In the exciting world of international trade, every detail matters, and the story of Rafael Ricardo Rojas is a poignant testament to how a small question can make the difference between success and failure in importation.
It all started when Mr. Rafael, an acquaintance of a friend's accountant, approached with an ambitious project: importing baby bottles from China. The challenge was clear, but we were ready to tackle it. We proceeded to perform door-to-door costing, meticulously calculating every element, from freight costs to taxes, with the aim of providing a clear understanding of what it entailed to bring these products to Colombia.
However, before fully diving into the business, a seemingly trivial but crucial question arose: the tariff classification. Upon inquiring Rafael about this detail, it was discovered that the baby bottles required a special permit or approval from INVIMA for their entry into Colombia. A piece of information that, at first glance, might have gone unnoticed, but could have had serious consequences.
As freight agents, our primary responsibility is the transportation of goods from point A to point B. The tariff classification should not be our concern. However, we decided to go the extra mile. Instead of limiting ourselves to our conventional role, we embarked on additional research to understand the importance of INVIMA and its requirements.
The revelation was striking: without INVIMA's approval, the cargo could have been lost in Buenaventura, declared legally abandoned due to lack of proper documentation. Here, in this small detail, lay the difference between a successful importation process and a potential disaster.
We chose to promptly communicate this crucial information to Rafael. Although it might have been easy to overlook this detail and focus solely on our logistical role, the decision to inquire beyond our usual responsibilities proved to be the key in preventing more significant issues.
The result was a satisfied and grateful client. Rafael not only gained the necessary knowledge to avoid legal complications but also appreciated our team’s proactive approach. This experience not only strengthened our relationship with Rafael, who is now a repeat customer, but also underscored the importance of collaboration and commitment in the international supply chain. The lesson learned is clear: in the world of international trade, let’s not underestimate the significance of small details. Sometimes, going above and beyond expectations can make the difference between success and failure. We are committed not only to being efficient freight agents but also to being strategic partners who help our clients overcome any obstacles on their path to international business success.