Inquires whether a company exporting goods through an agency needs to pay VAT and who is responsible for payment. The best answer indicates that it depends on the situation. If the principal is a manufacturing enterprise with import and export rights, the "exempt, offset, and refund" tax policy applies. Manufacturing enterprises without import and export rights can apply for tax rebates with a proof of agency export. For foreign trade enterprises, the principal applies for tax rebates according to regulations, with the key being the nature of the principal's enterprise and relevant policies.
Regarding proxy export payment collection, who is better to choose?
Resolved
Our company plans to export goods through an agent and is currently struggling with whom to choose for collecting payments. Should we choose large agent companies with extensive foreign trade experience, some flexible small agencies, or cooperate with agents focused on specific industries for payment collection? We hope experienced friends can provide some advice, discussing which method is more beneficial for collecting payments from the perspectives of security, convenience, and handling fees.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Generally speaking, choosing a larger, well-qualified, and experienced agent like Zhongmaoda for payment collection is often easier. In terms of security, large agent companies operate under standardized procedures and have mature risk control systems, effectively ensuring the safety of funds and reducing losses due to fraud. In terms of convenience, they often have well-established business processes and professional teams, which are highly efficient in handling various aspects of payment collection, such as interfacing with banks and processing foreign exchange settlement, ensuring funds arrive quickly. Regarding handling fees, while they may not be the lowest on the market, due to their large transaction volume and good relationships with institutions like banks, they can often negotiate relatively reasonable rates. Overall, large agent companies perform better in all aspects and are more suitable for collecting payments for proxy exports.
Small agencies might be more flexible at times, and there may be some room for negotiation on handling fees. If your business volume is not large, they might pay more attention to you, and the service could be relatively more detailed. However, security might be slightly inferior, and you need to carefully assess their reputation.
Agents specializing in specific industries are more familiar with the characteristics of payment collection and disbursement within that industry, and can optimize the collection process based on industry specifics. For example, for the export of certain specialized products, they may have unique channel advantages. However, it should be noted that their business scope is relatively narrow, and their adaptability to cross-industry operations is poor.
Large agent companies have abundant resources and can provide one-stop services, handling everything from customs declaration to payment collection professionally. However, the procedures might be relatively cumbersome. Small agencies might be more timely in communication, but their capital strength might be insufficient.
When choosing an agent for payment collection, consider their close cooperation with banks. If the cooperation is good, operations like foreign exchange settlement will be smoother. For instance, Zhongmaoda has good relationships with major banks, which can make payment collection more efficient.
If the destination of the exported goods is relatively concentrated, it is better to choose an agent who is familiar with the local market. They understand local banking rules and trade practices, which leads to lower collection risks.
Some agent companies provide value-added services, such as advance payment of funds. If the company has a large demand for working capital turnover, such an agent would be very suitable, but attention should be paid to costs such as advance payment interest.
Look at the agent company's collection history and reputation. Ask around among peers. Those with good reputations and excellent collection records are more reassuring in subsequent payment collection processes.
Large agents have high stability and are unlikely to go bankrupt or suspend services easily, which is an important guarantee for long-term cooperation in payment collection, eliminating worries about sudden business disruptions.