I have traveled and taught English for a number of memorable years and I have learned one thing if you are going to start and maintain an import business. If you have a feeling about a product, try it. I started my company, Shawls by Barrett Imports (www.barrettimports1.com - shawls, scarves, home decor) in 2006 and at the time I didn't know what I was doing exactly. I quickly found out that trying to sell a bit of everything is a common strategy. Deciding on what products to sell is only the first step. Finding the source of the items and negotiating a price is the next. Once you locate the source you then need to make sure you have a trustworthy wholesaler or factory owner to produce not only the products but quality products. Most of the business associates I deal with can be reasonable as long as you are willing to be patient and understanding. One thing to remember when doing business overseas is mind where you are. You aren't dealing with Americans, you're dealing with a new culture and new rules.

I have traveled throughout Asia and I have dealt with some pretty interesting people that definitley made me shake my head in disbelief. The last tid bit of advice I will pass on to you is if you are shopping abroad remember where you are (you're not in America), remember who's in charge (you call your own shots) and more importantly the people you work with can possible be your future business associates, so be careful.