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How to become an importer, exporter, and wholesaler

Negotiate with multiple stakeholders to buy and sell goods across international borders.

What does an importer, exporter, and wholesaler do?

Duties and tasks

  • Coordinate the shipping and collection process of products locally and internationally, working with multiple stakeholders and agents to transport and distribute goods

  • Create standard procedures for importing, exporting and distributing activities including planning and scheduling production and pricing

  • Examine importing and exporting customs and regulations to be followed as well as laws pertaining to the wholesale distribution of goods or produce

  • Keep an accurate record of all orders and operations, as well as transportation of supplies and produced items; prepare financial statements and reports on performance

  • Maintain relationships with suppliers and distributors ensuring quality and finding new partnerships and opportunities

  • Manage and appoint staff working in importing and exporting activities and distribution

  • Work with suppliers, staff and stakeholders to ensure quality of products, delivery schedule and negotiate costs

Industry bodies

Related jobs

  • Customs broker

  • Distribution and sales representative

  • Merchant wholesaler

  • Sales manager

  • Sales representative

Discover related degrees

Adelaide University

For careers in professional services, government, and policy

Understand how economies and markets shape the world. Topics include accounting, statistics and business intelligence. Explore data-driven decision making through projects and internships. Graduate ready to advise business, government, and global organisations with confidence.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Adelaide University

Bachelor of International Business

UndergraduateADU-INB-DEG

Build a global business mindset for a globalised economy

Gain expertise in business, culture and strategy. This degree blends business foundations with international insights to prepare you for a career anywhere in the world. Get ready for roles in trade, management and global markets.

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100% online
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No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Edith Cowan University

Bachelor of Commerce

UndergraduateECU-COM-DEG

Combine essential business skills with a commerce specialisation

A job-ready course created in consultation with industry, delivered by academics with industry backgrounds. Tailor your degree to suit your career goals with majors including accounting, HRM, management, marketing, sports business, and tourism. 

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Southern Cross University

A double degree in business and psychology

Complete core subjects covering psychological science and add a business major like marketing. You’ll be equipped with a deep understanding of human behaviour that’s useful in careers spanning both psychology and business.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Explore international trade courses

Discover related subjects

Griffith University

Trade and Global Strategy

UndergraduateGRF-IBA347

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026
Griffith University

Global Business

UndergraduateGRF-IBA230

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 13 Jul 2026
Griffith University

Export Management

UndergraduateGRF-IBA211

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 13 Jul 2026
University of Tasmania

International Trade

PostgraduateTAS-JNB512

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 23 Feb 2026

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