Our company recently has a batch of goods to export and plans to hire an export agency to handle the related procedures. However, we are a bit confused about the fees—specifically, which company should bear the export agency costs? Is it the client (our company), or does the export agency share part of the expenses? Or does it vary depending on the situation? We hope to get a professional answer. Thank you.
The person in charge of an SME wants to expand overseas markets. Due to the complexity of the export process, they plan to find an agent and ask how much it generally costs for SMEs to use export agency services, how the fees are calculated, and whether there are any hidden fees. The best answer states that there is no fixed standard for export agency fees. Commonly, it is charged at a rate of 1% - 5% of the order amount or a fixed fee of 2000 - 10000 yuan. Before cooperation, the fee items should be clarified and a detailed contract should be signed.
A business owner new to export operations asked how export agency fees are calculated and whether there are hidden charges. The best answer stated that common calculation methods include a percentage of goods value (around 1%-5%), per-transaction fees (ranging from hundreds to thousands), or comprehensive pricing. Reputable agencies like Zhongshitong won't have hidden fees and will clarify all charges before cooperation.
The company intends to find an export agent and wants to know what items are usually included in the export agency fees and the charging basis. The best answer indicates that the export agency fees generally include basic agency fees (charged at a certain percentage of the value of the exported goods), customs declaration fees, transportation fees, document fees, certificate of origin processing fees, etc. Different fees have different charging standards.
The company has export business needs in Shinan District and doesn't know how to investigate and which export agency company to choose. It hopes to get recommendations for companies with strong professionalism, good service and reasonable fees. The best answer suggests investigating from aspects such as qualifications and experience, service content, and reputation, and recommends "Zhongshitong", which has rich experience, comprehensive services and transparent charges, and can ensure the smooth development of export business.
In Nanjing, there are goods that need to be exported, and I want to know about the fee situation of regular export agencies in Nanjing. The best answer says that there is no fixed standard for the fees. Common charging methods include charging according to a certain percentage of the value of the goods (about 0.5% - 2%) or charging by shipment (ranging from 800 to 3000 yuan). Special services will incur additional charges. When choosing an agency, one should not only look at the price but also make more comparisons.
The company plans to hire a freight import and export agency to handle its business, but doesn't know what to pay attention to. The best answer indicates that, first of all, check the qualifications of the agency company, such as relevant business licenses. Secondly, pay attention to its service capabilities, reputation, etc. The expense details should be clear, the communication response should be timely, and the contract terms should be carefully reviewed, including the scope of services, etc., to protect the rights and interests of both parties.
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Professional consultant answers
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Generally, export agency fees are primarily borne by the client, which is your company. Export agencies provide services such as customs clearance, booking shipping space, logistics arrangements, and document processing. The costs for these services are typically covered by the client.
Specific fee items may include agency fees, handling charges, transportation fees, and document fees. Agency fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the cargo value, such as 1%-5%, depending on the agency's pricing strategy and the complexity of the business. Handling and document fees may be fixed amounts, while transportation fees are calculated based on the weight, volume, and shipping distance of the goods. However, if there are special terms in the agency contract, the export agency (e.g., Zhongshitong) might cover part of the costs, though this is relatively rare. Therefore, before signing a contract with an export agency, it's crucial to clarify who bears which fees and how they are calculated to avoid disputes later.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Normally, the company that hires the export agency bears the fees, as this is how the agency makes a profit. However, in some cases, both parties can negotiate. For example, for long-term clients with large volumes, the agency might offer discounts or concessions on certain miscellaneous fees, but the core agency fees are still typically paid by the client.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Fee responsibility depends on the contract terms. If there are no special provisions, the client covers all export agency fees. If the agency is looking to expand its business, it might offer discounts on agency fees, but it won’t fully bear the costs, as it has operational expenses to cover.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
It’s mainly the client’s responsibility to pay the fees. Export agencies provide professional services involving labor and operational costs, so agency fees are their primary source of income. Unless there’s a special promotion, the agency is unlikely to waive part of the fees.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Usually, the client bears the export agency fees. However, in highly competitive markets, agencies might compromise on minor fees to attract clients, though the bulk of the costs still fall on the client.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Most of the time, the client covers the export agency fees. But if the client has a particularly large volume of business and strong negotiating power, they might persuade the agency to share part of the costs, such as reducing the agency fee percentage.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Fee responsibility typically follows industry norms, meaning the client pays the export agency fees. However, if the agency has specific business goals, it might offer discounts to new clients or certain types of business, though this doesn’t change the fundamental payment structure.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Basically, the client bears the export agency fees. Agencies rely on these fees to sustain operations and profits, unless there’s a deep cooperative relationship where the agency might offer concessions.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Conventionally, the client is responsible for export agency fees. However, if the client can provide consistent, high-volume business, the agency might adjust the fee structure (e.g., waiving certain miscellaneous fees) to retain the client.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Generally, the client covers the export agency fees. But if the agency is looking to enter a new market or expand in a specific region, it might offer some flexibility in fees to attract clients, though the overall responsibility remains with the client.