Is the import and export agency business easy to do? Can someone with experience share their insights?
I've been considering getting into the import and export agency business recently and want to know if it's easy to do. I have no relevant experience before, but I've always been quite interested in international trade. I wonder if the entry threshold for this industry is high, how big the competitive pressure is, and what key points I need to pay attention to during the operation. I hope friends with experience can give me some advice. Thank you!
Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Whether the import and export agency business is easy to do depends on multiple factors. In terms of the threshold, this industry requires certain professional knowledge, such as being familiar with international trade rules and customs policies. At the same time, one also needs to have good foreign language skills and business communication skills. So, it's somewhat difficult for beginners to get started.
In terms of competition, there are many enterprises engaged in the import and export agency business in the market, and the competitive pressure is relatively high. To stand out, one needs to provide differentiated services, such as rapid customs clearance and professional document processing.
In operation, the key is to control risks, such as customer credit risk and exchange rate risk. In addition, it's also important to establish good cooperative relationships with suppliers, freight forwarders, etc., which can ensure the smooth progress of the business. Overall, if one can overcome the initial difficulties and master the core points, one can also succeed in this field.
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
It's not easy. This line involves many links, such as booking space, customs declaration, inspection application, etc. An error in one link may affect the entire business process, so one has to be very careful.
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
The competition is really fierce. Now many companies are doing this. If there is no unique advantage, it's difficult to attract customers. Moreover, the import and export requirements for different products are different, and it takes time to get familiar with them.
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0
Market development consultantConsult
I think it's okay. As long as you have a good relationship with the customs, freight forwarders, etc., the business will go more smoothly. However, it will be more difficult to develop customers in the early stage.
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
This business involves the flow of funds. One has to be cautious about receiving and paying funds. Otherwise, if the customer defaults on the payment, it will be troublesome.
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0
Document expertConsult
It's best for beginners to go to a mature agency company to learn the process and experience first. Otherwise, if you do it rashly, you're likely to suffer losses.
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
One needs to have a stable customer source. Otherwise, without business, no matter how good one's ability is, it can't be exerted. You can participate in more industry exhibitions to find customers.
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Exchange rate fluctuations have a great impact on profits. One has to learn to avoid exchange rate risks, such as using financial tools to lock in the exchange rate.
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
It's important to understand the trade policies of different countries. Once the policies change, the business may be affected, so one has to pay close attention all the time.
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
The service quality is crucial. Only when customers have a good experience will there be repeat customers. If the reputation is well-established, there will be no worry about business.