Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. Aren't the Channel Islands a sleepy backwater…..does
it have the infrastructure for my business to run
efficiently? |
| 2. Won't it be prohibitive in terms of the extra postal
time |
| 3. Will we have to set up an offshore
company? |
| 4. What will our customers think? |
"Aren't the Channel Islands a sleepy
backwater…..does it have the infrastructure for my business to run
efficiently?"
The Channel Islands are leading offshore financial
centres and have extremely sophisticated communication
infrastructures , supported by professional services of the highest
standard. There is a skilled labour-force and an enviable working
environment .Their proximity to the whole of the European Union
make the Channel islands the premier location for offshore
fulfilment.
"Won't it be prohibitive in terms of the extra
postal time"
Both of the Channel Island postal operators, Jersey Post and
Guernsey Post, are highly regarded within the world-wide post and
logistics infrastructure. Both operators have excellent
rtelationships with Royal Mail and other leading European national
postal operators. They are both also operational partners with
Fedex. There are daily mailings to the UK, with a very high quality
of service. Over 90% of mail is delivered to UK addresses within 2
working days, and most European destinations within 3-5 working
days. ODF ensuers full pre-sortation of mail that meets the
requirements of priority delivery.
"Will we have to set up an offshore company?"
There is a requirement for a Licence to Trade when
operating from Jersey, which is only granted to a locally
registered entity. ODF are able to offer introductions to
professional advisors in both Islands that will ensuer that all
regulatory and compliance requirements are met. Both the Jersey and
Guernsey governments are fully supportive of new e-commerce
business since it helps the diversification process from
traditional sectors like finance and tourism in offering job
opportunities.
"What will our customers think?"
The European Union granted Low-Value Consignment
Relief on imports from outside the EU as long ago as 1983. It is
now widely understood by consumers that buying from a retailer that
is based offshore offers a distinct price advantage on low value
items (less than £18 to the UK, and 22 Euros to mainland Europe).
Recent action by the Jersey government has satisfied the UK
Treasury that it is preventing any mis-use of this regulation.
