It's not as difficult as reported. I have always found that since it is in the best interest of the manufacturer to work out the exportation/importation details, let them do it. We could never come close to their pricing until we contracted for 20 or more 40's a year (ft long containers). That's alot of shells.
You'll be more than likely ordering pallets of shells as a percentage of a group buy that fills a container. I can't imagine a beginner buying a 40 of anything.
If you want to help them, fine. But, really, they have the volume, and volume rules in exim.
Remember that as a perishable, you'll want upper level loading (water is harsh on shotgun shells) which costs a little more.
I have found certain ports to be much faster for through put, and always route to avoid ports with "overzealous" customs personnel.
If you let them do all the work, excluding opening your LC, and they send you boxes of donkey dung, you won't pay. Been there done that.
My first deal I worked with SCORE at a local exim bank. The old duffer walked me through, held my hand, and helped me avoid many pitfalls.
