End of import agency excessive profits? Unveiling the real profit secrets

At 11 PM, Mr. Zeng phone was still constantly popping up order notifications. "This week, we've already shipped three containers of German milk powder, and the warehouse needs restocking again," he told his wife with a smile. This isn't a story of a big international trader, but rather a side hustle transformation achieved by an ordinary office worker through e-commerce agency of import and export products.

Why has the agency model become the new favorite in cross-border trade?

Traditional foreign trade requires millions in startup capital, while the agency model lowers the barrier to within tens of thousands of yuan. Key advantages include:

• Zero inventory pressure: Orders go directly to the brand's warehouse
• Professional support: Customs clearance and logistics are handled as a one-stop solution
• Brand endorsement: Direct access to well-known overseas manufacturers

Mr. Zeng is one of the beneficiaries: "After becoming an agent for a certain Japanese mother and baby brand, my average monthly profit increased fivefold compared to the purchasing agent period, and I don't have to worry about inventory risks."

Analysis of Three High-Potential Product Categories

According to the latest customs data, these categories are experiencing rapid growth:

• Health Foods: Probiotics, vitamins with an annual growth rate of 120%
• Smart Home: German water purifiers, Korean beauty devices remain popular
• Pet Supplies: Imported staple pet food with a repurchase rate exceeding 80%

It is worth noting that when choosing categories, special attention should be paid to customs clearance convenience and domestic certification requirements. Professional organizations like Zhongmaoda can provide compliance consulting.

Pitfall Guide: 3 Common Mistakes Newbies Make

1. Blindly trusting "100% exclusive sales" promises
2. Neglecting to review product qualification documents

3. Using personal accounts for large foreign currency receipts and payments

Mr. Wang's lesson is typical: "When acting as an agent for a certain Australian health product, due to not verifying the quarantine certificate, 200,000 worth of goods were detained by customs for 3 months."

Digital Tools Empowering Agency Businesses

Now even small and medium-sized agents can utilize:

• ERP systems for real-time global inventory tracking
• AI customer service to handle multilingual inquiries
• Blockchain traceability to enhance consumer trust

These tools boost human efficiency by 300%, allowing individual entrepreneurs to operate cross-national supply chains.

Where are Your Opportunities?

Cross-border e-commerce penetration is still less than 15%, and the demand for high-quality overseas products continues to surge. Consider:
- What unmet import needs are there around you?

- Which niche area suits your professional background?
Those who act now are already reaping the benefits; will the next success story be yours?