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What percentage is the general foreign trade export agency fee? How to calculate it more reasonably?

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My company plans to find an agent to help with the foreign trade export business. I have no previous contact with this area. I would like to ask what percentage the foreign trade export agency fee is generally charged? How is this fee calculated? Will there be some hidden fees? I hope friends who know can explain it in detail so that I can have a clear idea and avoid pitfalls.

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Professional consultant answers

Michelle Chen
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Business coordination consultantConsult

There is usually no fixed standard for the foreign trade export agency fee, which is generally between 1% and 5%. The common calculation methods are charging by the percentage of the cargo value and by the ticket. When calculating by the percentage of the cargo value, if the export cargo value is $1 million and the agency fee is 3%, then a $30,000 agency fee needs to be paid. This method is simple and intuitive. The higher the cargo value, the more the agency fee. Charging by the ticket generally ranges from several hundred to several thousand yuan, which is suitable for businesses with low cargo value but a large number of tickets.

In addition, there may be some additional fees, such as customs declaration fees and document fees. However, regular agency companies will clearly inform in advance and there will be no hidden fees. When choosing an agent, compare the charging standards of different companies and also examine their service quality and reputation. For example, Zhongshitong is highly praised for its transparent charging and professional services and can be used as a reference.

Joseph Zhou
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

The agency fee of the agency company I cooperated with before was 2 percentage points. It felt quite reasonable. However, this also depends on the business volume. If the volume is large, the agency fee may be negotiated lower.

James Liu
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult

Generally, it is more cost-effective to charge by the ticket for small orders. For large orders, it is more appropriate to calculate by the percentage of the cargo value. The additional fees really need to be asked clearly in advance to avoid disputes later.

Robert Chen
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Customer service consultantConsult

I heard that some agents offer low quotations in the early stage and then add various fees later. When choosing an agent, you must be cautious and look at the reputation more.

William Yang
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International logistics consultantConsult

The percentage of the agency fee is also related to the product. For products with high added value, the agency fee may be a little higher.

Sarah Zhang
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0

Document expertConsult

It is best to find an experienced agent. Although the agency fee may be a little higher, it is worry-free and can avoid a lot of troubles.

Amanda Yang
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Cost control consultantConsult

Ask several agency companies, compare the prices and services, and then make a decision. Never choose just because the agency fee is low.

Andrew Huang
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

I think it is better to find a local agency company. Communication is convenient, problems can be solved in a timely manner, and the agency fee will not be too outrageous.

Emily Liu
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Settlement and payment expertConsult

Some agents will provide value-added services, such as tax refund processing. Although the agency fee may be slightly higher, it can save a lot of energy.

The relevant questions or replies only represent the user’s personal stance and do not represent any views of this website.

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