The news on Thursday, July 10

1. First Step of Export/Import: Registering the Declaration in the EPL System

When a merchant decides to export or import goods, the first and most important step is declaring the goods in the EPL system (Electronic Packing List).

Many novice merchants think the export/import process begins when goods are loaded or arrive at the border, while the actual starting point is declaring goods to customs.

What does declaring goods mean?

Declaring goods means officially and legally notifying customs that a shipment with precise specifications (matching the submitted documents) will be sent for export or import.

Simply put, you tell customs:

"This product, with this weight, this value, this packaging, and via this carrier, will be exported from or imported into the country."

What is the EPL system?

The EPL system is a comprehensive electronic system designed by Iran Customs to manage the goods declaration process.

This system enables online registration, review, and tracking of all product-related information and is one of the most important tools for digitizing customs procedures.

What information must be included in the declaration?

To complete the declaration, the merchant must register the following precise details in the EPL system:

• Product specifications: Includes exact product name, customs tariff code (HS Code), technical features, application, and composition.

• Packaging information: Packaging type, quantity, dimensions, and net/gross weight.

• Product value: Product price in USD, EUR, or agreed currency, along with purchase invoice or proforma invoice.

• Production and shipping documents: Includes certificate of origin, production license, health or standard certificates (if required).

• Carrier details: Type of transport vehicle (truck, container, ship, airplane, etc.), license plate or container number, driver or crew details.

• Product owner and recipient information: Name, address, national ID or corporate ID, contact number.

Why is accurate declaration important?

Accurate and transparent declaration protects the merchant from potential issues in later stages.

If incorrect information is registered in the declaration, it not only causes delays in clearance but can also result in heavy fines or even product confiscation.

The role of the declaration in the clearance process

After registering the declaration, the product enters customs evaluation and inspection.

Customs experts compare the declared information with physical documents and the actual shipment.

If confirmed, a clearance permit is issued, and the merchant can release the product from customs or send it to the foreign destination.

Benefits of registering a declaration in the EPL system

✅ Reduced customs processing time.
✅ Full transparency in providing information to official authorities.
✅ Online tracking and follow-up of declaration status.
✅ Reduced potential costs from violations or errors.

Summary

Successful merchants, before taking any export/import action, register the customs declaration carefully in the EPL system.

This key step is not only a legal requirement but also a sign of professionalism and adherence to transparent and organized trade principles.

For those serious about international trade, familiarity with the goods declaration process and the ability to manage it precisely is a fundamental and irreplaceable skill.

2. The Winning Arragement

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3. Organizational Position: Business Identity or Just a Title?

When someone first enters the business world, they only have a first and last name—the same thing everyone has on their ID.

But a name alone doesn’t create any "identity" in business or negotiations.
Without an organizational position, you’re just an ordinary person to customers or negotiating parties—without identity, credibility, or a clear standing.

Unlike many organizations, Arad Branding assigns positions even to newcomers and allows them to send letters on official Arad letterhead.

This means Arad is willing to invest its own credibility and brand to help the merchant grow.

This privilege is entirely for the newcomer’s benefit, not Arad’s.

From an external perspective, this might even harm Arad’s brand, but Arad openly says:

"Come, get a position, be seen, grow."

8 Key Benefits of Having an Organizational Position

1. Establishing a Clear Business Identity

A position gives you a "professional identity."

When you say: Arad Branding Pistachio Export Manager in India or Arad Branding Saffron Sales Manager in Lebanon, the audience knows exactly who you are and your role.

2. Increasing Initial Credibility and Trust

Foreign and domestic customers don’t quickly trust those without positions.

An organizational position, as a corporate backing, shows you’re part of a reputable system, not just an individual.

3. Ability to Use Official Letterhead and Brand

A position allows you to correspond using Arad’s logo and official letterhead.

This makes customers feel they’re dealing with a large, structured entity, not an unknown individual.

4. Access to Broader Trade Networks

Those with positions are listed officially and can use the organization’s communication resources (conferences, meetings, trade groups, etc.).

5. Transparency in Negotiation and Pricing

With a clear position, your role in pricing, contracts, or quality approval is defined.

Customers or partners know exactly who makes final decisions.

6. Strengthening Personal Branding

A position helps build your personal brand alongside Arad’s.

The more prominent and clear your position, the more your name is recognized in the market.

7. Opening Doors to Larger Collaborations

Companies, organizations, and bulk buyers usually don’t respond to individuals without positions.

An official position is the key to high-level projects and collaborations.

8. Creating a Sense of Belonging and Internal Motivation

Having a position makes merchants feel part of a larger structure, on a growth path, with social and economic responsibilities.

This sense of belonging drives them to work consistently and energetically.

Summary

Without a position, you’re just a name; with a position, you become an independent identity and a living brand.
A position is your "formal attire" in the business world.
By offering positions even to newcomers, Arad provides a golden opportunity to build a professional and powerful future.

4. Teamwork or Solo Work? Which is Better?

⏱️ 8 minutes

5. Follow-Up Calls: The Master Key to Increasing Sales and Retaining Customers

You may have wondered after sending an order:

• Was the customer satisfied with my product?

• Will they buy from me again?

• If I call, will they answer or see me as a bother?

These questions are natural.

Even the biggest, most professional sellers have these concerns.

But the main difference between successful and unsuccessful sellers is clear at this point: the courage to follow up.

Why are follow-up calls important?

✅ Building trust and a sense of security for the customer
When you call after a sale, customers feel valued—not just a number or invoice in your system.

This feeling turns them into loyal customers.

✅ Identifying potential issues
Maybe the packaging was damaged, quality fell short, or the customer couldn’t use the product correctly.

A call is the best chance to hear and fix these issues.

✅ Golden opportunity for repeat orders
Statistics show existing customers have a 60–70% chance of reordering, compared to under 20% for new customers.

Your best customer is your existing one.

Without follow-up, sales drop to almost zero.

Without follow-up, repeat purchase rates often drop to around 1%.

In today’s busy world, customers’ minds fill quickly, and they forget you easily.

Imagine you’ve shipped a package of saffron or export-quality pistachios.

If you call after a few days and ask:

"Did you receive the product? Were you satisfied with the quality? Do you need anything else?"
This simple call becomes a bridge to future orders and even referrals.

Follow-up means courage and action

As long as you just repeat questions in your mind, nothing happens.

But when you pick up the phone and call, you’re a step ahead of 99% of competitors.
Many sellers avoid follow-ups fearing a "no," losing right there.

But the truth is, even if customers have issues, they’ll still choose you because of this call.

Final Result

✅ Follow-up calls solidify relationships and turn customers into loyal ones.
✅ Increase repeat sales from 1% to over 70%.
✅ Build a professional, committed image in the customer’s mind.
✅ Most importantly, show you’re not just a seller but a trustworthy trade partner.

Summary

If you want to stay and grow in business, make follow-up calls a daily habit.
Even if the answer is no, you still win by moving forward with clarity and courage.

6. Writing Titles with Google’s Help

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7. Spend Money to Make Money: The Core Logic of a Real Merchant

One of the biggest mistakes newcomers make is thinking "not spending equals profit".
But in real business, the opposite is true:

Merchants who spend money become wealthy.
Merchants who act stingy stagnate and fall behind.

Business means constantly investing in growth and visibility.

A merchant must see money spent not as a cost but as "seeds"—seeds of success, higher income, and a stronger brand.

6 Key Areas Where a Merchant Should Spend to Earn Sooner and More

1. Advertising and Branding

If no one knows you, even the best product won’t sell.
Investing in ads on social media, specialized platforms, websites, media, and even banners is a sure way to attract customers and build a brand.

2. Website Development and Professional Content

A weak or content-less website is like a shop with its lights off.
Investing in professional design, specialized content (text, images, videos, articles), and SEO means attracting steady customers and building digital credibility.

3. Training and Specialized Consulting

Successful merchants never stop learning.
Investing in professional training, business courses, conferences, or expert consultations accelerates growth and prevents costly mistakes.

4. Travel and In-Person Business Meetings

Face-to-face meetings, trade shows, and domestic/international trips strengthen human connections and trust.
Many big deals don’t finalize over calls or emails—sometimes you need to meet in person.

5. Improving Product Quality and Packaging

Poor quality or packaging means one-time sales.
Investing in better quality and attractive packaging turns customers into repeat buyers and strengthens your bargaining power.

6. Hiring and Strengthening Support Teams

A merchant can’t do everything alone.
Investing in hiring professionals, sales teams, support, and logistics ensures precise, fast, and professional operations, freeing you to focus on market expansion.

Stinginess Means Failure

Many people make excuses when it comes to spending:

• It’s too early

• It might not work

• I don’t want to risk it now

These are the ones who never grow and always regret missed opportunities.
Real merchants know spending today means harvesting multiples tomorrow.

Summary

✅ Spending in business isn’t a cost—it’s an investment.
✅ Those who spend trust themselves and their future.
✅ Business is a playground for the bold, not the stingy.

8. A Letter to Tomorrow

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