From Challenge to Triumph – The Journey of Declarators
Javier Yip’s journey with Declarators began with a dissatisfaction that sparked a vision. While working at his previous company, he encountered poor customer service from a declaring agent. This experience, combined with his foresight into the growing demand for imports, particularly in e-commerce, led him to establish Declarators in 2014.
The early days were marked by formidable hurdles. Starting up was tough; securing contracts and assembling a capable team proved daunting. Initial attempts to recruit friends full-time were met with rejection, and even a family member who joined initially left within three months.
Navigating these challenges demanded grit and perseverance. Learning from early hiring mistakes and gaining valuable experience were crucial steps in stabilising and expanding Declarators.
The pandemic presented another significant challenge. As an essential service, Declarators continued operations throughout the Circuit Breaker and subsequent phases. Despite an initial 30% drop in profits, the company found new opportunities in the increased demand for imports and essential goods like masks, ultimately thriving during this challenging period.
By 2024, Declarators has grown into a reputable customs declaring agent with a team of 80 dedicated employees. Known for their commitment to service and adaptability, the company continues to play a vital role in import logistics and beyond.
Cultivating Excellence – Team Building at Declarators
Javier prioritises a rigorous process in selecting and nurturing talent at Declarators to uphold their high standards of service. Central to this effort is continuous upskilling through regular training sessions, ensuring that every team member remains adept in the dynamic field of customs declaring.
A cornerstone of Declarators’ approach is equal opportunity for career advancement, underscored by a robust practice of internal promotion. This commitment not only fosters professional growth but also cultivates loyalty and dedication among employees.
Beyond professional development, Declarators invests in team cohesion through numerous bonding activities and multiple company trips annually. These initiatives not only strengthen interpersonal relationships but also foster a sense of camaraderie and satisfaction among team members, contributing to a positive work environment.
When recruiting new talent, Javier and his team prioritise specific qualities that align with Declarators’ ethos. Candidates must exhibit a positive attitude, a strong eagerness to learn, effective communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and exemplary work ethics. These qualities are essential in maintaining the company’s reputation for reliability and excellence in customs declaration services.
Through these strategic efforts, Declarators continues to build a cohesive and skilled team, poised to meet the evolving needs of their clients and uphold their commitment to service excellence.
Certification and Compliance at Declarators
At Declarators, Javier emphasises the critical importance of having all operational employees certified by Singapore Customs. This certification not only ensures compliance but also enhances service quality significantly.
Certification is mandatory for all declarants at Declarators, aiming to prevent unauthorised access and maintain strict compliance with customs regulations. Certified declarants undergo rigorous training that equips them to handle complex permit declarations with precision and thorough knowledge of customs rules and regulations. This proficiency not only minimises errors but also ensures swift and accurate processing of customs permits.
Moreover, Declarators holds ISO 9001 certification, underscoring their commitment to maintaining high standards of service quality across all operations. This certification further assures clients of Declarators’ reliability and adherence to stringent quality management practices.
By prioritising certification and compliance, Javier ensures that Declarators remains at the forefront of excellence in customs declaring services, delivering consistent and reliable outcomes for their clients.
Declarators’ Initiative to Establish a Customs Academy
Javier is leading a groundbreaking initiative at Declarators by planning to launch a dedicated academy for customs procedures and permit declaration. This pioneering effort aims to address a significant gap in the private sector’s educational offerings related to logistics and trade compliance.
The academy’s primary goal is to provide specialised courses that train individuals in customs procedures and permit declaration. By securing approval from Singapore Customs, Javier ensures that the academy’s curriculum meets stringent regulatory standards and industry requirements, setting a new standard for private sector training initiatives.
This initiative is not only about meeting educational needs but also plays a crucial role in Declarators’ growth strategy. By cultivating a skilled workforce through the academy, Javier aims to enhance operational capabilities and solidify Declarators’ position as a leader in customs declaring services. This forward-thinking investment in education reflects Javier’s dedication to innovation and excellence, driving both industry progress and organisational success.
Celebrating Excellence – Declarators’ Awards and Achievements
Javier takes immense pride in Declarators’ recognition as one of Strait’s Times Fastest Growing Companies, achieving a top 50 position consistently from 2021 to 2024. These accolades hold special significance as they align closely with the company’s core values of reliability, flexibility, responsiveness, speed, and accuracy.
These awards not only highlight Declarators’ sustained growth trajectory but also underscore their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. By consistently ranking among Singapore’s fastest-growing companies, Javier sees these recognitions as a testament to the team’s dedication and the company’s unwavering focus on delivering exceptional service in customs declaring.
Moreover, these accolades serve as motivation for Javier and his team to uphold their values and continue driving Declarators forward as a leader in the industry. They reinforce the company’s reputation for reliability and underscore its capability to adapt swiftly to market demands while maintaining high standards of service quality.
Setting New Standards – Declarators’ On-Board Courier Service
Among Javier’s most notable projects at Declarators is the establishment of an on-board courier service, a premium logistics solution that ensures swift delivery of time-critical shipments. This service involves a dedicated courier accompanying shipments on commercial flights, guaranteeing direct and expedited delivery to the recipient.
Initially introduced as a response to heightened demand following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the on-board courier service has rapidly gained popularity. Javier’s team has successfully delivered shipments to destinations across five continents, showcasing the service’s global reach and effectiveness.
This initiative not only highlights Declarators’ ability to innovate and adapt to market demands but also underscores their commitment to providing cutting-edge logistics solutions. By pioneering this premium service, Javier and his team have set a new standard in the industry, solidifying Declarators’ reputation as a leader in customs declaring and logistics services.
Advice from Javier Yip for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Javier Yip
Founder of Declarators
Tough times never last, but tough people do. Always believe in yourself and never give up.
Not everything in business is about profits. Volunteering and doing good for the community actually brings fulfilment to life. It also helps to build and promote a positive culture within the organisation.
