention to detail

• Professional indemnity insurance, as bad advice can be costly for clients
• Customs brokers need a licence from the Australian Border Force, so check what you can and cannot do yourself
• Rules on export permits, biosecurity and sanctions change often, so confirm the current requirements before advising
• Check whether your local council needs approval for a home-based business
• Work can be uneven at first, so plan for slow months

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your insurance, home office setup and how you find clients. These are estimates, so confirm your own figures before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your client numbers and the work you take on. Estimates start from about 8 hours a week, and work can be uneven at first.

Things to check include professional indemnity insurance, Australian Border Force licensing for customs brokers, changing export permit, biosecurity and sanctions rules, and whether your local council needs approval for a home-based business.