The world feels a different place now, so you may see more requests when selling internationally for “Letters of Credit” or “Documentary Collections” whilst the banks lick their wounds and buyers still feel nervous.
Whatever your experience with International Trade, KKIT Consultancy can help you. Whether that's streamlining current procedures, cutting costs or helping implement business processes to enable you to trade internationally safe in the knowledge we are the experts and you're legally covered.
Find Out MoreLetters of Credit (AKA Documentary Credits) are in their simplest form a guarantee from the buyers nominated bank that a seller will receive payment as long as all terms of the LC are adhered to. This is the crucial part, where many exporters fail and have trouble enforcing the contract, ultimately jepordising payment.
There are times when there is no other choice when exporting goods to certain countries than to use a LC as their import laws dictate it, but more often than not, they are used as peace of mind and a guarantee that the purchaser and the seller has all their needs met, and payment is always guaranteed.
LCs can also be used as a tool to finance sales, we have found that not many exporters are aware of this. For instance you can use an LC to get paid straight away (at sight) whilst offering your client up to 360 days of credit. This is called discounting.
Get Started!We believe it is better to get the LC right from the start, rather than waste time and money on amending LCs. We talk you through the process from the start including liaising with your seller as they also often need guidance. We are equally happy to take a back seat and let you do the talking without your seller ever knowing we are involved. When checking draft LCs if this is an option we would always discuss with you if the terms were achievable, and suggest alternatives if not.
When it is time to ship, we liaise with freight forwarders, shipping companies, inspection agents etc. You only need to give us contact details, we do the rest in a timely fashion.
We have great relationships with many UK banks therefore can offer competative rates on discounting LCs. “Discounting” is a form of financing an LC, meaning you can offer your buyer up to 360 days credit terms whilst you get paid “at sight”. We research our comprehensive network, finding the best UK bank to discount against your buyers nominated bank abroad.
We arrange ALL 3rd party documentation and produce ALL other LC compliant paper work, we can also arrange competitive cargo insurance, Chamber of Commerce paperwork, such as Certs of Origin, EUR1s and Arab Docs. UCP600, ISBP, INCOTERMS 2020 compliant.
Many UK businesses are put off trading goods abroad simply because having never done so before, the legal requirements, the paperwork and the potential risks they face mean that to do so requires confidence, knowledge, time and patience. Many businesses are missing out on expanding their operations simply because fulfilling this criteria to ensure they receive payment once the goods have left the UK seems too great an obstacle. This is where KKITC can assist.
Ready to export your next shipment or simply have questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch.