Someone asked how to get started with importing business as an export freight forwarder. The best answer advises to first obtain import and export rights and relevant qualification certificates, then introduces the import business process such as signing contracts, arranging transportation, customs declaration and inspection. It also mentions that unlike exports, imports focus more on product quality and compliance, providing guidance for export freight forwarders looking to transition into import business.
What is the Difference Between Agency and Exported Goods? A Comprehensive Guide!
Resolved
I've been quite interested in international trade recently and would like to understand the specific differences between agency and exporting goods. It's like this, a friend of mine plans to engage in foreign trade related business, and he is not very clear about the differences between agency and exporting goods, for example, in terms of process, risk bearing, etc. I hope someone can explain in detail, so that he can determine which method to adopt to carry out his business and avoid detours.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
There are differences between agency and exporting goods in multiple aspects. In terms of process, exporting goods means that manufacturing enterprises directly sell goods abroad and need to handle all the links such as cargo transportation, customs declaration, and foreign exchange collection by themselves; while in agency, enterprises entrust professional agency companies to handle export matters, and the agency company is responsible for handling the relevant procedures, and the manufacturing enterprise only needs to focus on production.
In terms of risk bearing, when exporting goods, the manufacturing enterprise bears all the risks, including losses during cargo transportation, foreign exchange collection risks, etc.; in the case of agency, although the main risks are still borne by the principal, if the agency company incurs losses due to its own mistakes, it also needs to bear corresponding responsibilities.
In terms of costs, companies exporting goods need to bear various export costs themselves; while agency requires paying a certain agency fee to the agency company. When choosing, one should comprehensively consider their own capabilities, resources, and other factors.
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
There is a difference in profit distribution between agency and exported goods. For exported goods, the profit goes entirely to the manufacturing enterprise; in agency business, the agency company will charge an agency fee, which will reduce the profit of the principal enterprise by a portion.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
From the perspective of customer resources, companies exporting goods can directly accumulate customer resources, which is conducive to long-term development; in the agency model, customer resources may be held by the agency company, and it is more difficult for the principal enterprise to directly obtain them.
Olivia LiuYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat
In terms of tax refund handling, companies exporting goods handle tax refunds themselves; for agency exports, the principal declares the tax refund, and the agency company provides relevant certificates. If the operation is improper, the tax refund may be affected.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
Companies exporting goods need to have professional foreign trade knowledge and a talent team to handle various matters; the agency model can leverage the professional capabilities of the agency company, and the enterprise's own foreign trade knowledge requirements are relatively low.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
In terms of brand promotion, companies exporting goods can better promote their own brands directly; in agency, the strength of brand promotion may depend on the agency company, and the enterprise's own control is weaker.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
In terms of obtaining market information, companies exporting goods directly access the market and can quickly obtain information; in the agency model, information may be transmitted through the agency company, which may have timeliness and deviation.
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
If the enterprise is small-scale and has limited resources, agency may be more suitable; if the enterprise is strong and wants to have a deep understanding of all aspects of foreign trade, exporting goods can better meet the needs.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
Agency contracts are strongly restrictive, and if the principal enterprise and the agency company do not cooperate well, disputes are likely to arise; companies exporting goods have strong autonomy and more flexible operations.
David ChenYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat
Regarding fund occupation, companies exporting goods need to prepare a larger amount of funds in advance for production, transportation, etc.; in agency business, the enterprise's capital pressure is relatively small, and the payment of agency fees is relatively flexible.