A & A Case Studies

Vehicle Importation Case Study

Challenge: A Canadian importer purchased a sports utility vehicle in the US and wanted to bring it back into Canada. However, the importer did not want the vehicle driven or left unattended from its origin to its destination.

Solution: A & A Contract Customs Brokers provided the Canadian importer with a transport company that could meet the specific requirements of the customer and their insurance needs. A & A was also able to obtain all the necessary information and documentation to have the vehicle Customs cleared seamlessly across the border without the need for the importer's physical presence.

Results :
• The specific needs of the customer were met.
• There were no delays at the border as proper documentation and financial
  arrangements were in place.
• Smooth, stress-free transaction.

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EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Solutions Case Study

Challenge: A US Non-Resident Importer (NRI) account had trouble with their documentation. Late receipt of documents and illegible faxed copies to the broker caused a slowdown in the release process.

Solution: A & A Contract Customs Brokers developed an electronic solution utilizing EDI to provide immediate receipt of information before the goods were even shipped. This solution eliminated the issue of illegible faxed copies and misdirected paperwork. The information was sent directly to A & A's system where the clearance preparation could begin immediately.

Results :
• Accelerated clearance.
• Confident transactions knowing all relevant information was received.
• No extra time spent locating and re-sending the fax documentation to the broker.

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Non Resident Importer (NRI) Case Study

Challenge: A US vendor planned to distribute their product directly to Canadian outdoor and sporting goods retail stores. To be successful it was imperative that it was easy and transparent for the Canadian retailer to purchase the goods direct and not have to deal with price uncertainties and border related issues.

Solution: By consulting with the A & A Non-Resident specialists, the US vendor was established as a Non-Resident Importer with a program customized to meet the vendor's specific goals for the market.

Results:
• Accurate "delivered" price provided at time of sale.
• A transparent border transaction for the Canadian retail customer.
• Uniform pricing - no variables on delivery or clearance.
• Savings on customs clearance fees.
• Improved delivery times.
• Improved inventory control.
• Enhanced customer service.
• Increased sales and Canadian market share.

Customer Quote: "A & A has provided great service and advice. Your assistance in getting us set up, as a Non Resident Importer has been instrumental in our success in Canada. Your working with us every step of the way, to streamline the importation paperwork and billing in addition to your expeditious handling of our shipment has made doing business in Canada easy and profitable. "

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Freight Forwarding Case Study

Challenge: A Canadian company is looking to open up new markets and distribute DVD players throughout Europe. To be successful it was imperative that the shipping process was transparent for the buyer and that they would not have to deal with price uncertainties, shipping or customs related issues. It was also important that costs were kept to a minimum so that the product would have an attractive price point and that delivery times were controlled.

Solution: Consulting with our freight forwarding specialists a customized solution is developed to meet the vendor’s specific goals for the European market. Services included: guidance on marking, labeling and packaging, completing export documentation, shipment consolidation and transportation management, rate negotiation, cargo insurance, export reporting, shipping to consolidated entry point, customs clearance, warehousing and fulfillment from point of arrival throughout Europe.

Results:
• Accurate “delivered” price provided at time of sale
• Seamless process for Canadian company
• Transparent process for buyer in Europe
• Savings on shipping and customs clearance fees
• Improved delivery times
• Improved inventory management
• Enhanced customer service
• Increased sales and market share

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Warehousing & Distribution Case Study

Challenge: A Toronto-based customer would like to import large volumes of Polo Shirts from Pakistan. The customer is looking for company to manage the warehousing and distribution of the Polo Shirts while still being able to have control over the inventory and final delivery to the customer.

Solution: A & A helped establish a customized warehouse package that includes the importing of the product, product bar coding, product fulfillment, pick and pack, inventory management, online inventory status, tracking and tracing, and returns management.

Results:
• Greater visibility and management through online view and EDI solutions.
• Close proximity to the product provides greater visibility.
• Fast turn around time from order processing to delivery.
• Cost-effective and on-time deliveries.
• Costly overhead charges eliminated.
• Useful management reports.
• Improved inventory control.
• Enhanced customer service.

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