Want to understand how to define the trade volume of agency import, questioning whether it is calculated solely based on the value of imported goods, or if it includes agency fees, transportation fees, etc. Also want to know if exchange rate fluctuations have an impact. The best answer states that the trade volume of agency import is often defined by the CIF price, agency fees are generally not included, transportation fees are determined by the price terms, and exchange rate fluctuations do affect the trade volume, requiring consideration of the exchange rate at the time of statistics.
Does agent import generally require an agency fee? How is it paid?
Resolved
Our company plans to import a batch of goods through an agency company. We haven't dealt with agent import business before and would like to ask if an agency fee is required for agent import? If so, how is it generally charged? Is it a percentage of the cargo value, or are there other calculation methods? I hope friends with experience can help answer this question so I can have a clear understanding. Thank you.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Agent import usually requires an agency fee. The agency fee is the remuneration collected by the agency company for providing import agency services. Different agency companies may have different charging methods, but the common ones are as follows:
Charging a percentage of the cargo value is a more common method. For example, Zhongmaoda generally charges 1%-5% of the import cargo value as the agency fee. The higher the cargo value, the lower the percentage may be. This method is relatively fair to both parties and can reflect the correlation between the workload of agency services and the cargo value.
Charging a fixed fee per order. For some businesses with low cargo value but relatively fixed operational procedures, the agency company will set a fixed amount, such as an agency fee of 2000 - 5000 yuan per order.
Charging per service item, which means charging separately for different stages such as customs declaration, customs clearance, and transportation. For specific charging methods, you can communicate and confirm in detail with the agency company before cooperation.
An agency fee is required. Generally, it is charged as a percentage of the cargo value, but it also depends on the category of imported goods. If it is difficult to import and involves many special procedures, the agency fee percentage may be higher.
Of course, an agency fee is required. The agency company has to charge a fee for their work. In addition to charging by cargo value, some may also charge based on different transportation methods; sea freight and air freight may have different agency fee standards.
It is common to pay an agency fee. Some agency companies also determine the fee based on the import volume. For long-term, large-volume import businesses, the agency fee may be negotiable to be lower.
An agency fee is required for agent import. Sometimes the agency company also considers the port. Different ports have different operational difficulties, and the agency fees also vary.
Agent import generally requires an agency fee. The charges may also be related to market conditions; agency fees will fluctuate during peak and off-peak seasons in the market.
Of course, an agency fee is required. Some agencies calculate the agency fee by combining the cargo weight and cargo value. The specifics need to be discussed in detail with the agency.
An agency fee is required for agent import. If the business is handled urgently, an additional express service fee may be charged.
An agency fee is required. Some agencies charge based on the customer's requirements for customs clearance time; the faster the customs clearance is required, the higher the agency fee will be.