Spice export trader

Overseas importers, wholesalers, distributors and food manufacturers looking for specific US products such as chili and paprika, mustard seed, garlic, or BBQ and Cajun-style blends.

You buy at a wholesale price and sell at a higher price per pound or kilo, per container or pallet. Your margin has to cover freight, paperwork, testing and any payment costs.

• Negotiating with suppliers and buyers
• Attention to detail with paperwork
• Comfortable emailing and calling across time zones
• Basic understanding of food quality and labeling

• Check FDA food facility registration rules, since they depend on whether you only trade or also pack, store or process food
• Check whether your product needs an FDA export certificate or a USDA phytosanitary certificate for the destination country
• Each destination country has its own import, labeling and testing rules, so confirm them before you quote
• Payment risk with new overseas buyers: consider letters of credit or payment upfront
• Check export compliance rules, including screening buyers against government restricted-party lists
• General liability and product liability insurance, plus cargo insurance for shipments
• Check zoning and HOA or lease rules if you store any stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your products, sample costs and setup. These are estimates, so build your own budget, including insurance and shipping, before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your buyers and order sizes. The estimate starts at about 10 hours a week. Revenue is not profit, so subtract product, shipping and other costs.

Check FDA food facility registration rules, which depend on whether you only trade or also pack, store or process food. Also check export certificates, each destination country's import and labeling rules, export compliance and buyer screening, and insurance.