What is the general discount for export agents when sourcing goods? Does anyone know?

Resolved
NO.20251112*****

[Challenge] *****, [Solution] *****, [Process & Cost] *****

Access Full Plan
I am planning to get into export business recently. I heard that finding an export agent can help handle many tedious tasks, but I don't know much about the pricing. I want to ask everyone, what is the general discount for export agents when sourcing goods? How is this discount determined, and will it be affected by factors like product type and export volume? It would be great if you could give some specific range references. Thanks!
Trade Experts Q&A
Trade Experts Q&A

Consult with Our Trade Experts

Quick, reliable advice for all your trade needs, from sourcing to shipping.

Trade Expert Insights Answers

Olivia Liu
Olivia LiuYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat

There is no fixed standard for the sourcing discount of export agents; it is influenced by various factors. Firstly, it's the export volume. If the volume is large, agents may offer lower discounts to secure business, for example, around 80% to 90% of the original price for large volumes. The product type also has an impact. For common products, competition is fierce, and agents' profit margins are relatively small, so discounts might be around 90% to 95%. For some special, high-value-added products, due to higher operational difficulty or risk, the discount might be closer to the original price, 95%, or even no discount. Additionally, different service contents provided by agents will result in different discounts. If only basic services like customs declaration are provided, the discount is relatively high. If complex services such as advance payment and tax refund are included, the discount might be lower. Export agents like Zhongmaoda will provide a reasonable quotation based on a comprehensive assessment of the specific business.

Overall, the discount range is approximately 80% to 95%, but this is just a general range, and specific details need to be discussed in detail with the agent.

References: Uncovering the Dark Side of Import Agency
Thomas Li
Thomas LiYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat

The sourcing discount for export agents is also related to market conditions. When market competition is fierce, agents may offer more favorable discounts to attract customers.

Robert Tan
Robert TanYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat

If you have a long-term cooperation with an agent and a good relationship, the sourcing discount may be more advantageous than for first-time clients.

Richard Wu
Richard WuYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0

Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat

Some agents may offer different discounts based on the export destination, as the operational difficulty and risks vary across different regions.

Michael Zhang
Michael ZhangYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat

It also depends on the agent's own costs. If the costs are low, they may be more flexible with discounts.

David Chen
David ChenYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat

The seasonality of products may also affect discounts. Discounts might be lower during peak seasons and higher during off-peak seasons to attract business.

Daniel Kim
Daniel KimYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0

Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat

The qualifications and scale of the agent can also influence the discount. Agents with large scale and good qualifications may have different pricing strategies.

Emma Zhao
Emma ZhaoYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat

If the exported products have special requirements, such as special packaging or transportation conditions, it may also affect the discount.

Kevin Huang
Kevin HuangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat

Exchange rate fluctuations can sometimes lead agents to adjust discounts, as it involves capital costs.

User-submitted questions and answers reflect personal opinions, not the official stance of this website.

You May Also Like

What is the typical tax rate for import and export agents? Come and find out!

Planning to hire an import and export agent and asking about their tax rates, worried about being overcharged. The best answer points out that import and export agent tax rates are not fixed and are influenced by factors such as the agency company, business type, and type of goods. Commonly, they charge 1%-5% of the cargo value, or a per-shipment fee. It’s necessary to negotiate with the agency company in detail to clarify all fees.

How to become an export agent for baking packaging? What are the specific steps?

Interested in becoming an export agent for baking packaging but without relevant experience, asking about the specific approach, including how to start, necessary policies and regulations, and handling procedures. The best answer suggests familiarizing oneself with product knowledge, researching target market policies and regulations, establishing business and logistics channels, completing relevant procedures, or seeking professional agency companies like Zhongmaoda to improve efficiency.

What is the general cost of an export agent in Jinan? Does anyone have insights?

Doing foreign trade business in Jinan and looking for an export agent, inquiring about the cost of an export agent in Jinan, whether the fee is a fixed amount or a percentage of the business volume. The best answer states that there is no fixed standard for fees, and common fee models include charging 0.5%-3% of the cargo value or a fixed fee of 2000 - 5000 yuan per order, plus additional fees such as customs declaration fees. It is recommended to compare more and understand the fee details.

In which situations is it suitable for companies to find an export agent?

A company executive is inquiring about the situations in which it is suitable to find an export agent, stating unfamiliarity with the export process. The best answer points out that companies that are new to export business, lack foreign trade talent, have tight cash flow, or have products that need to be exported urgently are suitable for finding an export agent. Export agent companies are professional, can avoid mistakes, save labor, and solve problems such as foreign exchange collection and financing, helping companies quickly bring their products to the international market.

How can export agents find sources of customers? Seeking advice!

Newly engaged in export agency business, unsure where to find customers, hoping for feasible solutions. Best answer suggests utilizing online platforms, building a website and optimizing its ranking, publishing information on B2B platforms; participating in trade fairs; building connections through social media; cooperating with companies like freight forwarders; relying on referrals from old customers, etc. These methods are helpful for finding customers.

How long does export agency tax refund usually take? What are the influencing factors?

Want to know the time required for export agency tax refunds. The company plans to find an export agent to handle tax refunds and is unsure about the total time for the refund to arrive and the influencing factors. The best answer states that export agency tax refunds usually take 2-6 months, depending on document preparation, tax authority review speed, type of goods, etc. Professional agents can complete it in 2-3 months when documents are correct and reviews are smooth, but it may be extended to 6 months in special circumstances.