So kommen Sie zu Ihrem ersten Rohstoffgeschäft

Start narrow

The fastest way to a first deal is to know one thing well. Pick a product group, a specification and a pair of regions. Learn how it is graded, who buys it and what it costs to move. Depth makes you quick to spot a good offer and a bad one, and it makes counterparties take you seriously.

Learn the numbers

Before you contact anyone, know what a deal has to earn. Estimate the landed cost of buying in one place and selling in another, with freight, insurance, port charges, inspection, bank costs and a safety margin. The landed cost calculator and the trade P&L estimator on Tonport do this and let you replace each line with a real quote. A deal that works only with perfect conditions is not ready.

Write a clear offer or request

Specific posts get specific answers. A message that says only that you want the best price for a large volume attracts noise. On Tonport, the listing wizard asks these questions one step at a time, and listings can stay anonymous until you choose to reveal your identity.

• Product and grade, with the specification or the standard you refer to.
• Quantity per shipment, per month and the tolerance you accept.
• Price, currency and basis, such as an Incoterm and a named place.
• Delivery window or shipment period.
• Payment terms and the documents you expect.
• Packing and the inspection you require.

Find counterparties

• Browse the marketplace and the order book for open offers and requests in your product.
• Post a listing of your own and let verified companies contact you.
• Join the relevant Forum channel and answer questions before asking for business.
• Introduce yourself in the Introductions channel, with your role and your focus.
• Use your existing network, since many first deals come from someone you already know.

Check before you commit

Work through the due-diligence checklist with each counterparty, ask for the KYC documents, confirm bank details and agree how the goods will be inspected. Write down what you verified. If something does not match, ask. A real counterparty is used to it.

Make the first deal small and simple

• A trial lot or a single container, where the product allows it.
• Straightforward terms that both sides can operate, with payment staged against inspection and documents.
• An independent inspector at loading.
• A short, written contract covering product, quantity, price, delivery, payment and documents.
• A clear plan for each document and who sends it.

Document everything

Keep contracts, messages, inspection reports and shipping documents in one place for every deal. When the next deal starts, a good file shows your counterparty how you work, and when a problem appears, it is the first thing you need.

Grow from the first success

After a clean first deal, ask the counterparty what they need next, offer a second shipment on the same terms, and then slowly increase volume or add a related product. Ask for a short review, and give one. On Tonport, ratings and verified status build up over completed deals, which makes the next introduction easier.

Mistakes to avoid

• Chasing many products at once.
• Quoting prices without checking landed cost.
• Paying early or sharing documents before checking the other side.
• Agreeing by chat message what should be in a contract.
• Treating the first deal as the only deal.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Do I need capital to start?

Not necessarily. Introducers and brokers start without capital, and traders can structure deals with staged payments. You do need time to learn one product and its logistics.

How long does it take to close a first deal?

It varies widely. Expect weeks to months as you build contacts and verify counterparties. Deals come faster when your offer is clear and your documents are ready.

Should I post an offer or look for requests?

Both help. Posting a clear listing lets counterparties find you, while answering requests shows you what the market needs.

What is the best first product?

One you can learn thoroughly, with a specification that is easy to check and logistics you can price accurately.