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What is Dropshipping and How Does it Work?

The last few years have witnessed a dramatic growth of the e-commerce industry in India and worldwide alike. In 2024, e-commerce in India accounted for 8% of the total retail sales. This figure is projected to reach 14% by 2028. As the world of e-commerce keeps transforming rapidly, one term that’s been constantly discussed among entrepreneurs is “dropshipping”. Dropshipping is a popular business model that allows you to sell products on your e-commerce website without buying inventory. Globally, the dropshipping industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the last decade. Of the total global dropshipping market, Asia-Pacific accounts for the largest share, driven by rapid digital adoption, improving logistics infrastructure, and increasing cross-border trade. At the same time, India’s e-commerce ecosystem is expanding rapidly due to affordable internet access, widespread smartphone usage, rising disposable incomes, and improved last-mile delivery networks. It is estimated that India’s e-commerce market will continue growing at a double-digit rate, reaching several trillion rupees by the end of this decade. If you are considering starting an e-commerce business and want to learn more about the dropshipping business model, you are on the right page. In this blog, we have explained the dropshipping meaning, how it works, how to start dropshipping, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable dropshipping business. Keep reading.

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Accumulation Clause in Marine Insurance

Marine insurance in India is a specific type of insurance that covers risks related to shipping goods by sea, air, or land. It works like regular insurance, but it's designed to protect cargo shipment, vessels, and other related liabilities during transportation. This insurance is controlled by the Marine Insurance Act of 1963 and regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The Accumulation Clause is a special rule in marine insurance policies that specifies the maximum liability of the insurer in cases where multiple losses occur within a certain time period. It helps the insurer cap their liability exposure and prevent them from excessive financial losses. Read this post till the end to know more about the accumulation clause meaning and marine insurance in India.

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What is air freight: Meaning, benefits, and suitability

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses and individuals rely on efficient and reliable transportation solutions to move goods worldwide. Whether delivering essential supplies, meeting tight deadlines or ensuring the safe handling of valuable items, choosing the right mode of transport is crucial. Among the various options available, air freight stands out for its speed, versatility and global reach. This blog explores the transportation method that has transformed how goods are shipped worldwide. We will explore its meaning, learn about its key advantages and consider when it is the most suitable choice. If you are a business owner who needs help with international air shipping, keep this guide handy. It will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.

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What is Air IGM? A guide to track Air IGM status

Air Import General Manifest (Air IGM) is a legal document that airlines submit to customs authorities upon goods' arrival into a country. It lists all items on a flight, detailing the shipper, consignee and the nature and quantity of goods. The air IGM document is vital in international trade, as it enables customs to verify shipment details. It ensures compliance with import regulations and facilitates efficient clearance. Air IGM tracking allows importers to monitor their shipments in real time. It prevents delays and ensures smooth logistics operations. Regular monitoring of Air IGM status helps maintain compliance and enhances customer service by providing timely updates.

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What is an airway bill: Role, types and importance in shippi...

In the shipping and logistics business, tracking goods as they move from one place to another is important. But how can one keep track of goods and packages? This is where documentation comes into the picture, and one such document is the airway bill number. But what is an airway bill? It is important documents or receipts or goods or contracts of carriage that are being transported by air. In this blog, we will explore airway bill importance, its types, functions and more.

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Secure Your Shipment Even When Cargo Burns

Cargo shipments are crucial for every international business owner. A recent incident in Bangladesh has made everyone turn their heads towards cargo safety and the associated financial risks. A massive fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, recently damaged storage units filled with ready-to-export garments, raw materials and product samples. The losses are estimated around hundreds of millions of dollars, with some reports suggesting a number as high as US$1 billion. Flights were suspended, and manufacturing and export schedules were disrupted right at the end of the critical autumn season. This highlights the fragile nature of global supply and the risk of damage or complete loss to high-value goods. For exporters, freight-forwarders and transporters, the journey from factory gate to buyer shelf is not free of risks.

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Barratry in Marine Insurance

Embarking on a journey of import and export in the deep and dark oceans with your ships and cargo can have its own risks. However, the marine insurance policy can make things a little better. These marine cargo insurance policies often protect the policyholders from hazardous and loss-yielding situations. One of these situations can be barratry. [Marine insurance policies](https://www.tataaig.com/sme-insurance/marine-insurance) delve into barratry that has historical gravity and contemporary significance. It is one of the dynamic sea perils that has a huge impact on the lives of shipowners and cargo owners, along with the insurance providers. In this blog, we will understand a little more about this sea peril, a sea crime, that will make you aware of such situations. As a trader who deals with imports and exports, this is an important topic in your life!

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Basis Of Valuation In Marine Insurance

In shipping and marine cargo insurance, the Basis of Valuation (BOV) refers to the method used to determine the insured value of stock/goods during transportation. This valuation determines how much you will be compensated for if the goods are lost or damaged. The Marine Insurance Act (Section 22) provides a standard measure for insurable value: The prime cost of the insured goods, expenses related to shipping and handling and insurance charges for the entire shipment. There can be exceptions if the insurance policy explicitly states a different valuation method. You must note that the basis of valuation in marine insurance varies depending on the type of transit. Overseas shipments generally have a different BOV compared to inland shipments. Even within inland shipments, the BOV may differ based on the specific mode of transport.

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What is Bill of Entry - Types, Format & Requirements

In the import and export process, documentation is the key part of business. The shipment needs to undergo customs clearance procedures and inspection. And one such critical document in that process is the bill of entry. But what is the bill of entry? Without a proper bill of entry, Importers can face delays, penalties and seizure of shipments. Therefore, businesses need to be aware of the different types of bill of entry, their benefits, formats, and more.

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