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…
My personal business experience
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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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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…
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How AI (Artificial Intelligence) Helped Me Grow My Small Business & Cut Costs
In today’s digital world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how businesses—big or small—operate. While many still associate AI with high-tech companies and large enterprises, the truth is, AI is a game-changer for small businesses and MSMEs too.Msme. As a small business owner myself, I was hesitant at first. I thought…
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Why GST Registration is important for Small Businesses – My Journey from a Tea Trader to a GST-Ready Entrepreneur
If you’re a small business owner wondering whether to do gst registration or not ?, you’re not alone. I faced the same dilemma when I first started my small tea trading business in India. At that time, my turnover was well below the threshold for mandatory goods and services tax…