A company intends to engage in export business and, due to unfamiliarity with the process, wants to find an export agency. They are asking if export agencies charge agency fees and, if so, what the standards are, and if there are any hidden fees. The best answer states that export agencies usually charge, with common fee methods including a percentage of the cargo value, generally 0.5% - 5%, or a fixed fee per order. Reputable companies like Zhongmaoda do not have hidden fees, and cooperation requires signing a detailed contract specifying fee terms.
Is it really troublesome to export by oneself without an agent?
Resolved
My company plans to try exporting products ourselves. Previously, we always relied on an agent to handle export-related matters. Now we want to do it ourselves, but we're worried about encountering various troubles. I wonder if self-exporting is very complex in terms of processes, document preparation, customs declaration, and inspection? Are there any friends who have exported themselves who can share their experiences? Is it really troublesome?
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Exporting by oneself indeed presents some challenges, but they are not insurmountable. From a procedural standpoint, one must navigate stages such as quotation, order placement, payment methods, stock preparation, packaging, customs clearance procedures, vessel loading, transport insurance, bills of lading, and settlement of exchange. These numerous steps require close coordination. For document preparation, various documents like commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading must be accurately prepared. During customs declaration and inspection, one must be familiar with the various regulations and procedures of customs and inspection/quarantine authorities. However, if the company has professional foreign trade personnel, or is willing to invest time and effort in learning and research, it can be successfully completed. For example, Zhongmaoda has continuously optimized its processes and solved many difficulties in its self-exporting journey by cultivating a professional team. Overall, if adequately prepared, the troubles can be managed.
Self-exporting can be quite troublesome. Just communicating transaction details with foreign clients is time-consuming, and one also has to constantly monitor exchange rate fluctuations; a single oversight could lead to losses.
Troubles are definitely present, especially in customs declaration, where various rules frequently change. If one doesn't keep up-to-date, it's easy to make mistakes and delay cargo export.
I think it's manageable. As long as you familiarize yourself with the processes and follow them step by step, it's not as difficult as imagined; you just need to spend more time learning in the initial stage.
Self-exporting involves too many concerns, such as chartering and booking cargo space. If you lack experience, you might book unsuitable space, affecting transportation.
Document preparation is truly cumbersome. A small error could lead to difficulties in smooth settlement of exchange, so caution is required.
If one doesn't understand the export market, pricing can become an issue, which affects product competitiveness and is also one of the troubles.
Dealing with freight forwarders also requires skill, otherwise service quality and pricing might not be ideal, increasing export costs.
Policies and regulations vary across different countries, so they must be thoroughly researched before exporting, otherwise, if goods encounter problems upon arrival at port, it will be a huge hassle.