Which is easier to get started with, agency import or consignment sales?
Solved#Import agent#
I've been thinking about getting involved in the import and export trade-related business recently, and I'm indecisive between agency import and consignment sales. I'd like to ask everyone, which one is easier to do between agency import and consignment sales? I'm not particularly familiar with the processes of these two businesses, so I want to know which one is relatively easier to carry out and more suitable for beginners to start from the aspects of operational difficulty, capital investment, and risk control.
Professional consultant answers
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Both agency import and consignment sales have their own characteristics. In terms of operational difficulty, agency import involves complex processes such as communicating with foreign suppliers, customs declaration, and customs clearance, and requires a high level of knowledge of international trade; consignment sales is mainly responsible for sales, and the process is relatively simple. If you are familiar with sales channels, you can get started with consignment sales quickly.
In terms of capital investment, agency import needs to prepay the purchase price, etc., and has a large capital pressure; consignment sales generally does not require a large amount of capital, and has less pressure on capital turnover, so consignment sales has more advantages.
In terms of risk control, agency import faces risks such as the quality of goods and exchange rate fluctuations; the risks of consignment sales are mostly concentrated on product slow-moving. As long as you choose the right products, the risks are relatively controllable. Overall, if you are a beginner, consignment sales may be easier to do, and you can consider expanding into agency import to expand your business line after getting familiar with the business.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
I think agency import is easier to do. Once a stable relationship is established with foreign suppliers, the business is relatively stable. Although the capital investment is large, the profit margin may also be large.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Consignment sales is simple. You don't need to worry about purchasing goods and so on. As long as you have sales ability. If you can accurately grasp the market demand, consignment sales can easily achieve good results.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
If you are not familiar with the process of agency import, the customs declaration part alone is headache enough. Consignment sales doesn't have this trouble. You just need to sell the goods.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
For consignment sales, you need to find good products. Otherwise, it will be very embarrassing if you can't sell them. Although agency import is difficult, if it is done well, the long-term benefits are good.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
From the perspective of capital, the pressure of consignment sales is much less. You don't need to spend a large amount of money to buy goods by yourself first. It is more stable for beginners to do consignment sales.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Agency import can access first-hand resources. If it develops well, it is possible to do import trade by yourself in the future. The limitations of consignment sales are greater.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Consignment sales requires a high level of sales channels, and agency import requires a high level of supply chain management. It depends on which aspect you are good at.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
I have done consignment sales before. I feel that as long as you have good sales skills and choose the right products, you can make a profit quickly. It is quite suitable for beginners to do.