How do export agency companies usually charge fees? Looking for answers from experienced FOB experts.
Solved#Export agent#
Recently, our company has export business and wants to find an export agency company to help, but we are not quite clear about their charging models. I have read some posts on the FOB forum and it seems that there are quite a lot of statements. I would like to ask everyone, how do export agency companies usually charge fees? Is it based on the proportion of the order amount, or are there other charging methods? Will there be some hidden charges? I hope that experienced FOB experts can explain it in detail. Thank you very much!
Professional consultant answers
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
The common charging methods of export agency companies mainly include the following several types. First, charging according to a certain proportion of the order amount. The proportion is usually around 1%-5%, depending on factors such as the complexity of the business, the types of goods, and the export countries. For example, for the export of simple general goods to regular countries, the proportion may be lower; when it involves special supervised goods or shipments to more remote countries, the proportion may be higher.
Second, charging per ticket. One ticket may range from several hundred yuan to several thousand yuan, which is suitable for businesses with a small amount but a large number of tickets.
Third, some agencies will charge a certain operation fee, covering the operation costs such as document processing and customs declaration. Regular agency companies generally do not have hidden charges and will clearly inform the charging details before cooperation. Professional export agency companies like Zhongshitong will clearly list all kinds of expenses in the contract, allowing customers to consume clearly.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
The export agency companies I have cooperated with, in addition to charging according to the proportion, will also charge some miscellaneous fees, such as customs declaration fees and courier fees. However, they are not much and have been clearly stated in advance.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Some agency companies will determine the charges according to the weight and volume of the exported goods, especially for those products with a large quantity and low value, and will charge in this way.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
When I looked for an agent before, they said that if it involves tax rebates, there will also be a tax rebate service fee, but I'm not quite sure how it is specifically calculated.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
I think it still depends on the scale and service quality of the agency company. Larger companies may charge relatively higher fees, but the service is more guaranteed.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Charging according to the proportion of the order amount is relatively common, but the proportion may vary greatly in different industries. For example, the charging proportion for the export agency of electronic products may be different from that of textiles.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
It is heard that some agency companies will offer discounts to long-term cooperation customers and the charging proportion will be reduced. I don't know if it is true.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
In addition to the fixed charges, some agents will also adjust the charging standards according to the market situation. It is best to ask clearly when signing the contract.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
I have encountered those that charge in a stepped manner according to the export volume. The higher the export volume, the lower the proportion. It seems quite reasonable.