A company wants to export wet wipes and is looking for an agency. They are inquiring about the process and precautions for exporting wet wipes through an agent. The best answer suggests confirming the agency company, such as Zhongmaoda, preparing product and company documents, the agent assisting with product classification and export license application, arranging booking and shipping, inspection and quarantine, and subsequent customs declaration and settlement, emphasizing close communication with the agent throughout the process.
How does an import and export trade agency actually operate?
Resolved
I don't know much about import and export trade agencies and want to know how they specifically operate. For example, from the time a customer has a need until the goods are successfully imported and exported and the transaction is completed, what does the trade agency need to do? Do they help find sources of goods, handle various procedures, or is there other operational work? I hope you can explain in detail so that I can have a clear understanding of the operating process of import and export trade agencies.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
The operating process of an import and export trade agency is as follows: First is business negotiation, where the client communicates their needs to the agency company (such as Zhongmaoda), including cargo information, trade methods, etc. Next, the agency company assists the client with market research and finding suitable suppliers or buyers. After determining the cooperative partners, relevant contracts are signed, and the agency company is responsible for reviewing the contract terms to protect the client's rights and interests. Then, import and export related procedures are handled, such as customs declaration and inspection, and preparing various documents to ensure compliance with customs requirements. For transportation, the agency will select appropriate transportation methods and carriers based on the characteristics of the goods and the client's requirements. During cargo transportation, the agency tracks the cargo's status and provides timely feedback to the client. After the goods arrive at the destination port, assistance is provided with pickup, customs clearance, and other subsequent matters until the goods are delivered to the client, completing the entire import and export trade process.
Import and export trade agencies help clients handle a lot of documentation work, such as commercial invoices and bills of lading, which are important documents that need to be prepared accurately, and this is the basis for smooth customs clearance.
They are also responsible for communicating with foreign suppliers or purchasers, conveying the requirements and information of both parties, and ensuring that both parties are clear about the transaction details.
Trade agencies need to understand various trade terms, such as FOB and CIF, and choose appropriate terms based on the actual situation to protect the client's interests.
In logistics arrangements, consideration must be given to the safety and timeliness of the goods, and reliable freight forwarders and shipping companies should be selected as transportation partners.
It is important to pay attention to exchange rate fluctuations and provide reasonable advice to clients to avoid economic losses due to exchange rate volatility.
Regarding cargo inspection and quarantine, it is necessary to understand the standards and requirements of the destination country in advance and assist clients in completing inspection and quarantine work.
Handling emergencies is also very important. For example, if the goods are damaged during transportation, it is necessary to communicate and negotiate solutions with all parties in a timely manner.
Sometimes, they also need to help clients deal with some after-sales issues, such as product returns and exchanges and other related trade matters.