Where do import customs clearance agents usually source their goods from? Please let me know!
I've been considering doing business related to import customs clearance agents recently, but I'm not quite sure where to source the goods from. I know this may involve different products and channels, and I'd like to know what the common sourcing channels for import customs clearance agents are. For example, is it to directly contact foreign suppliers, or through some trading platforms, or are there other special ways? I hope friends with experience can share, so that I can avoid some detours.
Professional consultant answers
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
There are various sourcing channels for import customs clearance agents. Firstly, you can directly establish contact with foreign suppliers. By participating in international exhibitions, such as the Canton Fair, Frankfurt Consumer Goods Fair, etc., you can directly communicate face to face with suppliers at the exhibitions, learn about products and establish cooperation. You can also utilize online resources to search for foreign suppliers on some professional B2B platforms and actively contact them to negotiate cooperation.
Secondly, through trading intermediaries. They have extensive supplier resources and industry experience and can quickly help you connect with suitable suppliers. However, you should pay attention to choosing intermediaries with good reputations to avoid being cheated.
Also, participate in industry seminars or forums to get to know peers and suppliers, expand your network and obtain sourcing channels. You can also pay attention to some foreign e-commerce platforms, and some products can be directly purchased from them. In short, explore through multiple channels and find suitable sourcing channels according to your own business direction and needs.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Some import customs clearance agents will cooperate with local large trading companies. These trading companies have been engaged in import and export business for a long time and have stable sources of goods. Cooperating with them can quickly obtain the sources of goods, and the quality of the goods is relatively guaranteed. However, you should pay attention to signing detailed contracts to protect your own rights and interests.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
You can keep an eye on some domestic foreign trade surplus stock markets. Sometimes you can find good imported goods there. Although they may be surplus stocks, the prices are relatively advantageous and are suitable for doing import customs clearance agent business for some middle and low-end products. But you should carefully screen the goods to avoid quality problems.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
You can also search for sourcing channels through social platforms and industry groups. Many suppliers or peers will post information on them. You can actively ask and communicate, and maybe you can find suitable sources of goods. However, it's difficult to distinguish the authenticity of online information, so you should verify more.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Pay attention to the official websites of foreign manufacturers. Some manufacturers will publish cooperation methods and procurement information on their official websites. Directly sourcing from manufacturers can reduce intermediate links and costs. But there may be certain requirements for the procurement volume, which need to be communicated well in advance.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Participate in industry training courses. While learning knowledge, you can also get to know suppliers or peers and thus obtain sourcing channels. This way can not only expand your network but also learn many industry skills.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Utilize customs auction information. The customs will auction some unclaimed or confiscated imported goods due to violations. The prices are usually very affordable. But you should understand the auction rules and the situation of the goods in advance to avoid blind bidding.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Contact foreign dealers. They have a mature system of goods sources in their hands. Cooperating with them can quickly start the business, but you should negotiate good cooperation terms, such as price, delivery period, etc.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Some import customs clearance agents will cooperate with domestic agents. Domestic agents already have stable import channels. Cooperating with them can quickly get started, but the profit margin may be relatively small.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Pay attention to some foreign factory direct sales activities. You can directly purchase goods at a lower price. But you should pay attention to subsequent issues such as transportation and customs clearance to ensure the smooth arrival of the goods.