One of the myths that holds people back most before importing is thinking you need a lot of capital to get started. The reality is different: what really matters isn’t how much money you have, but understanding exactly where every peso is going before you commit it.
What your first import’s cost is actually made of
The product’s price on the supplier’s catalog is only part of the total. These are the components that almost always get left out of the initial calculation:
| Component | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Product cost | What you pay the supplier for the goods |
| International freight | Sea or air transport to Colombia |
| Taxes and tariffs | VAT and duty depending on the product, calculated on the customs value |
| Agency service | The support and importer profile that makes the operation possible |
| Buffer for the unexpected | Extra margin for last-minute changes in timing or costs |
How much you actually need for a small order
There’s no single number that works for every product, but one principle almost always holds: if you’re starting out, it’s better to underestimate the size of your order and overestimate your per-unit budget, not the other way around. It’s better to bring in less and confirm the business works than to commit all your capital to a large order before you’re sure.
- Start with the minimum that lets you test. Cargo consolidation exists precisely so you don’t need to fill a full container for the shipment to be viable.
- Always leave an extra 15-20% margin. It covers normal swings in exchange rate, last-minute freight adjustments, or any reasonable surprise.
- Don’t invest money you can’t leave tied up for weeks. Your money stays committed from the moment you pay the supplier until the product arrives and sells, plan around that timeline, not the payment date.
The most expensive mistake isn’t starting with little capital. It’s starting without knowing where every peso is going, and finding out halfway through.
How to avoid running short mid-process
The simplest way to avoid surprises is to ask for a full quote before deciding how much to import, not after. A real quote already bundles freight, taxes, and service into one number, so you know your total from day one, not just the product’s price.
If you’re still not sure what to bring in, check out how to choose what product to import and sell successfully first, then use that decision to request a quote fitted to your real budget.
Want to know exactly how much you’d need for your first order?
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