A company plans to find an agent to export products and wants to understand how agent export is settled and the key points of settlement. The best answer introduces three common settlement methods: telegraphic transfer (T/T), letter of credit (L/C), and collection, along with their operational essentials. For example, for T/T, recipient information must be provided promptly; for L/C, documents must comply with requirements; and for collection, customer credit needs attention. It also emphasizes that settlement details must be clearly defined in the agency agreement.

Trade Experts Q&A
Consult with Our Trade Experts
Quick, reliable advice for all your trade needs, from sourcing to shipping.
You May Also Like
Who should be listed as the domestic shipper for agency export? Let's discuss!
Our company has agency export business and is unsure who to list as the domestic shipper. The agent and principal have differing views. The best answer is that the domestic shipper is usually the principal, as the principal is the actual owner of the goods and responsible party, complying with regulations and supervisory requirements. Unless otherwise specially agreed, listing the principal helps define responsibilities and ensures smooth trade processes.
What are the common sources of income for import and export agents?
Interested in import and export agency business, want to understand its income sources. Common income for import and export agents includes agency fees, charged as a percentage of the cargo value or quantity; tax refund income, if the agreement stipulates that tax refunds belong to the agency company or are shared; logistics price difference income, earned by integrating logistics services; and value-added service income, such as fees for customs declaration and consulting.
How should the export agent service fee be calculated? Please help me figure it out!
Want to understand how export agent service fees are calculated, unsure about its components, whether it's based on product quantity or export value, and if there are industry standards or formulas. The best answer states that export agent service fees are comprised of agency fees (usually 1%-5% of export value), miscellaneous fees (e.g., customs declaration fees, certificate of origin fees), and interest on tax advances, etc. Before cooperation, all fee standards must be clarified and a contract signed.
Can Cross-border E-commerce Platforms Act as Export Agents? What Are the Points to Note?
I want to know if cross-border e-commerce platforms can act as export agents, as my company's products are intended for export but the self-operated process is complicated, so I want to find a platform to act as an agent. I also want to ask about the key points to consider when choosing a platform for export agency. The best answer points out that cross-border e-commerce platforms can act as export agents, and when choosing, one should consider the platform's qualifications and reputation, service content, fees, logistics channels, and overseas warehouse layout. For example, Zhongmaoda platform is favored in this regard.
How Much Are Import and Export Agency Fees in Zhangzhou? Come and Find Out!
Planning to do import and export business in Zhangzhou and want to understand the costs of hiring an import and export agent. This includes fee standards and whether there are hidden charges. The best answer states that there is no fixed standard for fees, which are influenced by factors such as cargo type, value, business volume, and service items. Basic services like customs declaration and inspection alone may cost a few hundred to around two thousand yuan per shipment. It is important to clarify the service content and fee details to avoid hidden charges.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Richard WuYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
First, immediately cease all relevant non-compliant operations to prevent the situation from worsening. For incorrect customs declaration data, you should promptly collect accurate information with the agent company and apply to Customs for a customs declaration amendment. If tax discrepancies have occurred, you must promptly pay additional tax or apply for a tax refund adjustment.
Regarding the chaotic tax refund process, you need to review the entire process to identify which step went wrong. If documents are missing, complete them immediately; if declared data is incorrect, correct the declaration promptly. At the same time, proactively communicate with the tax authorities, explain the situation, and strive for lenient treatment.
You should also communicate with the agent company to clarify responsibilities and demand that they bear the losses caused by their own errors, such as additional expenses. If the agent company is unwilling to cooperate, legal action can be taken according to the contract. Additionally, use this opportunity to improve your internal regulatory mechanisms to prevent similar issues from recurring and minimize the impact on future export business.
Sophia WangYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
Promptly verify all business documents with the agent company, identify the source of non-compliance, and clearly organize the problems for targeted resolution later.
Robert TanYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
Timely consult professional import/export consultants or lawyers to understand the potential legal consequences of non-compliant actions and obtain advice on how to respond.
Kevin HuangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
Proactively communicate with relevant departments such as Customs and Tax authorities, honestly explain the situation, actively cooperate with investigations, and strive for lenient treatment.
David ChenYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat
Re-evaluate the professionalism and credibility of the agent company; if unsuitable, consider changing agents to avoid more problems later.
Daniel KimYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
Establish an internal review team to conduct a comprehensive self-inspection of existing export business and prevent other hidden non-compliance issues.
Emma ZhaoYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
In response to this non-compliance situation, conduct training for company employees to enhance awareness of compliant operations.
Anthony LuoYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
Document all expenses and losses incurred due to non-compliance for subsequent recovery from the responsible party.
Michael ZhangYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
During the problem-solving process, maintain communication with clients to avoid impacting goods delivery and client relationships.