US Import

I just want some feedback on what SA is in need of for import business. I have a few items already, but ideas would help. If anyone has any ideas or what they would like to see imported to SA let me know.

Dear Aubryjo:
The question you must ask yourself is, "Why would I spend any time or money developing a market presence in a country where only half of it's consumer base has any money in their pockets?" I take your inquiry as a serious one, and I mean no disrespect. Even so, I must point out that South Africa is experiencing a terribly high unemployment rate of 42%, and it is getting worse. Because of this, you may do well to market security systems for homes and businesses as, along with unemployment, comes theft and burglary. I am sure that if you were to contact you state's department of foreign trade you may find that they have the contacts and, in most cases, a trade office in South Africa. Those individuals are trained to assist entrepeneurs and businesses in the prospecting procedures of any given country. Keep your eyes peeled for export seminars and read everything you can get your hands on regarding the market you wish to go after. It may be best if you focused on one product or product category. Make sure you are ISO compliant in what you offer. Learn what you can about the nuances of doing business with South Africans. Can the way you present your product or yourself be found disrespectful or silly or rude? Will your agents even tell you? I will tell you that there are numerous opportunities to sell products or services to South Africa but you may feel less like you were taking advantage of them if you package your product with something else they can use. For example: If you offer a boat load of overstocked shoe inventories from Dillard's, throw in some medical supplies that could be put to use in outlaying areas. Let me know if this helps or if you'd like my assistance in your pursuits. It's free.

Dear Aubryjo:
On January 10th, I am on my way to South Africa for the purpose of establishing new businesses -- close to 80 right now, more will be added as time goes on. These are labor-intensive manufacturing facilities that will become 100% South African owned over an 8 to 15 year period. They will be developed under what I call TRANSITIONSHIPS: The suppliers of the equipment and raw materials actually set up the company, maintaining an equity share of the company until that day when the company can start buying them out with a percentage of the profits. There will be an established payment program that will allow the South African managers of the new company to own 80 to 100% of it. It's a good opportunity for the equipment suppliers as sales are slow these days and it presents a way to actually earn more than they would from a straight sale of the equipment. As for the South african business "host"/manager, there will be a reduced need for risky short-term loans and short-term loan instruments, allowing for easier start-up opportunities. South Africa needs South African-owned businesses in order to control their destiny. They don't need assistance in the form of loan programs and exploitation of human resources. One such business start-up is prefabricated housing. A firm out of Cincinnati and another out of Tuscon will be setting up several prefabricated housing companies, bringing in the equipment, the raw materials that can't be purchased in South Africa, the training, etc. These companies will be able to be purchased back by the employees as a group or by individuals who wish to soley own. It will certainly be interesting.
Perhaps the items you wish to promote into South Africa will do well in that market. As I mentioned earlier nearly half the country is poor. But then, nearly half does have money. I wish you luck. However, if you'd like to join the collective of individuals I'm putting together for the program, I would be very interested in talking with you. I can be reached at blackrabbit@msn.com.
Should this not be of interest and you wish to stay on your own, I am still happy to assist you with agent contacts and other information you may need.
I'm there for you.
Respectfully,
Brad Kuhlenberg, President
Black Rabbit Industries
703 Park Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246