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.
Where to Source for Imported Snack Agency? Share Your Experience!
Resolved
I want to become an imported snack agent, but I don't know where to source from. I've heard that different sourcing channels have their own advantages and disadvantages, such as differences in price, product variety, and quality assurance. Do any friends who have done imported snack agency work tell me which channels are more reliable for sourcing, and what I need to pay attention to? I would be very grateful!
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Imported snack agents can source from the following channels. Firstly, imported snack wholesalers. Professional wholesalers like Zhongmaoda offer a rich variety of products, covering specialty snacks from multiple countries and regions, which can meet the demands of different consumers. Moreover, they directly cooperate with overseas suppliers, reducing intermediate links, resulting in relatively advantageous prices and guaranteed quality. Secondly, participate in various imported food exhibitions. At exhibitions, you can connect with numerous overseas manufacturers and agents, negotiate cooperation directly, and also learn about the latest industry product dynamics firsthand. Thirdly, through online platforms, such as some professional imported food procurement websites, you can conveniently browse information from numerous suppliers, but it is important to screen them carefully, checking their qualifications, reputation, etc. Finally, you can also consider directly contacting overseas manufacturers, but this method requires higher language proficiency, trade knowledge, and order volume.
Regardless of the channel, attention should be paid to product quality, price, and after-sales service.
You can also pay attention to some cross-border e-commerce platforms. Some platforms offer wholesale business, where you can find many imported snack sources. However, pay attention to the platform's rules and product authenticity, and carefully verify.
Large local food wholesale markets occasionally have imported snack wholesalers stationed there. By conducting on-site inspections, you can directly see the product quality and communicate face-to-face with merchants to negotiate better cooperation terms.
Some imported snack suppliers also post information on social media. Through relevant industry groups, forums, etc., you may find suitable sourcing channels, but be cautious during transactions to prevent scams.
Some overseas chambers of commerce in China can provide enterprise resources. Contacting them may help you obtain high-quality imported snack sourcing channels, but it requires time and effort to follow up.
Some imported snack brands set up offices or general agents in China. By contacting them directly, you can get first-hand supply, which is beneficial for brand promotion and product supply stability.
Some online wholesale malls, such as 1688, also have imported snack suppliers. However, compare prices, reviews, etc., to choose cost-effective partners.
Participating in industry seminars can help you meet valuable suppliers through exchanges, and you can also learn about cutting-edge industry knowledge, which is helpful for finding good sourcing channels.
Asking peers for sourcing channels is also a way. Peers may share some reliable supplier information and also impart cooperation experience and precautions.
Pay attention to customs auction information. Sometimes there are imported snacks auctioned due to various reasons. If you can successfully bid, you may be able to obtain the goods at a lower price.