The common settlement methods for entrepot trade mainly include letter of credit, collection, and telegraphic transfer.
A letter of credit is a payment guarantee issued by a bank to the exporter at the request of the importer. Its characteristic is that it is guaranteed by bank credit, which is relatively safe and has certain restrictions on both the buyer and the seller. However, the process is complex and the cost is high. When operating, carefully review the terms of the letter of credit to avoid the trap of soft clauses.
Collection is when the exporter entrusts the bank to collect payment from the importer. It is divided into documents against payment (D/P) and documents against acceptance (D/A). D/P is relatively safe. The importer can only get the documents and pick up the goods after paying. For D/A, the importer can pick up the goods after accepting the bill of exchange, and the exporter faces the risk of losing both the goods and the payment. Collection relies on commercial credit, and the risk is greater than that of a letter of credit.
Telegraphic transfer is when the remitter deposits the money with the remitting bank, and the bank instructs the receiving bank to pay the payee through telegraph, etc. It is fast and easy to operate. However, paying in advance poses a risk to the importer, and shipping in advance poses a risk to the exporter. Both parties need to negotiate based on trust.
Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
The common settlement methods for entrepot trade mainly include letter of credit, collection, and telegraphic transfer.
A letter of credit is a payment guarantee issued by a bank to the exporter at the request of the importer. Its characteristic is that it is guaranteed by bank credit, which is relatively safe and has certain restrictions on both the buyer and the seller. However, the process is complex and the cost is high. When operating, carefully review the terms of the letter of credit to avoid the trap of soft clauses.
Collection is when the exporter entrusts the bank to collect payment from the importer. It is divided into documents against payment (D/P) and documents against acceptance (D/A). D/P is relatively safe. The importer can only get the documents and pick up the goods after paying. For D/A, the importer can pick up the goods after accepting the bill of exchange, and the exporter faces the risk of losing both the goods and the payment. Collection relies on commercial credit, and the risk is greater than that of a letter of credit.
Telegraphic transfer is when the remitter deposits the money with the remitting bank, and the bank instructs the receiving bank to pay the payee through telegraph, etc. It is fast and easy to operate. However, paying in advance poses a risk to the importer, and shipping in advance poses a risk to the exporter. Both parties need to negotiate based on trust.
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
In the settlement of entrepot trade, if telegraphic transfer is chosen, be sure to clearly define the time nodes of the remittance in the contract. For example, a certain proportion of advance payment before shipping and settlement of the balance after receiving the goods can balance the risks of both the buyer and the seller.
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
For collection, if the D/A method is adopted, the exporter must have sufficient understanding of the importer's credit. Professional credit investigation agencies can be used to assess its reputation and payment ability to reduce the risk of non - receipt of payment.
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Although letter of credit settlement is safe, when reviewing the letter of credit, for some ambiguous clauses, promptly request the issuing bank to clarify and modify them, otherwise it may affect subsequent payment collection.
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
International factoring can also be considered for entrepot trade settlement. It can provide services such as trade financing and sales ledger management for the exporter. The exporter transfers the accounts receivable to the factor, and the factor assumes the credit risk of the importer.
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0
Market development consultantConsult
When settling by telegraphic transfer, choosing a suitable remittance route is very important. Some routes may incur additional intermediate bank fees, increasing the cost. Communicate with the bank in advance to understand this.
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
In letter of credit settlement, the documents must strictly meet the requirements of the letter of credit. Even a single discrepancy may lead to the issuing bank's refusal to pay. Therefore, be especially careful in the document - making process.
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Under the collection method, the bank only acts as an agent for collecting payment and does not assume the payment liability. So whether it is D/P or D/A, the exporter should pay attention to the control of the goods and the dynamics of the importer.
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
If the two trading parties have long - term cooperation and established good trust, the telegraphic transfer method will be more convenient and efficient, saving settlement costs and time.
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0
Document expertConsult
When using letter of credit settlement, the creditworthiness of the issuing bank is also crucial. Choose a bank with good reputation and strong strength to prevent risks such as the collapse of the issuing bank.