27 problems importers bring us, each with the cause, what it costs and what we build to fix it.
Importers rebuild landed cost per unit in spreadsheets after each container arrives. We build a landed cost tool that allocates freight, duty and fees per line.
Importers track container ETAs through forwarder emails and spreadsheets. We build a shipment tracker that pulls updates and alerts you when dates move.
Importers chase overseas suppliers for invoices, packing lists and certificates as ships near port. We build a document tracker that collects and checks them.
Importers run out because reorder decisions ignore production and shipping lead times. We build a reorder planner that allows for the full supply chain.
Importers buying in dollars or euros lose track of committed costs as rates move. We build currency-aware purchase order tracking that records the rates used.
Importers lose broker queries in shared inboxes while goods wait for clearance. We build a query tracker that routes each question to the right person fast.
Importers use different commodity codes for the same product on different shipments. We build a product record of broker-confirmed codes and supporting notes.
Importers pay storage and detention when containers sit at port past free time. We build a free-day tracker that prompts haulage booking and empty returns.
Importers skim third-party inspection reports and ship anyway to keep dates. We build an inspection review flow that flags failures and records decisions.
Importers unload containers without checking cartons against the packing list and find shortages later. We build a scan-based devanning check.
Importers approve factory samples by email and lose the record before production. We build a sample tracker with photos, comments and signed-off versions.
Importers email factories weekly to ask if orders are on track and find out about delays too late. We build a production status tracker for each order.
Importers track factory deposits and balance payments in spreadsheets and pay late or twice. We build a payment schedule tied to each purchase order.
Importers get freight quotes in different formats and compare them by eye. We build a quote request and comparison tool that lines up the full cost.
Freight forwarder invoices carry many charges and importers pay them unchecked. We build invoice checking against quotes and shipment events.
Importers either oversell stock on the water or refuse orders they could take. We build available-to-promise by arrival date so sales can commit safely.
When a container is delayed, importers find out which customers are affected by hand. We build delay alerts that tell each affected customer and rep.
Importers search old emails when a retailer asks for a product's test report or declaration. We build a compliance file per product with expiry alerts.
Importers approve packaging artwork with factories over email and wrong versions get printed. We build an artwork approval flow with version control.
Importers plan container loads from rough carton maths and ship air or leave stock behind. We build load planning from carton data and your order lines.
Factory MOQs push importers into overstock on slow lines. We build MOQ-aware ordering that shows stock cover and cash tied up before you commit.
Importers struggle to claim against overseas factories for defects without organised evidence. We build a claims file that gathers returns, photos and records.
Importers scramble to match import entries and statements to shipments when the accountant asks. We build a shipment file that collects them as they arrive.
Factory holiday shutdowns leave importers short because orders are placed too late. We build a shutdown calendar that brings forward your ordering dates.
Importers judge overseas factories on memory and the last problem. We build supplier scorecards from your own purchase, shipment and quality records.
New product quotes from factories come in different terms, MOQs and specs. We build an RFQ tracker that lines them up and estimates landed cost for each.
Importers lose cargo insurance claims to missing evidence and deadlines. We build a transit damage claims file that gathers photos, documents and dates.