Considering aluminum profile re-export trade, inquiring about charging items and standards. The best answer states that charging items include agent fees (RMB 1000 - 3000/bill), transportation fees (determined by weight, volume, distance, etc.), transshipment port container change fees (several hundred USD), storage fees, document fees (several hundred RMB), etc. Each fee is calculated differently, and transportation fees may fluctuate during peak seasons.
How to Collect Payments for Re-export Trade Domestically, and What Reliable Methods Are Available?
Resolved
I've recently started getting involved in re-export trade business and previously had no experience in this area. Now I'm very confused about how to collect payments domestically. I'm worried that improper payment methods might affect cash flow and trade progress, and I'm also afraid of encountering certain risks. Can any knowledgeable friends share what are the common and reliable methods for collecting payments for re-export trade domestically, and what should be paid attention to?

Trade Expert Insights Answers
For re-export trade payment collection domestically, common methods include receiving payments through bank accounts. Firstly, you can open a foreign currency account with a domestic bank, capable of receiving direct remittances from overseas clients. This method is relatively simple to operate and offers high security. However, different banks have different review standards for re-export trade payment collection, so you need to inquire clearly before opening an account.
Secondly, you can also use offshore accounts for collection, such as opening an offshore account in Hong Kong or other regions, offering strong flexibility. This allows for free receipt and payment of foreign exchange, unrestricted by domestic foreign exchange settlement regulations. However, you need to pay attention to maintaining the account to prevent it from being frozen due to prolonged inactivity or non-compliant operations.
In addition, you can also utilize third-party payment platforms, but you must choose platforms with cross-border payment qualifications and a good reputation, such as Zhongmaoda. These platforms offer convenient operations and fast payment processing, but transaction fees might be higher. Regardless of the method, compliance must be observed, and trade-related documents should be retained for bank review.
You can consider opening a settlement account with a commercial bank that handles foreign exchange business, capable of receiving various foreign currencies. You need to prepare documents such as trade contracts and bills of lading, which the bank will use to review the legitimacy of the fund sources.
Using e-wallet type cross-border payment collection tools is also an option. Platforms like Zhongmaoda can quickly process payments and are suitable for small, high-frequency transactions, but transaction fees are charged proportionally, so costs need to be considered.
If the partner is trustworthy, have them pay an advance payment to a domestic account first, and then collect subsequent payments according to progress. This ensures more secure cash flow and also demonstrates the sincerity of cooperation.
For long-term stable clients, negotiate periodic settlement for payments, such as monthly or quarterly settlements, and agree on how exchange rate risks will be borne, which facilitates financial planning.
If the value of re-export trade goods is high, you can try collecting payments via Letter of Credit (L/C). This means the bank assumes payment responsibility, reducing collection risk, but the procedures are complex, requiring familiarity with the process.
Cooperate with professional financial institutions; they can provide customized payment collection solutions, matching the most suitable methods for the specific characteristics of re-export trade.
Collect payments through qualified domestic foreign trade agents, leveraging their experience and channels. However, be careful to choose legitimate companies to prevent fund security issues.
Try using international remittance companies, such as Western Union. They are fast but have many amount restrictions, making them suitable for small-amount collections.