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How should an agency company conduct export business? Are there any detailed steps to share?

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I have just joined an agency company to be responsible for the export business sector. I haven't been exposed to this area before and don't know where to start. I would like to ask, how exactly does an agency company conduct export business? Is the whole process complicated? What aspects should be paid special attention to? I hope experienced predecessors can share the detailed steps. Thank you so much!

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Professional consultant answers

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

International logistics consultantConsult

When an agency company conducts export business, first of all, it should sign an agency export agreement with the entrusting party to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties. Then, understand the information of export products, including commodity codes, customs supervision conditions, etc., so as to make accurate declarations.

After that, assist the entrusting party to secure the source of goods and supervise the product quality. Meanwhile, arrange booking of shipping space, select the appropriate transportation mode and shipping schedule according to the situation of the goods, and handle the consignment procedures. The customs declaration link is also crucial. Prepare the documents required for customs declaration, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declaration forms, etc., and declare the export to the customs. After the goods are loaded and shipped, obtain the transport documents such as bills of lading in a timely manner. Also be responsible for receiving and settling foreign exchange, handle foreign exchange verification according to regulations, settle the payment for goods with the entrusting party, and issue the agency export certificate, etc. During the process, pay attention to the time nodes of each link as well as the accuracy and integrity of the documents.

Jennifer Wang
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0

Market development consultantConsult

It is necessary to keep track of the movement of the goods in a timely manner. For example, check if there are any abnormalities during the transportation of the goods, such as delays caused by weather factors. Communicate well with the entrusting party. Also, when receiving foreign exchange, pay attention to exchange rate fluctuations. If the exchange rate changes significantly, it may affect the profit. If necessary, some exchange rate hedging measures can be taken.

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

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

It is also important to handle various licenses and certifications. If the export products require special licenses or certifications, such as sanitary certifications for food exports, they should be prepared in advance and applied for as required. Otherwise, it will affect the progress of exports.

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

Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult

Maintaining good communication with partners such as freight forwarders and customs brokers is also essential. If the communication is not smooth, there may be errors in the customs declaration materials, or problems with booking of shipping space, which will delay the export of goods and affect the reputation of the agency company.

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

Settlement and payment expertConsult

Pay attention to accumulating export experience of different customers and products. Each customer has different needs and the characteristics of products are also different. Summarizing more can better handle various export businesses and improve the service level.

Robert Chen
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Customer service consultantConsult

Establish a sound file management system, sort out the contracts, documents, etc. related to export business, so as to facilitate subsequent inquiries and also be helpful for handling possible disputes.

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

Cost control consultantConsult

Attach importance to after-sales service. After the goods arrive at the port, assist the customers to solve the problems they may encounter, such as claims for damaged goods, etc. This can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Joseph Zhou
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

Keep abreast of the changes in domestic and foreign policies and regulations in a timely manner, such as tariff adjustments, trade barriers, etc., and take preemptive measures to avoid losses to the business.

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

Compliance and risk managerConsult

Do a good job in cost accounting. Besides the agency fee, all expenses such as transportation and customs declaration should be calculated clearly to make a reasonable quotation and ensure one's own profit.

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