Should a client wish to import Brazilian- and/or Argentine-made products, the first step is to describe them as precisely as possible, indicate the retail prices of existing competitors,
whether national or foreign (including Brazilian/Argentine ones, if any), inform the packaging desired and the applicable legal requirements.

Upon receiving such information, we conduct a survey of the average local retail prices, from which, discounting the customary profit margins, a realistic estimate of the ex-works price is reached at and its competitiveness evaluated. We do not work with dealers, distributors or any other intermediaries, but with manufacturers only.

(Obviously this survey does not cover products made by either the numerous subsidiaries of multinational organizations, or by large Brazilian/Argentine groups, since both have their own international distribution channels).

These preliminary results being favorable, we submit an estimate of the FOB and CIF prices. It is the client's responsibility thereafter to calculate the door-to-door final price. If acceptable, MDS, without disclosing the client's identity, will then contact the manufacturer's CEO, in order to personally check and discuss the following points:

• Markets covered (domestic and foreign)
• Plant capacity (current, idle, future)
• Technology and quality control
• Product specifications
• Sales structure
• Marketing (catalogues, folders, VTs, etc.)
• Warranties and after-sales service
• Prices, cost structure and profitability
• Invoicing (historical, current and projected)
• Terms of payment
• Commercial and financial references
• Samples (degustation, if applicable)

Our impression being favorable, we double-check the manufacturer's credibility and reputation in the financial and business circles, calculate the exact CIF cost and submit a recommendation to the client, who has the final say. If the decision is to go ahead, the client's identity is disclosed and an exclusivity contract is executed between the parties involved.