Food Export HACCP and GMP Requirements

The hardest part of the first SOHO year is surviving no-order periods. Cultivate 3-5 potential clients before leaving your job. Save 6 months of expenses. Your first order doesn't need to be big — complete the cycle.

When to hire? When you're turning away orders and leads go cold. Start with a part-time assistant. Build to a full team gradually. Hire slowly and invest in training.

Finding factories as a SOHO trader is challenging. Visit in person, present your client resources and sales capability. Pay promptly after orders. Build trust one transaction at a time.

Where do SOHO traders find first clients? Referrals from former colleagues, LinkedIn targeting, small orders on Alibaba, and industry exhibitions. Develop multiple sources simultaneously.