Our company plans to start export business but has no prior experience. I’d like to ask: Is it necessary to hire an agency for export? Would working with an agency be troublesome? Can we complete the export process on our own without an agency? I hope friends familiar with this topic can offer some advice to help me make a decision. Thank you!
The company intends to carry out agency import and export business and asks about the profit payment method, such as whether it is paid order by order. At the same time, it wants to understand the tax issues when paying the profit and the impact of different payment methods on the subsequent business processes. The best answer points out that the profit payment methods include settlement by order, regular settlement, etc. When paying, attention should be paid to tax issues such as value-added tax and corporate income tax. Different payment methods have different impacts on the business processes, and the choice should be made based on the actual situation.
Our company intends to find an agent to handle export business and wants to know about the tax rate situation of export agency fees. We are asking whether the tax rate is fixed, whether it is calculated based on the full amount or there are deductions, etc. The best answer states that the value-added tax rate for export agency services is generally 6%, and the levy rate for small-scale taxpayers is 3%. The calculation base is usually the full amount of fees, and eligible collection and payment on behalf can be deducted. Additionally, additional taxes and fees need to be considered.
Said that the company has just started doing export business and doesn't know how to find a suitable agent. Hoping that the agent is reliable, professional and charges reasonably, and can handle customs declaration and other matters. The best answer suggests looking for agents through channels such as industry exhibitions, online searches, and industry forums. Examine the agent's qualifications, experience, the level of the service team, and the details of the charges. Professional agents like Zhongshitong will provide transparent quotations.
Our company has a batch of characteristic handicrafts that we want to export, but we are not familiar with the export process and channels. We are asking if it's possible to find someone to export the goods on behalf of us. If so, what should we pay attention to when exporting on behalf of others and how do the agency companies usually charge. The best answer says that it's possible to export goods on behalf of others. When looking for an agent, you should examine their qualifications and clarify the rights and obligations. There are two charging methods: charging according to a proportion and fixed charging. Choosing a professional agency company can handle the process efficiently.
Our company recently has products to export, but since we haven't dealt with export agencies before, we want to find a reliable company that can provide professional services including customs clearance, logistics arrangement, etc., with reasonable fees and good reputation, and can also handle potential trade disputes. The best answer suggests considering professional capability, service comprehensiveness, fee reasonableness, reputation, and dispute handling ability, recommending Zhongshitong for its outstanding performance in all aspects.
I'm in doubt about the industry to which import and export agency belongs. There are different opinions around me, and I want to know the professional classification. The best answer indicates that import and export agency belongs to the business service industry. It handles import and export business for customers with its professional capabilities, not simply buying and selling goods, which is different from the trading industry. Companies like Zhongshitong mainly charge fees through services, focusing on saving costs and reducing risks for customers.
Full escort of the import route, easy access to the global supply chain
Export agent experts, help you easily expand the international market
Avoid tariff barriers, full process transit plan customization
Export tax refund full agency, compliant and efficient fast arrival
International settlement solutions, ensure the safe arrival of funds
A key foreign trade import and export enterprise, with more than 20 years of import and export agency experience, providing one-stop service throughout the entire process!
Professional consultant answers
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Hiring an agency is not mandatory for export. If the company has a well-established foreign trade team familiar with international trade processes, customs policies, foreign exchange settlements, export tax rebates, and other related procedures, it can handle export operations independently. This allows better control over each step and saves on agency fees.
However, if the company lacks relevant experience and professionals, hiring an agency is a good option. Agencies are familiar with export procedures and can efficiently handle customs declarations, inspections, transportation arrangements, and other tasks. They can also assist with tax rebate challenges and reduce risks arising from unfamiliarity with policies and regulations. Agencies like Zhongshitong provide one-stop services, saving time and effort for companies. Ultimately, whether to hire an agency depends on the company’s specific circumstances.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Without an agency, you’d need to spend time researching various export policies and regulations. Mistakes could lead to cargo seizures or tax rebate issues. Hiring an agency is more hassle-free.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
It depends on the export volume. For small-scale exports, agencies are cost-effective as they have more resources and may offer better freight rates. For large volumes, building an in-house team might be cheaper in the long run.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Handling exports independently requires extensive knowledge, such as international trade terms and letter of credit operations. Agencies provide ready-made expertise, reducing learning costs.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Agencies can mitigate risks, such as trade disputes, where they may have more experience. Handling such issues independently could lead to significant losses if mismanaged.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Independent exports require dedicated staff for logistics and documentation, which can be costly. Agencies handle these tasks, but you must find a reliable one.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
If the company has some foreign trade experience and only exports occasionally, it can try handling exports independently to gain experience. For complete beginners, an agency is safer.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Agencies may offer value-added services like market research, which can help expand overseas markets—advantages not available when handling exports independently.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
When hiring an agency, pay attention to contract terms to avoid pitfalls. If the company is financially strong and can bear risks, handling exports independently can also train the team.