Tea in India is not just a drink—it’s a tradition, an emotion, and a daily ritual for millions. Every street corner has a tea stall serving countless cups to students, workers, and passersby. But here’s the million-rupee question: Can a small tea stall business transform into a powerful tea retail…
Real business experiences
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The Difficulties of Cancelling a Letter of Credit in International Trade – A Real-Life Experience
In international trade, a Letter of Credit (LC) is one of the safest payment methods, providing security to both exporters and importers. However, once an LC is issued—especially an Irrevocable LC—there is extreme difficulties in cancelling a letter of credit and it is also a very delaying process. I recently experienced this firsthand…
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Proforma Invoice Meaning, Format, Templates & Importance in Export Business.
When I started my export business, I faced a lot of confusion about international trade documentation. One of the first surprises I encountered was when my foreign buyer requested a proforma invoice after we finalized prices. I had absolutely no idea what it was. Fortunately, a close friend—already active in…
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GEM Portal: My Experience, Registration Process, special benefits for msme, startup and woman entrepreneurs
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal is India’s leading online platform for public procurement, offering businesses a direct gateway to sell to government departments. After recently registering as a seller, I realized that while the process is straightforward, actually selling products requires deeper understanding. In this blog, I’ll cover:✔ What is the GeM Portal?✔ My Personal…
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Understanding Non Performing Assets (NPA): A Real-Life Lesson for MSMEs and Entrepreneurs.
In the financial world, non performing assets (NPA) have become a serious concern for both banks and business owners. For the MSME sector, which plays a crucial role in India’s economy, the rise in bank non performing assets is more than just a statistic—it’s a warning signal. What Are Non…
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Why Understanding Product Volume is Critical Before Finalizing Packaging: A Hard Lesson from My Tea Export Experience.
When it comes to packaging, most businesses—especially startups—focus heavily on aesthetics, durability, and branding. But there’s one vital detail that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: understanding the accurate volume of the product before the packaging is finalized. Whether you are dealing with tea packaging, spice containers, or any…
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Why Barcode is Essential for MSME Product Packaging: Benefits, Types & Government Subsidy
In today’s fast-paced retail and supply chain ecosystem, barcode have become a necessity for businesses of all sizes. For Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, adopting barcode technology not only streamlines operations but also opens doors to national and international markets. Having personally implemented GS1 barcode in my…
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Cheque Return vs Cheque Bounce: How One MSME Landed in Legal Trouble—and What You Must Learn from It.
In the fast-paced world of small businesses and MSMEs, cheques still play a vital role in payments—especially for large transactions. But what happens when a cheque is returned or a cheque bounce? For many MSME owners, this isn’t just a banking issue—it’s a legal, financial, and emotional nightmare. Here’s a…
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When to Say “No” to an Export Order – Lessons from a Tea Exporter’s Experience
In the world of export business, getting your first export order is a thrilling experience. Whether you’re exporting spices, garments, or tea from India, the idea of entering the global market is exciting. But here’s a truth that many new exporters learn the hard way: Getting an export order is…
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Starting a Tea Packaging business: Risks and Opportunities
The Indian tea industry is one of the oldest and most respected in the world. While much of the focus has always been on tea cultivation, there’s growing potential in the tea packaging business — especially as consumers increasingly demand branded, hygienic, and well-labeled tea. In this post, I’ll share…