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Who exactly does the export agency operate in the name of?

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I'm planning to do export business, but I don't know much about the export agency part. I want to know that during the export agency process, is it in the name of the export agency company or the consignor's own name to carry out the relevant operations? Are there any differences in operating under different names? What impacts will this have on the subsequent business process, liability assumption and other aspects? I hope for a detailed explanation. Thank you!

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Professional consultant answers

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

International logistics consultantConsult

In the export agency business, there are usually two situations. One is to operate in the name of the export agency company, and the other is to operate in the name of the consignor.

When operating in the name of the export agency company, the agency company, as the export business unit, is responsible for handling a series of export matters, including customs declaration, inspection application, etc. In this way, the agency company bears certain external liabilities. In the eyes of the customers, the exporter is the agency company. Its advantage lies in that the agency company is highly professional and the operation is more efficient, and it can solve problems by using its own resources.

When operating in the name of the consignor, the consignor needs to be deeply involved in the export process, and the agency company mainly plays an assisting role. The consignor is directly responsible to the customers, and the customers know the actual exporter. This way helps the consignor hold the initiative of the business, but it requires higher capabilities of the consignor itself. In terms of liability assumption, when operating in the name of the agency company, the agency company may bear more legal liabilities; when operating in the name of the consignor, the consignor bears the main liability. Which one to choose depends on the actual situation and needs of the consignor.

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

Business coordination consultantConsult

If operating in the name of the export agency company, the customs clearance process may be smoother because the agency company is familiar with the procedures and rules. But the consignor should pay attention to clearly defining issues such as fees and liabilities with the agency company.

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

Document expertConsult

If operating in the name of the consignor, it's good for brand promotion as the customers know that the products come from the consignor. However, the consignor should arrange a dedicated person to handle export matters, otherwise it's easy to make mistakes.

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

Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult

From the perspective of risks, when operating in the name of the agency company, if there are problems with the goods, the agency company may bear the liability first and then clarify the liability with the consignor later; when operating in the name of the consignor, the consignor directly faces the risks.

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

Cost control consultantConsult

When operating in the name of the agency company, the agency company can help handle matters such as foreign exchange collection, which is quite worry-free; when operating in the name of the consignor, the consignor has to master the foreign exchange collection procedures and rules by itself.

Elizabeth Li
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Compliance and risk managerConsult

If the consignor itself is strong and familiar with all aspects of export, operating in its own name can better control the business. If the consignor is just starting and lacks experience, operating in the name of the agency company is more reliable.

David Li
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Senior customs declaration consultantConsult

When operating in the name of the agency company, sometimes one can enjoy the preferential policies of the agency company, such as in the aspect of tax rebates; when operating in the name of the consignor, the consignor has to pay more attention to matters such as tax rebates by itself.

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

Settlement and payment expertConsult

From the perspective of contract signing, when operating in the name of the agency company, the contract is signed by the agency company and the customer; when operating in the name of the consignor, the consignor signs directly with the customer, and the legal relationships of the two are different.

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

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

When operating in the name of the agency company, the agency company can integrate resources and reduce costs; when operating in the name of the consignor, the consignor may be more flexible in price negotiation because there are fewer intermediate links.

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