I plan to use an agency for import business and want to know if tax needs to be paid. If so, what are the relevant taxes, and who pays them, the agency or the client? The best answer states that import agencies need to pay taxes, generally including customs duties and value-added tax, and sometimes consumption tax for certain goods. The taxpayer is usually the consignee of the goods or their agent, and the specific taxpayer is determined by the customs declaration and the agreement between the parties.
Is it easy to find suitable business opportunities when starting as an import agent for the first time?
Resolved
I have been working in domestic trade for a long time, and now I want to try to be an import agent. But I don't know much about this field and I'm not sure if it's easy to find business when doing import agency for the first time. I heard that import agency involves many aspects, such as customs declaration and transportation arrangements, and I am worried that it will be difficult to develop business due to lack of experience. Are there any friends who have done import agency, can you share whether it is difficult to find business when doing import agency for the first time, and what aspects need attention?
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Finding business opportunities when starting as an import agent for the first time is somewhat challenging, but not impossible. Firstly, import agency involves numerous professional fields, and one needs to be familiar with policies, regulations, and trade processes. Since you were previously engaged in domestic trade, you should quickly learn about import-related knowledge.
In terms of market development, you can start with industries or products you are familiar with, and leverage your past personal connections to promote your services to companies that may have import needs. For example, if you were in domestic trade in a certain industry, focus on the import demands of that industry.
At the same time, building a good reputation is crucial. Even if the initial profits are not high, you must ensure service quality to gain more business through customer recognition and recommendations. Additionally, you should create a professional image, perfect your company website and promotional materials, and showcase your service advantages and capabilities.
It might feel tricky at first, as import agency involves many documents, such as bills of lading and packing lists, all of which need to be handled properly. Attending industry exhibitions can expose you to many potential clients. If you proactively introduce your services, you might just find cooperation opportunities.
Finding business depends on your channels. It will be easier if you can connect with manufacturers who have import intentions. You can post your service information on some business platforms so that people with needs can find you.
First, ensure your own qualifications are complete. Clients are more willing to cooperate with formal, fully qualified agents. Study successful cases of peers and learn their client acquisition methods, which can also increase your chances of finding business.
Whether it's difficult or not varies from person to person. You need to be very clear about tariff policies, inspection and quarantine regulations, etc. You can cooperate with freight forwarding companies; they may have customer resources, and both parties can achieve a win-win situation.
In the beginning, you can focus on import agency for a specific category of products. Become specialized and renowned in this niche market, and subsequent business will be easier to develop.
Utilize social media for promotion, such as platforms like LinkedIn, where you can connect with many foreign trade professionals, and you might discover potential clients.
Actively contact some import and export chambers of commerce and join relevant organizations to obtain industry dynamics and potential business leads.
Service prices should be reasonable, competitive while ensuring profit margins, which will make it easier to attract clients to seek your import agency services.