Post: #1

Hi Rooshers! It's my first post...(I hope I posted it in the right place, if not, I hope a mod can move it for me)...and I thought I would ask a question that has been burning in my loins for many a fortnight.

I am located in the North Western part of the United States. I know there are expats who hang out on this board sometimes, so here is my question.

Is there a simple product or service that I could offer (something so simple as buying products here that they have difficulty getting there and mailing the items to them) to those travelling abroad or expats or even the indigenous population? Just wondering (from China to Abu Dabi) if are there certain products or services that just you just can't get in third or second world countries that I might be able to provide considering my access to first world services and items.

Just been wondering about setting up a little side import/export business or be the provider of a unique service that isn't being offered to expats or even foreign nationals. I'm talking anything unique from exporting dildos to importing samosas. I'm in an real "out-of-the-box" mindset on this one, so any uncommon or unique thoughts or ideas would be fun to hear.

Well, thanks for litstening and hello again, I hope I have an informative and uplifting time spent on this board!

Bang on Dudes!

Mr. Oh

Post: #2

Abu Dabi is a westernized muslim country. The rich population still loves to drink high-end alchohols.

Post: #3

Not import-export, but 2 (IMO) good ideas:

1) Strategic Accounting for Expats/entrepreneurs/digital nomads with location-independent businesses or income.

Where's best to incorporate? How long do I need to stay living abroad to get tax benefits? Other such questions.

So much opportunity there, no one is serving this market at the moment. Most accountants just know about their own country and are reluctant to offer any advice on optimizing your finances as an international earner. The only people who know this shit are the ultra-rich with offshore accounts in Cayman Islands and shit. No one is serving the "middle class" of digital nomads / lifestyle business people. Offer consulting or a high-end product (interviews with accounts or something)

2) Concierge service in a country you've gotten on the "inside" of. Only expats have the knowledge and know-how other expats need. Locals will recommend stuff they think you'll like, e.g. tourist areas, or stuff they like, e.g. local areas and venues that take too much adjusting for westerners, or are only good for the novelty. Despite the initial appeal you dont really want to live in a thai dump of an apartment with no aircon, you don't really want to eat $0.50 noodles on the pavement every morning. Likewise you dont want $15 pizzas every day or the ripoff suite at the Sheraton.

As an expat, you're uniquely positioned to help other expats get located, make friends, find the "just right" eateries, bars and clubs, meet girls, etc. All the "ins" you've built up infound in your particular city/country through pure boots-on-the-ground experience and seeking-out are massively valuable to other expats just arriving.

It can be a service where you personally help them out, or a product.

Post: #4

(12-02-2012 08:45 AM)RichieP Wrote:  2) Concierge service in a country you've gotten on the "inside" of. Only expats have the knowledge and know-how other expats need. Locals will recommend stuff they think you'll like, e.g. tourist areas, or stuff they like, e.g. local areas and venues that take too much adjusting for westerners, or are only good for the novelty. Despite the initial appeal you dont really want to live in a thai dump of an apartment with no aircon, you don't really want to eat $0.50 noodles on the pavement every morning. Likewise you dont want $15 pizzas every day or the ripoff suite at the Sheraton.

After Internet poker was banned in the US there was a chick who ran a service like this for US players looking to relocate to Costa Rica. She set up their apartment, Internet, banking...so that when they arrived in the country they were set from day one. Funny thing was that her interview made it seem like she did not have any special local knowledge as she had only previously been there for vacation. She simply saw a niche, did her homework and somehow
found clients.

One thing I could not find in SE Asia was reasonably priced, authentic hiking equipment. Although this seemed to not be a problem for most guys, I also had trouble finding condoms that would fit and go the distance.

Post: #5

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Thumbs up.

Mr. Oh