The news on Saturday, June 28

1. Issuing a Proforma Invoice

In foreign trade and exports, a Proforma Invoice (abbreviated as PI) serves as a non-binding commercial document that outlines the general terms of sale, price, product specifications, delivery time, payment terms, and other preliminary agreements for the buyer.

This document is usually issued before the Commercial Invoice and is often used as the basis for requesting an import license, opening a Letter of Credit (L/C), or obtaining an advance payment from the foreign buyer.

Steps to Issue a Proforma Invoice

1. Receiving a formal request from the buyer (Request for Quotation - RFQ)

The first step is receiving a formal price inquiry (RFQ) from a potential buyer.

This request should include detailed product specifications, quantity, packaging details, delivery terms, and the destination port.

2. Reviewing Incoterms

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are the global standard for delivery conditions, which we will cover in a separate article.

The Proforma Invoice must clearly specify which Incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF, CFR, EXW) apply to the delivery.

3. Calculating the final price (Final Quotation)

The proposed price should include all related costs, such as:

• Production costs
• Packaging
• Inland transportation
• Export customs clearance fees
• International freight charges
• Insurance premiums

And any additional costs.

Key Components of a Proforma Invoice

1. "Proforma Invoice" Title
   Clearly stated at the top to avoid confusion with a Commercial Invoice.

2. Exporter’s Details
   Includes company name, address, trade registration number, tax ID, contact number, and official email.

3. Consignee’s Details
   Buyer's company name, address, contact number, and responsible person.

4. Detailed Goods Description
   Includes HS Code (Harmonized System Code), technical specifications, brand, size, net weight, and gross weight.

5. Quantity
   Exact quantity or volume (e.g., in kilograms or square meters).

6. Unit Price and Total Amount
   Clearly stated in the agreed currency (e.g., USD, EUR, AED).

7. Payment Terms
   Includes advance payment, Letter of Credit (L/C at sight or deferred), cash in advance, or other agreed terms.

8. Delivery Terms
   As per Incoterms and delivery location.

9. Delivery Timeframe
   E.g., 45 days after receiving the advance payment.

10. Validity of Proforma Invoice
    Typically valid for 15 to 30 days.

11. PI Number & Date

12. Authorized Signature & Company Seal

Legal and Documentation Requirements

• Use a Formal Offer Letter before issuing the PI to avoid misunderstandings.

• Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Export Control Regulations.

• Adherence to customs laws of the origin and destination countries, including obtaining export permits if required.

Key Professional Tips

• A Proforma Invoice is non-binding but serves as a reference for future negotiations.

• In some countries, banks require a PI to open an L/C.

• Choosing the correct currency significantly impacts exchange rate risk.

• Accurate HS Code is crucial to avoid customs clearance issues and unexpected tariffs.

• For large transactions, it is recommended to send the PI along with a Packing List and Technical Drawing of the product.

Conclusion

A Proforma Invoice is a vital tool in the export and international trade process.

Issuing an accurate, transparent, and internationally compliant PI builds buyer trust and lays the foundation for future negotiations.

Adhering to all technical and legal elements demonstrates professional maturity and mastery of trade processes.

If you find this content challenging, discuss it with the foreign negotiation team or your provincial board for practice and mastery.

2. Secrecy in Business: The Poison of Success

Throughout history, humans have sought ways to remain unseen while achieving results.

But the reality is that success requires declaration—shouting, "I am here," "I have arrived," and "I am a trader."

Secrecy: The Chronic Disease of Fearful Minds

Many newcomers to business fear their family, relatives, friends, and even neighbors.

They want to trade but in secret.

They quietly open websites, study materials in silence, and never share posts or news about their business, hoping to "silently" become wealthy.

But this mindset is not only wrong—it is counterproductive to success.

The Logic of Nature: First Declaration, Then Blessing

The Quran states:

"By the earth which cracks open."
(Surah At-Tariq, Verse 12)

This verse refers to how even a seed must break through the soil, be seen, receive sunlight, and bear fruit.

Pregnancy Analogy:
A pregnant woman’s belly grows visibly before childbirth.

You cannot hide a baby for nine months and suddenly announce, "Here’s the child!"

The same applies to business.

Business is a living process—it needs visibility and breathing room.

Hadiths: Faith and Courage in Declaration

Imam Ali (AS) said:

"Courage is part of faith."
(Ghurar al-Hikam, Hadith 2247)

It is also narrated:

"Show your deeds to be rewarded for them."
(Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 70)

Note the word "rewarded"—business is about giving and requires visibility.

Secrecy contradicts the spirit of faith and the mechanism of success in business.

Global Logic: The Principle of Reputation in Economics

Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, says:

"If you want others to trust you, first show yourself."

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, believes:

"Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room."

Even in the eyes of non-Muslim investors, transparent business identity is key to trust and investment.

Benefits of Transparency in Business

1️⃣ Gaining Customer Trust: When you boldly declare, "I am a trader," people trust you.

2️⃣ Enhancing Market Credibility: Visible business profiles gain traction faster, rank higher on Google, and attract attention.

3️⃣ Attracting Collaboration Opportunities: Suppliers, investors, and large clients gravitate toward those who operate transparently.

4️⃣ Breaking Psychological Barriers: Saying "I am a trader" trains your subconscious to take action.

5️⃣ Divine Support: Allah is with His servant’s expectations. If you believe in success, Allah will grant it.

"I am as My servant thinks of Me."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, Hadith 7405)

Hide, and You Will Never Succeed.

If you think secrecy prevents obstacles from family and friends, you are mistaken.

Because in this state, you won’t even reach the stage of facing obstacles.

Hide, and you won’t become a trader.
Declare, and though it may be hard, though you may be mocked, know that the journey will begin, the path will open, and you will rise.

Conclusion

In the end, every trader has two choices:
1️⃣ Shout their business, be seen, be mocked, but ultimately succeed.
2️⃣ Hide their business, avoid mockery, but fail in silence forever.

The choice is yours.
But remember, Allah says:

"We have placed barriers before them and behind them, covering them so they cannot see."
(Surah Ya-Sin, Verse 9)

These barriers are secrecy and fear.

✅ Today, right now, update your profile. Write a professional bio. Declare your position. Shout your business. And know that success awaits you.

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4. Comprehensive Guide to Attracting Customers via Google

1️⃣ What is Google and Why is it Important?

Google is the world’s largest search engine.

Global research shows 93% of people search on Google first when looking for a product or service.

Appearing in Google results means you are directly in front of ready-to-buy customers.

2️⃣ What is SEO?

SEO is optimizing your website or page content for Google so that when people search for terms like "today’s pistachio price," "buy genuine leather," or "Iranian date trader," you rank at the top.

Key SEO Principles:

✅ Keywords:
Phrases your customers search for.
E.g., "buy export-quality pistachios" or "today’s raisin price."

✅ Useful and Comprehensive Content:
Google prefers complete, accurate, and fresh content.

The richer your descriptions and articles, the higher your visibility.

✅ User Engagement:
If people click your link, stay for minutes, scroll, or visit other pages, Google ranks you higher.

✅ Backlinks:
When other sites link to you, Google trusts you more.

3️⃣ What Content Should You Create?

Create content that precisely answers customer needs, such as:

• Daily product prices

• Usage or export methods

• Your product’s advantages over competitors

• Your credibility as a trader

4️⃣ How to Increase Content Traffic?

🔸 Step 1: Visit Your Own Content
Check your page daily.

Click on your posts, scroll, and spend time optimizing SEO.

🔸 Step 2: Engage Your Network.
Ask family, friends, past clients, and acquaintances to:

• Search your name on Google.

• Click on your page link.

• Visit other pages too.

🔸 Step 3: Share Content Links
Post your page links in WhatsApp/Telegram groups.

You can even write:

"Please Google my name and click the first link. Thank you for helping my business grow."

5️⃣ Why Does This Work?

📈 Google’s 2025 algorithms prioritize real user behavior.
No matter how beautiful your content is, if no one sees or clicks it, it’s worthless.

More clicks, engagement, and visits mean higher rankings.
Higher rankings mean more customers, calls, and sales.

💥 Summary

✅ Create content on your pages
✅ Regularly visit and click your content
✅ Encourage your network to search and click
✅ Monitor your Google ranking and continue

💬 Start today.

No one will make you rich except Arad and yourself.

Business means responsibility, courage, and visibility.

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