How to solve the problem of the agent - imported goods not being picked up?
Solved#Import agent#
Our company imported a batch of goods through an agent, but now the customer suddenly said they won't pick up the goods. This really worries me as the value of this batch of goods is quite high. I want to ask what to do when encountering such a situation where the agent - imported goods are not picked up. If the goods are kept at the port all the time, the storage fees will be quite a lot. Will there be other legal issues involved? Is there any way to minimize losses? I hope everyone can give me some advice.
Professional consultant answers
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
When encountering the situation where agent - imported goods are not picked up, first check the terms regarding picking up goods and liability for breach of contract in the agency contract. Based on the contract, actively communicate with the customer, clearly inform them of the legal responsibilities and economic consequences they will bear for not picking up the goods, and try to negotiate a solution, such as giving a certain grace period or adjusting the picking - up conditions, etc.
If communication fails, after evaluating the value of the goods and the storage cost, consider reselling the goods. However, it should be noted that relevant laws and regulations and contract agreements must be followed, and relevant evidence should be kept well. At the same time, legal channels can also be used to recover losses such as storage fees and reselling price differences from the customer. In addition, contact the freight forwarder or the port to understand the maximum free - storage period for the goods and the handling methods for overdue storage, and try to reduce the storage cost. In short, solve the problem reasonably and legally with the principle of reducing losses.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
You can try to find a new buyer to see if you can resell the goods at a suitable price. But you have to be quick, because the longer the time, the higher the storage fees.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Check the contract signed with the agent to see if there is any agreement on handling the situation when the customer doesn't pick up the goods. It's always right to follow the contract.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
If the goods are special and not easy to resell, you can also negotiate with the port to see if you can extend the free - storage time to ease the cost pressure.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Consult a professional lawyer to determine the customer's liability from a legal perspective. If necessary, send a lawyer's letter, which may make the customer take it seriously.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Contact the supplier to ask if it can be returned. Of course, some costs may have to be borne, but it's better than keeping the goods all the time.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Calculate the storage cost and the value of the goods. If the storage cost is really too high, consider giving up the goods, but this is a last resort.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Release information within the industry to see if any peers are interested in this batch of goods and sell them as soon as possible.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
See if you can negotiate with the customer to share part of the storage fees, which can also reduce some losses.