Frequently Asked Questions on HiBrasil -

Is HiBrasil a Brazilian Government operation?
No, it's entirely private. HiBrasil was started as a joint venture between a few select producers from Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil, and The Best in the Business, an Australian entrepreneurial marketing consultancy.

Does HiBrasil represent any particular region or ethnical group in Brazil?
Not really -  although it started in the south of Brazil, producers of quality merchandise from any region are welcome to seek to have their produce export marketed by HiBrasil. 

What benefits do HiBrasil suppliers get from participation?
First, your normal profits will expand because you will sell more of your products into new export markets where HiBrasil will very actively market them. Second, your participation brings part ownership of the retail marketing operation that is driving your new export sales, and you will share in all of these retail profits, which are, as you know, substantially greater in percentage and cash terms than producers' or wholesalers' usual profit levels. Third, you will participate in a proportional share of all new franchise fees paid, as well as thereby achieving yet another export outlet for your products, and yet another retail outlet  from which to share in its profits. Finally, through participation in the HiBrasil export marketing operation you have access to expert advice from us of any tax advantages, government and other supports for exporting from Brazil; and have access to expert advice on setting up branch production facilities in other countries where HiBrasil is trading, and on other development options for your business internationally.

What is required to become a HiBrasil supplier?
The main selection criteria are assessed on your values of quality of workmanship and product aesthetics. However, these also imply environmental responsibility, substantiality and sustainability of business operation (in order to ensure continuity of supply), responsible selection and treatment of employees, ethical domestic pricing, advertising and promotional activities and generally being a 'good corporate citizen'. 

Do HiBrasil products have any connection with the environmental destruction of the Amazon or and other Brazilian natural resources?
Absolutely not - environmental responsibility is an inflexible requirement for acceptance of any products by HiBrasil. For example, all rainforest hardwoods used in our furniture and house fittings are plantation-grown and come with a 'Green' certificate. All products are appropriately fumigated etc as required before leaving their producer's workplace. All HiBrasil suppliers are either ISO 9000 or similar compliant, or are in process of being registered as such. (This can take several years.)

What does HiBrasil ask of its suppliers?
To become a HiBrasil supplier, in addition to meeting the requirements above, you must have the resources to fund purchase of a small equity shareholding in HiBrasil, thereby becoming a partner in the retail venture and sharing in the profits; you must provide initial stock for the two Australian retail outlets on consignment, for which payment will be made within six months or landing in Australia - subsequent stock orders will be paid for with Letters of Credit payable in 90 days (new franchisees will pay for all orders with 90-day LOCs); and you must fund your proportional component of the HiBrasil marketing program -  direct advertising and promotion of your products throughout Australian media and on the Internet, under the HiBrasil umbrella which is the consumers' assurance of quality. Please note that marketing / advertising costs in Australia are far lower and more cost effective than you may be accustomed to in Brazil. 
Marketing and promotion expenditure is not a cost - it's an investment!

Is HiBrasil involved in e-Commerce / internet selling?
Yes, very much - all partners and franchisees will be provided with web presence, and have professionally produced and copy-written multilingual websites provided by our skilled staff. This will include an on-line merchant facility for direct purchase of your products through the internet, paid by credit card.  The costs for all of this service are included in your marketing contribution. It's a great way to get a world-standard website for no extra cost - in all the languages where HiBrasil franchise outlets will be established.

Can I get my participation contribution back if I want to leave?
Yes. HiBrasil is so well structured and disposed that its profitability - and that of its participants - is certain to make participants very happy to continue their participation; however, we do recognize that unexpected, unforeseeable circumstances may arise which could drive a participant to seek to 'cash out' his / her participation funding, and we are prepared to accommodate this.  Although we do not refund marketing or other funds expended on your behalf, participants are free to sell their membership equity to another acceptable participant at whatever value the market establishes, and HiBrasil will actively assist in this process to the benefit and peace of mind of all concerned.

Can anybody become a HiBrasil Franchisee?
No. Applicants must demonstrate suitable good character and a history of ethical behavior, suitable personality, good business skills, substantiality and willingness to accept the disciplines of operating as a HiBrasil Franchisee.

What sort of commitment is required of Franchisees?
You must be able to fund your entry into HiBrasil with a franchise fee, provide retail warehouse premises suitable in size, appointments and location. demonstrate ability to fund initial stocking, and staffing, administration and marketing / promotions costs over the first six months of operation. You will also be required to demonstrate a history of business competence and good repute as indicated above, and an ability to learn and to deal with matters relevant to trades and craft work as the various product lines require. HiBrasil franchise consultants will be delighted to assist you with any enquiries and, if you have appropriate net worth, or access to backing, help you to leverage this to most comfortably bring you into our Franchisee community.

How do I apply to become a supplier or Franchisee?
Please visit our Contact page here and email your details to us - name, location and contact details, and for suppliers, nature of products and if available a website URL where we can have an initial look at these products.