Which imported food products are difficult to act as an agent for? Share your experiences!

Resolved
NO.20251115*****

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

Access Full Plan
I want to act as an agent for imported food products, but I've heard that some imported food products are not easy to act as an agent for. I'd like to ask everyone, which imported food products might encounter more difficulties during the agency process? Is it because of a short shelf life, low market acceptance, or some other reason? I hope experienced friends can share their insights to help me avoid pitfalls in advance. Thank you!
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

Generally speaking, imported food products with short shelf lives are difficult to act as an agent for. For example, some fresh baked goods and fresh milk take a long time to transport from abroad to China and then to the sales terminal. Any slight delay can easily lead to them approaching their expiration date or even expiring, resulting in losses.

There are also niche specialty foods with low market acceptance, such as some foods with unique regional flavors or peculiar tastes. Consumers have low awareness and purchase intent, making promotion difficult. Additionally, it is more difficult to act as an agent for foods with high customs inspection and quarantine requirements, such as meats and aquatic products. If inspection fails, not only will the goods be detained, but there may also be risks of fines. These factors must be fully considered when acting as an agent.

References: Beijing Jewelry Import Inspection Agency Fees, Do You Really Understand Them?

For example, some imported high-end chocolates are priced high, and ordinary consumers have limited willingness to purchase them. The market is relatively narrow, and it may take some effort to open up sales channels when acting as an agent.

Some imported foods that require special storage conditions are difficult to act as an agent for. For instance, ice cream that requires full cold chain transportation has high transportation and storage costs. If there are problems in the cold chain, product quality will be affected, leading to significant losses.

Imported functional foods are also difficult to act as an agent for. Consumers are doubtful about the efficacy of such products, and the cost of market education is high, making promotion extremely challenging.

Imported foods with complex raw ingredient compositions are troublesome for customs inspection and review. If the ingredient labeling does not comply with domestic standards, problems are likely to arise, leading to high agency risks.

Some imported traditional specialty pickled foods have significant regional taste differences, and may not be popular in other regions, making it difficult to expand the market as an agent.

Imported handmade foods with complex and difficult-to-replicate craftsmanship have limited production volume, and subsequent replenishment may not be timely, leading to unstable supply for agents.

Imported casual snack brands with low brand awareness are unfamiliar to consumers and lack brand influence. Opening up the market requires significant investment in promotional costs.

Imported health teas are difficult to act as an agent for. The domestic tea beverage market is highly competitive, and consumer habits are already established. It is not easy for such products to seize market share after being acted as an agent.

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

You May Also Like

Is Importing Product Agency Expensive? Come and Find Out!

Some people want to be an import product agent and are asking if it's expensive, what the main costs are, how agency fees are charged, and if there are any hidden fees. The best answer states that the cost of importing product agency is influenced by factors such as product category, agency region, and brand recognition. Agency fees are collected in various ways and may also include a security deposit and logistics and transportation fees. It needs to be evaluated by considering multiple factors.

To which accounting account should import agency fees be recorded?

The company incurred import agency fees for imported goods, and is unsure where to record them, asking whether to record them as procurement costs or as separate expense accounting, and how to operate specifically. The best answer indicates that if directly related to the purchased goods and clearly attributable to a specific batch, they should be included in procurement costs, adding them to the recorded value of the goods; if not clearly attributable or the amount is small, they can be recorded as selling or administrative expenses, to be chosen reasonably based on actual circumstances.

Looking for an import industrial control product agency company, which ones are worth recommending?

Our company has a need to purchase imported industrial control products and is looking for a reliable agency company. We hope to learn about relevant companies and their advantages. The best answer recommends Zhongmaoda, which offers a rich variety of products, covering various common products such as sensors; competitive prices due to long-term cooperation with foreign brands; and professional after-sales service, with a technical team that can quickly respond to solve installation, commissioning, and maintenance issues.

Which reliable import agency companies are there in Baoshan?

Our company has import business needs and wants to know about reliable and professional import agency companies in Baoshan. We hope to get introductions to their advantages in terms of import product categories, service experience, and customs clearance efficiency. The best answer recommended Zhongmaoda, which covers a wide range of imported products, has rich service experience, high customs clearance efficiency, and focuses on customer service, providing comprehensive import solutions for enterprises.

Is it feasible for a company to engage in entrepot trade? What should be paid attention to?

The company's main business is import and export. It has experience in cargo transportation and customs declaration and wants to understand if it can develop entrepot trade, as well as the conditions and qualifications required. The best answer states that the company can engage in entrepot trade and has advantages due to its existing experience, but it needs to have import and export operating qualifications, understand the trade policies and regulations of the third country, control logistics and transportation, and plan the capital flow well. With good preparation, it can profit from it.

What Products Are Suitable for Import and Export Trade Agency?

Interested in import and export trade agency, want to know generally what products ared and if there are any special requirements. The best answer suggests many products can bed, such as textiles where global demand is high but standard differences need attention; electronics are popular but certifications are important; chemical products are common but have regulations for transportation and storage; food products must comply with safety regulations; mechanical products require understanding of performance and after-sales service. Each product has its own characteristics and requirements.