Want to understand how import agency fees are calculated and avoid being overcharged. The best answer states that import agency fees have no fixed standard and are usually composed of a basic agency fee (1%-5% of cargo value, depending on the type of goods), document fees (100-500 yuan per document), transportation and storage fees, etc. Special services incur additional charges, and exchange rate fluctuations may also affect settlement. It is advisable to clarify the fee standards when engaging an agent.
Can import agency companies sell goods? Seeking insights from experienced individuals.
Resolved
I would like to understand some aspects of the business operations of import agency companies. Can import agency companies sell goods? I understand that import agency companies primarily help clients with import-related matters, such as customs declaration and transportation. But can they directly sell imported goods to other clients? Is this commercially and legally compliant? Are there any restrictions? I hope experienced friends can shed some light on this.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
Import agency companies can generally sell goods. From a commercial perspective, many import agency companies, in addition to providing agency services, also procure and sell goods based on their own resources and market judgment.
From a legal perspective, as long as the company possesses legitimate business qualifications, such as a business license covering relevant business scopes, and the import procedures for the goods are complete, including legal customs declaration, tax payment, etc., the act of selling goods is compliant. However, some special goods may require additional permits, for instance, imported food requires a food business permit.
Furthermore, if the agency agreement between the import agency company and the principal explicitly prohibits the resale of goods, then the agreement must be followed, and goods cannot be sold arbitrarily. In summary, as long as qualification and procedural requirements are met and relevant agreements are observed, import agency companies can sell goods.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
Whether an import agency company can sell goods depends on the agreement with the principal. If the agreement does not prohibit it, they can sell within legal and compliant boundaries; if it's prohibited by the agreement, then they cannot.
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
Yes, they can sell, but they must ensure the legal sourcing of the goods and that all relevant import procedures are completed. Otherwise, selling them could lead to trouble.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
As long as they have "sales" in their business scope, import agency companies can sell goods, and the process is similar to that of a normal trading company.
Olivia LiuYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat
When selling goods, it's important to pay attention to product quality issues. Otherwise, if problems arise after selling to other clients, it will be troublesome. Import companies must maintain good control.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
They can sell goods, but they need to be clear about the sales channels and market demand for the products. Otherwise, if they end up with excess inventory, the losses could be significant.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
When import agency companies sell goods, they need to pay attention to tax matters, ensuring that both import duties and sales taxes are handled properly.
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
If there are stable customers and sales channels, import agency companies selling goods can increase their profit avenues, which is a good thing.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
Before selling, market research must be conducted to understand the competitive landscape of similar products. Otherwise, the goods may not sell.