Chinese New Year: Tips to Keep Your Supply Chain Efficient (Infographic)

If you have been importing from China over the past years, you’re probably already aware that the Chinese New Year is one of the freight peak seasons that you should prepare for.

However, if it’s your first time, here is a detailed discussion of how the Chinese New Year can affect your supply chain:

The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China, that is why it is a tradition among Chinese people to take some time off and celebrate it with their family.  

In fact, during its celebration, businesses temporarily shut down because they are focused on cleaning their houses thoroughly (to remove negative energy) and on preparing food for the feast.

As a result, freight demands shoot up, prices increase, and containers easily become full, making it expensive and difficult to import.

Having that said, here are four tips to keep your supply chain efficient during the Chinese New Year:

Chinese New Year- Tips to Keep Your Supply Chain Efficient - Infographic

Confirm your supplier’s schedule

As mentioned earlier, Chinese people are focused on preparing for the new year’s celebration. For that reason, most Chinese suppliers start to wind down their operations one to two weeks in advance.

Aside from an early halt in operations, some Chinese suppliers also take long  in resuming to their normal operations that’s why you need to confirm your supplier’s schedule so that you can place your orders while they’re still performing transactions.

Failing to confirm your supplier’s schedule can have you waiting for a month or two to place an order again since the Chinese New Year celebration usually lasts for sixteen days and that’s a red alert for import delay.

Place your orders in advance

Confirming your supplier’s schedule will enable you to place your order in time but why do it on time when you can do it early?

Placing your orders in advance won’t only help you avoid delays, it will also help you cut back on expenses and find adequate space for your shipments.

Everyone is on a rush months before the Chinese New Year that’s why you need to be proactive. Placing your orders early will help you get ahead of other importers on choosing the most affordable freight rate and obtaining the lowest GRI (General Rate Increase) possible. You will also be able to reserve enough shipping space for your goods before containers run out of space.

Split your shipments

Another technique that you can use to keep your supply chain efficient during the Chinese New Year is splitting your shipments into two categories: Urgent and non-urgent.

Urgent shipments are time-sensitive goods that are either perishable or needed immediately by its user. On the other hand, non-urgent shipments are non-perishable goods that aren’t needed immediately but still needs to be delivered on time.

During the Chinese New Year freight peak season, you should consider transporting only your urgent shipments because non-urgent shipments can be transported during the regular season wherein the demand and rates are low.

Collaborate with a trusted local freight forwarder

Collaborating with a trusted freight forwarder will free you of all the trouble that comes with importing because they got the trust of their clients for a reason.

Most trusted freight forwarders are knowledgeable with freight peak seasons and has connections with multiple international transport organizations. In short, your freight forwarder can help you negotiate with your supplier for better prices.

Moreover, they will take care of the paperwork you need for importing, that’s why you can sit back and relax throughout the process.

Here at Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics, you can make sure that you’re in the right hands. We don’t only have equipped and experienced people that are committed to keeping our clients’ supply chain efficient, we also conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation because it is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. 

Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph or contact us at (063) 525-9775

Sources:

5 Steps To Save When Importing From China

5 Steps To Save When Importing From China

In 2017, China replaced Japan as the top bilateral trading partner of the Philippines with a 20.7% increase in imports from 2010.

This 2018, the imports shoot up to 51.2%, which is more than twice as it was last year. The said imports include electronics and machinery, mineral fuels, iron and steel, plastics, vehicles, ceramic products, furniture and lighting, and paper among others. No wonder why many businesses, whether big or small, import from China. If you’re one of them, here are five steps to help you reduce your expenses:

Plan ahead of time

China is 3,096 kilometers away from the Philippines, which means that the importation of your goods will likely take five days or more, depending on the mode of transportation. Although you can request for faster transportation, you will be asked to pay for a rush fee.

If you want your goods to arrive on-time without the extra charges, it’s better to plan it in advance. Moreover, it will also give you more time to find a local freight forwarder that will assist you throughout the importation procedure.

Find a local freight forwarder

Most freight forwarders in the Philippines are affiliated with numerous international transport organizations and companies worldwide, including local Chinese logistic companies. Hence, you should choose a freight forwarder that can and will use its connections to negotiate for better prices on your behalf.  

Furthermore, your chosen freight forwarder should also be knowledgeable about the freight peak seasons in China (e.g., Chinese New Year) because during peak seasons, importing can become complicated due to high demand, high prices, and a probability of container shortage.

If this is a no-brainer for your local freight forwarder, you’re in the right hands. Knowing the peak seasons beforehand will help you save by importing non-urgent goods during regular seasons and avoid struggling to find a container spot during peak seasons.

Choose a suitable transportation method

You can import either by sea or by air. Sea freight is ideal for large shipments that aren’t urgently needed. On the other hand, air freight is suitable for smaller and lighter shipments that are time-sensitive.

Importing by air is more expensive than importing by sea because it’s faster and more secure. It goes through fewer hands, therefore minimizing the risk of damages and theft. To cut back on expenses, use air freight only if its necessary.

Another option that you could try is splitting your shipments. For instance, if you have one hundred boxes of imports wherein thirty boxes need to be delivered immediately, and the other seventy aren’t, consider putting the thirty on a plane and the rest on a cargo ship.

Although split shipments might seem inconvenient because it involves preparing two invoices, packing lists and handling charges among others, once you already have a local freight forwarder, it will be hassle-free because they will assist you in accomplishing the necessary paperwork.

A friendly tip: When importing by air, it is best to book six to seven days in advance of the Cargo Ready Date (CRD) while when importing by sea, consider booking three to four weeks ahead of the CRD.

Ensure proper product packaging and insurance

Proper packaging reduces the risk of product damage and loss while in transit (especially fragile and perishable products), whereas cargo insurances can be converted into cash claims in case of damage and loss.

Although the proper packaging and cargo insurances might seem more like spending than saving, neglecting them will cost you a fortune in case your goods get damaged or lost. Better safe than sorry, right?

Obtain rates with the lowest GRI (General Rate Increase) possible

General Rate Increase is the adjustment of container shipping rates and is only applicable when importing by sea.

General Rate Increase and demand are directly correlated. When the demand is high, the GRI also goes up and vice versa, which means that GRIs go up during peak seasons.

The good news is, if you followed the first four steps mentioned earlier, especially planning ahead of time, you will be able to choose between multiple ocean freight rates and obtain the lowest GRI even during a peak season because as the saying goes ‘the early bird catches the worm.’

These five steps only prove that there are always ways to save when you are determined to look for them.

Here at Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics, we have equipped people who are knowledgeable regarding import procedures and are committed to reducing your expenditures as much as you are.

We also conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. 

Contact us today at (063) 525-9775 or email us at wecare@excelsior.ph

Sources:

 

6 Signs that it’s Time for you to Find a New Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker (Infographic)

Many businesses resist changes because they overestimate the value of what they have and underestimate the value of what they might gain by giving that up, including finding a new freight forwarder and customs broker. Yes, finding a new and better one may cost a lot of time and effort, but it’s still not enough reason to settle for a partnership that doesn’t work anymore. Here are six signs that it’s time for you to find a new freight forwarder and customs broker:

6 Signs that it’s Time for you to Find a New Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker (Infographic)

Your business is growing

As your business grows, your service needs also increase that’s why you need a freight forwarder that can provide you with a complete range of services.

Your freight forwarder must also be stable and established so that you won’t have to jump from one freight forwarder to another all over again, considering that your business is on the verge of developing and expanding.

If your current freight forwarder is not stable and established, you can’t guarantee whether they will last in the business or not. One day, it might even get dissolved while you’re caught unprepared and have adverse effects on your business. It’s best to look for a freight forwarder that you can grow and succeed with.

Poor customer service

In every business transaction, effective communication skills are highly essential because it fosters efficient service provision and a healthy business relationship between two (or more) parties.

If you are having a hard time communicating with your current freight forwarder and customs broker, if it’s not because of poor communication skills perhaps you’re dealing with another contact person every time.

If you don’t make a move as early as now, it won’t only make you uncomfortable with the business relationship; it might also affect the productivity and profitability of your business.

Outdated technology

Using modern technology doesn’t only help a business save time and avoid hassles, it also helps in keeping ahead of the competition.

Most freight forwarders now use online tracking, electronic proof of delivery, and electronic billing among others to make sure that the products will reach its destination intact and on time.

However, there are still some freight forwarders who refuse to keep up with the trends, thinking that it works just the same or it’s too expensive. What about your freight forwarder? Are they helping you keep ahead or are you falling behind your competitors?

Recurring service failures

Although occasional problems are unavoidable in the freight forwarding business due to factors like weather, calamities, strikes, and transportation problems, it shouldn’t be used as an excuse for recurring service failures because it’s probably caused by lack of knowledge and experience, poor customer service, or outdated technologies as mentioned above.

Uncompetitive rates

Is your current freight forwarder charging you a reasonable rate? Do the quality of service that they provide match its price? If you think that you’re paying more than how much you should, why not canvass on other freight forwarders and compare the amounts? Who knows, you might even find a freight forwarder with cheaper yet better services or one that you can bid with for a lower rate.

Is it a partnership?

Last but not the least, you should assess whether your freight forwarder and customs broker treats you like a partner. Are they committed to providing you with the best services? Do they care about your success?

In the end, it’s not just the skills and knowledge that counts. It’s the business ethics that make transactions smooth and business partnerships last.

Here at Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics, we treat our clients as partners. We also conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. 

Contact us today at (063) 525-9775 or visit our website www.excelsior.ph

 

Sources:

The Importance of Being an Accredited Importer and Exporter in the Philippines

The Importance of Being an Accredited Importer and Exporter in the Philippines

Over the last five years, the Philippines has become one of the most competitive economies being the 38th largest export economy worldwide and forecasted by HSBC as a potential 16th largest economy by the year 2050. Given the fact that the country’s economy itself has advanced, the implementation of trade policies is stricter and the standards, higher. Having that said, here is a detailed list and account of the importance of being an accredited importer and exporter in the Philippines:

Recognition

Businesses who aspire to be accredited are carefully assessed and evaluated by a neutral accrediting body based on numerous requirements and conditions, providing clients with a reliable and fair basis when choosing an import and export company and a guarantee of quality service. After getting accredited, chances are you will be a premier choice in the import and export industry.

Promotion and advertising

Getting accredited is an excellent marketing strategy because after passing the accreditation assessment, you will be awarded a certificate of accreditation that you can publish in your website to demonstrate your commitment to providing quality to your present and potential clients.

Keeping ahead of the competition

Not every import and export business volunteers to undergo the accreditation process because they lack knowledge of its importance and only a few passes the assessment done by the accreditation body.  That is why getting accredited gives you an edge over your competitors.

Exemptions

As an accredited importer, you have the privilege of getting exempted from payment of import duties upon the observance of formalities and regulations, while an unaccredited business doesn’t.

Minimized expenses

If you have numerous shipments to be made, you can reduce your expenditures by directly processing your entries with the Bureau of Customs instead of paying third-party consignees to do the job.

The main objectives of accreditations in the Philippines are to prevent smuggling, combat tax fraud, and evasion, and to transform the Philippines into an exporting nation through cooperation between government and private entities.

But, as you can see in this article, it is just as beneficial to every business inside the country because it encourages each business to improve and excel in their chosen industries constantly.

Here at Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics, we have equipped people who are knowledgeable regarding import and export legalities and are willing to help you get accredited.

We also conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. 

Contact us today at (063) 525-9775 or email us at wecare@excelsior.ph

To learn more about the importance of being an accredited importer in the Philippines, see this infographic on the advantages of being an accredited importer.

 

Sources:

Why You Need a Freight Forwarding Partner in Your Supply Chain (Infographic)

Your company is getting bigger, and so are your market and the number of shipments to be made. The problem is, you don’t have your own shipping function. Why not get it outsourced through a freight forwarding partner so that you can focus on expanding your core business further?

Why You Need a Freight Forwarding Partner in Your Supply Chain

To help you fulfill the required documents

Document processing is one of the most crucial and complex stages in every business transaction. Especially in importing and exporting products, wherein there are many different documents, clearances, and permits to be processed. Through partnering with a freight forwarder, the fulfillment of your commercial, transport, financial, and government documents will be hassle-free because you will be assisted throughout the process.

To reduce expenditures

Freight forwarders ship loads of products on a regular basis, that is why they can use their affiliation with multiple transportation companies across the globe to negotiate for better prices on your behalf. Your freight forwarding partner can also cut back your costs through consolidating several small shipments with products from several clients into one large shipment.

To avoid product damage and delay

The main goal of every product-driven business is to have its goods delivered to the right location, intact and on-time. Teaming up with a freight forwarder will help you achieve it through cargo insurance document management services, route optimization, and transport tracking.

Products in transit are inevitably exposed to risks and dangers that is why cargo insurances are highly essential. In case of accidents, theft, and other unfortunate events during the transportation, damaged insured goods can be converted to cash claims.

While route optimization will make the delivery of your time-sensitive products faster by using the shortest and most convenient path. Most freight forwarding companies now use modern technology to find the best routes in order to avoid late deliveries.

Transport tracking, on the other hand, works through using tracking numbers as identification in determining the current location of a shipment.

Indeed, hiring a freight forwarding partner helps in optimizing a supply chain. But in choosing one, aside from the above-mentioned services and benefits, you must also ensure that the freight forwarder is dependable, trustworthy, and experienced to make sure you’re in good hands.

Excelsior Worldwide freight logistics have been in the business for seventeen years and counting. With trained and experienced employees who uphold the principle of integrity, we provide only the best services to our clients.

Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our services.

Sources:

How to Ensure Successful Partnership with a Freight Forwarder

How to Ensure Successful Partnership with a Freight Forwarder

A productive and efficient partnership with a freight forwarder is critical in today’s challenging import-export landscape. Not only it is important to generate the best return for your investments, but it can also significantly boost your competitiveness in the market because a freight forwarder streamlines the overall logistics operations of your business in the long run.

Here are the ways to ensure a successful partnership with your chosen freight forwarder.

Communicate Your Priorities

If your freight forwarder knows what matters to your import-export business on the get-go, they will be able to provide you with the solution best suited to meet your goals. For instance, if you want to achieve significant cost-savings, then they can help ship your cargo by sea. If you need to receive your goods quickly, they can offer to ship your goods by air instead.

An experienced freight forwarder should be able to help you on every aspect of shipping, from which type of container to use,  choosing the right Incoterms, and releasing your cargo in customs yard, but they need to know your business priorities first.

Know Your Compliance Responsibilities

Hiring a freight forwarder for your business doesn’t free you up from compliance responsibilities. It is essential that you understand your compliance obligations as an exporter since failure to comply with compliance regulations can put you and your freight forwarder to severe legal and financial implications.

As an exporter, there are four key compliance considerations which you need to deal with:

  • Proper classification of what you’re shipping.
  • Trade policies and regulations in your country.
  • Proper labeling in your cargo.
  • Proper documentation requirements.

While a reliable freight forwarder will be more than willing to help you in these aspects, lack of basic understanding in this area can lead to serious issues, since most forwarders often tender shipments based on information that exporters give to them.

Only Work with a Reliable and Trustworthy Freight Company

When choosing a freight forwarder, reliability and trustworthiness are two factors that most business owners tend to overlook. Don’t make the same mistake of taking the risk of partnering with a freight company without these characteristics because it will only affect your reputation in the industry.

That said, accreditations and affiliations with reputable trade and logistics organizations can be an indicator of these qualities of a freight forwarder. Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics partners with International Container Terminal Services, Asian Terminals Incorporated, and Chamber of Customs Brokers.

We are also duly licensed as Total Logistics Company by the Bureau of Customs, and holds a Philippine Economic Zone Authority accreditation, which has the additional benefit of simplifying and speeding up the customs process for your shipments.

Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. Contact us today to learn more about our service.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Freight Forwarder (Infographic)

A reliable and trustworthy international freight forwarding company is crucial to the success of any import/export business operations. Regardless of the size of your company, this aspect could mean make or break your business.

Make sure to ask these five questions before you entrust your cargo in someone else’s hands.

1. Are You Trustworthy?

First, you need to choose a company that puts integrity at the core of their business. A freight forwarding company acting in integrity means that they are not driven by a desire to earn huge profits, get in on trends, and other external mechanisms. Instead, they sincerely value the trust their customers put in them, and in the result, they become the “go-to company” in their respective niche.

A trustworthy company is also one that is a member of a reputable associated and has accreditations which embody their legitimacy and reliability.

Excelsior upholds utmost integrity in their customer service, business dealings, and business operations. They are duly accredited as Total Logistics Company by the Bureau of Customs and have strong affiliations with key authorities and logistics organizations in the country.

2. Do You Provide the Shipping Service I Need?

It’s important to make sure that the freight forwarder you intend to hire provides the freight service that you need. Do they have the mode of transport necessary to transport the volume of cargo you want to ship? Do they provide port to port, port to door, door to port, or door to door services?

3. Do You Have Strong Experience in the Field?

Freight forwarding companies have sprouted like mushrooms in the recent time, so it is only imperative to choose one that has a reputation that has been built accordingly through the years. A good freight forwarder should indicate the number of years they have been in operation, as some of the companies they have managed to provide service with.

As well as checking how long your chosen freight forwarder has been in business, it’s also worth checking how much experience they have that’s relevant to the cargo you wish to ship. Excelsior has been in service for the past 17 years and continues to be the trusted freight forwarder of a plethora of different businesses in the Philippines these days.

4. Is Your Rate Cheaper Than Shipping Line?

Perhaps the most cited reason why most businesses use a freight forwarder is that they offer cheaper rates than shipping lines. They do this by proposing rates to multiple shipping lines, giving cost advantage which they subsequently pass to their clients.  Therefore, it only makes sense to choose one that charges less compared to what shipping lines offer. This is crucial if you want to save money on your import/export cost effectively.

5. Do You Cater Brokerage Services and Provide Own Trucking Services?

Probably, you are looking for a freight forwarder because you want to simplify the complicated process of moving your goods across borders. As such, it is more practical and cost-effective to choose a freight forwarder who is also capable of meeting your customs brokerage and trucking services needs.

By doing so, you will only have to deal with one company with regards to brokerage documentation, and that all your cargos will be managed consistently from the point of origin to the point of destination.

Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our service. 

 

Sources:
https://issuu.com/virgill.ratliff/docs/tips_on_picking_the_best_internatio

Why Importers Choose Freight Forwarders Over Shipping Lines (Infographic)

For the past years, freight forwarding companies have been doing good in the world of logistics, wherein most of the importers right now is choosing to use the service of Freight Forwarder rather than choosing the service of Shipping Line. 

In order to understand why more and more importers rely on the service of freight forwarding companies, we detail in this infographic the biggest advantages that freight forwarders have over traditional shipping lines.

Why Importers Choose Freight Forwarders Over Shipping Lines1. Flexibility 

Freight Forwarder could be more flexible in terms of quality service and rate which is very critical for importers these days. Instead of going directly with the shipping line, a freight forwarder will negotiate on your behalf to get a competitive deal and discover the most suitable arrangement for your shipments.

2. Service 

A freight forwarder is a total logistics provider, which means that an importer can access a wide variety of services more conveniently. Freight forwarder could offer different types of Incoterms depending on what arrangement of importer wanted to do.

In fact, there are shipping arrangements that a freight forwarder could offer to a budding importer that a shipping line cannot, such as such as Ex-Works and Air Freight. Lastly, freight forwarders provide brokerage services which are a critical aspect when running a legitimate importing business.

3. Rate 

Of course, a freight forwarder will still use the service of a shipping line to transport the goods since they do not have their own vessel to do so. However, to make their rates more competitive than shipping lines, freight forwarders use the extreme competition in shipping line industry as leverage. They do this by proposing rates to all shipping lines instead of using only one shipping line, allowing them to charge the most cost-effective rates to their customer more effectively.

4. Reliability 

One of the hardest parts on the side of importers is the communication. Most importers – especially those that are new in the business – can testify how hard to contact shipping line and how inconsistent their service when it comes to updating the arrival details of their shipment.

On the contrary, freight forwarders are known in the industry as reliable service providers. They can come up with solutions on-the-go be it for harsh weather, customs errors, inaccessible routes, vehicle breakdowns, and other problems that could arise and delay the transport of your shipment.  

5. Contract Agreement 

A reliable and trustworthy freight forwarder could get not only the best and most competitive rates but other cost-privileges such as Demurrage, Detention, Ocean Freight, Credit Term and ability not to be affected by General Rate Increase.

By choosing to work with a freight forwarder, you will also be able to choose from a wide variety of shipping line options. They know where to load best in terms of your need/demand. It’s either low rate or transit schedule. You can also enjoy the service contracts/agreements they have with different shipping lines in terms of extended free time and waive of unnecessary charges, thus helping you lower your overall importation cost.

Excelsior Worldwide conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our service.

Importer Tips: Tips to Effectively Manage Your Import Supply Chain

Importer Tips Tips to Effectively Manage Your Import Supply Chain

Most importers will testify that managing shipments – from proper documentation to clearing cargos at the docks – is not a simple task. The import process involves a plethora of interactions and complying with dozens of regulations. These requisites can have a significant impact on your supply chain. Therefore, careful planning and fluid supply chain execution are required to minimize the uncertainties throughout the whole process.

Here are some tips that you can implement to optimize imports supply chain and speed up cycle time while complying with increased regulatory requirements in the industry.

1. Identify All Potential Pain Points

To optimize your supply chain, you must identify all the potential pain points that may cause hiccups in your operations along the way. Knowing these disruptions before they arise will enable you to create a proactive strategy with your service providers.

Aside from factors such as weather and catastrophic events, planning for the following common pain points in the supply chain will help ensure seamless import operations in the long run:

  • Port congestion and labor disputes
  • An unexpected change in vessel route
  • In-transit capacity crunches
  • Holidays, especially Chinese New Year.

2. Weigh the Benefits of LCL vs. FCL Shipping

When importing from overseas, you will likely choose between less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL) as a means of shipping your cargo. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks. For instance, LCL will help you save on cost since the shipping price is shared among other importers. One of the drawbacks of this shipping method, however, is that the arrival schedule of shipments is often inconsistent. Nonetheless, there are services providers that offer regularly scheduled LCL services.

3. Hire a Trustworthy Customs Broker

Auditing your customs documents consistently is must to protect the operations and the namesake of your import business. If time is an issue, you can hire a trustworthy customs broker who will look over your records and will make sure everything matches up. In doing so, you will not only be able to ensure legitimate import operations, but you will also be able to focus on other important aspects of your growing business.

4. Ensure All Your Logistics Service Providers are Linked

Finally, a streamlined import-based supply chain will ultimately depend on the ability of your transportation and logistics partners to communicate with you and one another.

Since there are so many moving parts within international logistics, failures tend to occur in the spaces between each parties. If your service providers are communicating well with you, but you are still encountering issues, you may want to ensure that they are on the same page with each other.

It is very easy to get overwhelmed by the nuts and bolts of the complex import-based supply chain management. Being well-informed and asking your trusted customs broker and freight forwarder the right questions can significantly help you avoid costly surprises.

Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. Contact us today to learn more about our service.

Integrity in Business By Excelsior Team (Infographic)

Several decades have passed, yet nothing rings truer than the words of Zig Ziglar: “Honesty and integrity are by far the most important assets of an entrepreneur.”

Many businesses today have been seen to close shop after 10 years; sometimes it only takes 7, or even just 5 years. If you ask entrepreneurs whose businesses have endured past the 10-year mark, they are likely to tell you that the key, the fundamental ingredient is this: integrity.

Business giants and industry leaders attest to the primacy and indispensability of integrity in their business success. Bill Gates openly speaks of how honesty and good morals have served as his stepping-stones towards his success. Warren Buffet has both verbalized and lived out how an unwavering adherence to high moral standards has paved the way for an untainted reputation, which has positioned him to be the most successful investor today.

Indeed, integrity is the crux of every business’ system infrastructure, the cornerstone on which a business’ success is founded on.

Integrity in Business By Excelsior Team

But what exactly is integrity and why does it matter so much?

Integrity comes from a Latin adjective integer, which means whole and complete. Imagine a bicycle wheel with several spokes that connect the center of the wheel to the rim. The spokes, when whole and complete in its assembly, enable the wheel to turn effectively. When one breaks, goes missing, or starts to rust, this compromises the structure of the wheel, thus contributing to feeble and ineffective functioning and progressive deterioration.

In an organization, being whole and complete has to do with establishing moral standards and living up to them, so much so that it becomes the very glue that holds the company together. Examples of such moral standards include honesty and transparency. Failure to adhere to these leads to collapse, first internally wherein mistrust occurs among employees and partners, and then externally, between the business itself and its customers.

The absence of an established set of moral values deprives companies of a “true north”. With nothing to guide them, they are capriciously directed by profit, trends, and other external mechanisms, which are all elusive at best.

Acting in integrity allows the company to be the “go-to company” for clients’ needs. Why? For the simple reason that the business has earned the trust of customers. No other factor – no amount of net worth, network, or company size – can be a better measure of a business’ trustworthiness than its integrity.

A company that has seen the powerful impact of customer trust on their business’ success is Excelsior, a budding industry leader in customs brokerage & international freight forwarding services. Today, 90% of their sales are by referral. Their clients have become their biggest marketing and sales force.

Clients of Excelsior have been a witness to their high moral standards, values of honesty and transparency, and uncompromised quality of client-centered service. Excelsior likewise upholds utmost integrity in their customer service, business dealings, and business operations. They have been in service for the past 17 years.

Truly, with integrity as the foundation of any business, it is sure to move from good to great and withstand the test of time.

Excelsior Worldwide conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experienced for 17 years in the business. Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our service.

Excelsior Worldwide Logistics Corp.