Ben Thompson
Highlights
- Experienced founders that have successfully founded International Trading Companies.
- Over 14+ years of Global Trade experience, buying and selling products all over the world.
- Developed innovative cloud software solutions to streamline global trade documentation for Small and Medium Businesses worldwide.
Created the Global Trade Newsletter, to inform and educate over 150K+ subscribers to help them succeed in global trade
About Ben Thompson
Ben is passionate about International Trade, Import/Export, International Shipping and connecting world markets. For the last 14 years Ben has specialized in importing and exporting goods around the world, and creating content and software solutions to help small and medium sized businesses to become successful in global trade.
After facing the many challenges of running their own trading company, in 2016 Ben Thompson and Brandon Boor founded IncoDocs, a new cloud based software tool to help importers and exporters to streamline their global trade documentation. In 2019 IncoDocs secured investment from global shipping line giant Maersk, as they shared their vision to digitize global supply chain processes. Since then Ben and Brandon have grown IncoDocs to provide solutions to companies in over 120 countries.
Additionally, the IncoDocs team continues to provide detailed industry articles, videos, podcasts, guides and tools to help companies thrive in global trade. The IncoDocs YouTube channel has gained over 20K+ subscribers, and had over 1 Million video views. The team are consistently providing useful content to help importers and exporters solve their problems along the supply chain.
Ben and Brandon also created the Global Trade Newsletter, which continues to provides news, resources and helpful content to over 150k+ subscribers.
The IncoDocs team are passionate about global trade and understand the complexities of the global supply chain and continue to create content and solutions to streamline the import export process and drive the future of global trade.
Posts by Ben Thompson
Land Transportation Explained
Last updated on July 20, 2024 by Ben ThompsonLand transportation involves moving goods via road, rail, and pipelines. This mode is essential for logistics, connecting suppliers to consumers and ensuring efficient product movement. From ports and warehouses to stores and end-users, land transport keeps supply chains flowing. In this blog, we explore the various modes, their benefits, challenges, and recent innovations in the…
Best Practices for Container Loading: Tips to Securely Load a Shipping Container
Last updated on July 17, 2024 by Ben ThompsonContainer loading involves packing goods into shipping containers to keep them secure during transit. Proper loading prevents shifting and damage, reducing costs and delays. Containers can carry many types of cargo, from electronics to machinery. Effective loading maximizes space, minimizes damage, and ensures smooth, efficient transportation.
How to get a Certificate of Origin from a Chamber of Commerce
Last updated on July 15, 2024 by Ben ThompsonFirst of all, a certificate of origin document is an important document used in global trade to confirm the country of origin of where the goods have actually been manufactured or processed. So, the document will be used when the country of export and the country of import have a current Free Trade Agreement in…
Markup vs Profit Margin: Understanding the Difference in Global Trade (2024)
Last updated on June 28, 2024 by Ben ThompsonDiscover the crucial differences between markup and profit margin. Learn how to calculate each, understand their impacts on pricing, and apply effective strategies to ensure long-term profitability. Clear explanations and practical formulas will help you avoid pricing errors and communicate effectively with your sales team. Make informed decisions for your business success.
Quotations In Global Trade
Last updated on June 26, 2024 by Ben ThompsonComparing quotations from suppliers is essential in global trade to manage costs and ensure smooth operations. Quotations detail prices, delivery times, and payment methods. By carefully comparing these quotes, businesses can identify the best deals, control costs, and avoid potential issues. This process helps optimize landed costs and supports informed decision-making for long-term profitability.
An Overview of SWIFT International Telegraphic Transfers and other International payment methods
Last updated on June 25, 2024 by Ben ThompsonIf you’re involved in Global Trade you would be aware that importers and exporters agree to sell goods on agreed payment terms that usually involve a SWIFT Telegraphic Transfer, or T/T payment. Before products can be exported around the world the buyer and seller will agree on the terms of trade (including Incoterms®) then include…
How To Save Money On International Shipping
Last updated on June 19, 2024 by Ben ThompsonInternational shipping affects the landed cost of a product, including transportation fees, customs duties, and taxes. Strategic shipping decisions can help manage and reduce these costs. This guide offers practical tips to save on international shipping, like negotiating lower rates, optimizing packaging, and choosing cost-effective carriers and methods.
What Is Ocean Freight: A Complete Guide
Last updated on June 17, 2024 by Ben ThompsonOcean freight is a method of shipping goods internationally by sea, utilizing specialized ships. It's cost-effective for large or heavy shipments. The process includes packing, loading onto cargo ships, ocean transit, unloading at the destination port, and customs clearance. Different services like FCL, LCL, and Ro-Ro cater to various needs. Ocean freight is ideal for…
Full Truckload (FTL) Explained
Last updated on June 14, 2024 by Ben ThompsonFull Truckload (FTL) shipping is a top choice for businesses moving large quantities of goods efficiently and affordably. This method reserves an entire truck for one customer, ensuring faster delivery, minimal handling, and enhanced security. Learn about FTL shipping's advantages, how it works, and key factors affecting costs to improve your logistics and boost profitability.
Determine the Selling Price of Imported Products with the Landed Cost Calculator: Pricing Strategies and Formulas
Last updated on June 12, 2024 by Ben ThompsonTo grow your import business, understand landed costs, profit margins, and operating costs. Create a solid plan for selling products in your market. Calculate landed costs, set profitable selling prices, and consider operating expenses like storage and working capital. Plan sales and marketing strategies, considering market risks and costs. Invest in efficient software to streamline…
Land Transportation Explained
Last updated on July 20, 2024 by Ben ThompsonLand transportation involves moving goods via road, rail, and pipelines. This mode is essential for logistics, connecting suppliers to consumers and ensuring efficient product movement. From ports and warehouses to stores and end-users, land transport keeps supply chains flowing. In this blog, we explore the various modes, their benefits, challenges, and recent innovations in the field. Read More »
Best Practices for Container Loading: Tips to Securely Load a Shipping Container
Last updated on July 17, 2024 by Ben ThompsonContainer loading involves packing goods into shipping containers to keep them secure during transit. Proper loading prevents shifting and damage, reducing costs and delays. Containers can carry many types of cargo, from electronics to machinery. Effective loading maximizes space, minimizes damage, and ensures smooth, efficient transportation. Read More »
How to get a Certificate of Origin from a Chamber of Commerce
Last updated on July 15, 2024 by Ben ThompsonFirst of all, a certificate of origin document is an important document used in global trade to confirm the country of origin of where the goods have actually been manufactured or processed. So, the document will be used when the country of export and the country of import have a current Free Trade Agreement in place (see bottom of article). Read More »
Markup vs Profit Margin: Understanding the Difference in Global Trade (2024)
Last updated on June 28, 2024 by Ben ThompsonDiscover the crucial differences between markup and profit margin. Learn how to calculate each, understand their impacts on pricing, and apply effective strategies to ensure long-term profitability. Clear explanations and practical formulas will help you avoid pricing errors and communicate effectively with your sales team. Make informed decisions for your business success. Read More »
Quotations In Global Trade
Last updated on June 26, 2024 by Ben ThompsonComparing quotations from suppliers is essential in global trade to manage costs and ensure smooth operations. Quotations detail prices, delivery times, and payment methods. By carefully comparing these quotes, businesses can identify the best deals, control costs, and avoid potential issues. This process helps optimize landed costs and supports informed decision-making for long-term profitability. Read More »
An Overview of SWIFT International Telegraphic Transfers and other International payment methods
Last updated on June 25, 2024 by Ben ThompsonIf you’re involved in Global Trade you would be aware that importers and exporters agree to sell goods on agreed payment terms that usually involve a SWIFT Telegraphic Transfer, or T/T payment. Before products can be exported around the world the buyer and seller will agree on the terms of trade (including Incoterms®) then include all details in Purchase Orders, Proforma Invoices and Sales Contracts that are countersigned by both parties. Read More »
How To Save Money On International Shipping
Last updated on June 19, 2024 by Ben ThompsonInternational shipping affects the landed cost of a product, including transportation fees, customs duties, and taxes. Strategic shipping decisions can help manage and reduce these costs. This guide offers practical tips to save on international shipping, like negotiating lower rates, optimizing packaging, and choosing cost-effective carriers and methods. Read More »
What Is Ocean Freight: A Complete Guide
Last updated on June 17, 2024 by Ben ThompsonOcean freight is a method of shipping goods internationally by sea, utilizing specialized ships. It's cost-effective for large or heavy shipments. The process includes packing, loading onto cargo ships, ocean transit, unloading at the destination port, and customs clearance. Different services like FCL, LCL, and Ro-Ro cater to various needs. Ocean freight is ideal for budget-conscious shipments and those that aren't time-sensitive. Read More »
Full Truckload (FTL) Explained
Last updated on June 14, 2024 by Ben ThompsonFull Truckload (FTL) shipping is a top choice for businesses moving large quantities of goods efficiently and affordably. This method reserves an entire truck for one customer, ensuring faster delivery, minimal handling, and enhanced security. Learn about FTL shipping's advantages, how it works, and key factors affecting costs to improve your logistics and boost profitability. Read More »
Determine the Selling Price of Imported Products with the Landed Cost Calculator: Pricing Strategies and Formulas
Last updated on June 12, 2024 by Ben ThompsonTo grow your import business, understand landed costs, profit margins, and operating costs. Create a solid plan for selling products in your market. Calculate landed costs, set profitable selling prices, and consider operating expenses like storage and working capital. Plan sales and marketing strategies, considering market risks and costs. Invest in efficient software to streamline processes. A comprehensive plan, backed by research and professional advice, is key to success. Read More »