Importing isn’t as simple as buying a product overseas and having it show up at your door.

In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles break down three of the most common (and costly) assumptions business owners make about importing—and how those mistakes can quietly erode margins, create compliance risk, and lead to serious problems with U.S. Customs.

If you’re importing—or thinking about it—this is a must-listen.

Many importers assume their overseas supplier manages the process.

Reality:

If documentation is wrong—valuation, country of origin, product description—you own the consequences.

“Your supplier may ship the goods—but you own the risk.”

What used to be a stable, forecastable cost is now a moving target.

“Duty used to be a line item. Now it’s a variable you have to actively manage.”

Hiring a broker does not transfer liability.

“Customs holds the importer accountable—not the broker.”

Even when no one is trying to cut corners:

…can result in:

All three mistakes come down to one thing:

👉 Misunderstanding responsibility

Importing is not passive.

The companies that succeed:

Hosts:

Lalo Solorzano

Andy Shiles

Guests:

Anand Raghavendran – KYG Trade

Gagan Bhasin – VAO

Produced by: Global Training Center

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