Is the modus operandi of foreign trade import agents complex? Come and share your experiences!
Solved#Import agent#
I have a batch of goods that need to be imported from abroad recently. I plan to find a foreign trade import agent to help handle the relevant matters. However, I've heard that the water is very deep in the foreign trade import agent industry and there are quite a lot of tricks, so I'm a little worried. I'd like to ask everyone, is the modus operandi of foreign trade import agents really complex? What are the main manifestations? Are there any ways to avoid falling into traps? I hope friends with experience can tell me about it so that I can have a clear idea in my mind.
Professional consultant answers
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
The foreign trade import agents themselves don't have the problem of a complex modus operandi. The key lies in choosing the right agent company. Some unscrupulous agents may set up tricks in terms of fees. For example, they may hide the charging items, offer a low quotation at the beginning and then add fees in various names later. Also, in terms of services, they may promise a quick customs clearance but cause the goods to be detained due to insufficient capabilities. But as long as you choose the right agent, all these can be avoided.
When choosing, you should check the qualifications and reputations of the agent company. For example, Zhongshitong has been established for many years and has a good reputation. Learn about its past cases to judge its ability to handle complex businesses. In addition, the contract terms should be clear, specifying the service scope, fee details, etc. In this way, you can avoid the potential tricks to the greatest extent and successfully complete the import agency business.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
There are indeed tricks. Some agents may collude with suppliers to raise the price of the goods and take the price difference. When looking for an agent, you have to find a trustworthy one. It's best to be introduced by an acquaintance.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
There are tricks. For example, in the customs declaration process, some agents, in order to save trouble, declare the goods before the materials are fully prepared. As a result, the goods are detained by the customs, which delays the time. You should urge the agent to handle things according to the procedures more.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
I think it's okay. If you find a regular and large-scale agent, negotiate the conditions in advance and write them clearly in the contract, you generally won't encounter tricks.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Some agents may play tricks in the transportation process. For example, they may choose a slow transportation method but charge according to the fast one. You should confirm the transportation plan and charging standard in advance.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Some agents may not handle the documents in a timely manner, resulting in a delay in customs clearance. When looking for an agent, you have to find an efficient one.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Some agents' services are not professional. They are not familiar with policy changes, which affects the import process. You should find an agent who has a good control of policies.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Be careful of those agents who make many verbal promises but don't write them into the contract. They will deny it when problems arise. The contract is the guarantee.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
I've encountered agents who were irresponsible for the inspection of the goods. They didn't even notice the problems with the goods. When looking for an agent, you should pay attention to the control of the inspection process.