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Want to be engaged in foreign trade export shipping agency. But how exactly should it be done?

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I've always been quite interested in the field of foreign trade export shipping agency and recently I'm planning to get involved in this area. But I'm completely a novice and don't know much about the operation process, the required conditions and so on. I'd like to ask everyone, how on earth should one do foreign trade export shipping agency? Where is it better to start preparing from? I hope friends with experience can give me some detailed guidance and suggestions.

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Professional consultant answers

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

Business coordination consultantConsult

To be engaged in foreign trade export shipping agency, first of all, you should understand the industry knowledge, including shipping routes, sailing schedules, port regulations and so on. You can learn through industry reports, professional forums and other channels.

Secondly, it is necessary to establish good partnerships, cooperate with shipping companies, freight forwarders and others to obtain favorable freight rates and shipping space.

Furthermore, form a professional team whose members should be familiar with foreign trade processes, shipping operations and relevant laws and regulations.

Additionally, build a perfect service system and provide high-quality services in all links from booking shipping space, customs declaration, transportation tracking to customs clearance at the destination port. Meanwhile, you should also possess good marketing capabilities to expand customer resources, which can be achieved through online marketing, participating in exhibitions and other means.

Finally, focus on risk management, deal with possible problems such as transportation delays and cargo damage, and formulate countermeasures in advance.

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

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

You should first take the relevant professional qualification exams, such as the qualification certificate for freight forwarder practitioners. Although it is not a mandatory requirement, having a certificate will definitely make you more competitive. Then study the advantageous routes and prices of different shipping companies more to provide more suitable solutions for customers.

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

Document expertConsult

First, familiarize yourself with various foreign trade documents, such as bills of lading, packing lists, invoices and so on. They are very important parts in the shipping agency business. Additionally, learning how to communicate with customers is also crucial. You should accurately understand their needs and timely feed back the transportation situation.

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

International logistics consultantConsult

Pay more attention to the dynamics of the shipping market, including freight rate fluctuations, policy changes and so on. You also need to find reliable customs brokers to cooperate with to ensure the smooth customs declaration of goods and reduce unnecessary troubles.

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

Settlement and payment expertConsult

Build an information system to assist business management, which can improve work efficiency and service quality. For example, you can track the location of goods in real time and provide information to customers in a timely manner.

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

Customer service consultantConsult

At the beginning, you can start by affiliating with established freight forwarder companies to accumulate experience and customer resources. When you are capable enough, you can then carry out business independently.

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

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

Building a good reputation is very important. Do every business deal well. When customers are satisfied, naturally there will be more business and new customers introduced to you.

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

Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult

Understand the trade policies and customs clearance requirements of different countries. Otherwise, it will be troublesome if the goods cannot be cleared at the destination port.

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

Market development consultantConsult

Master some negotiation skills. Whether it is negotiating freight rates with shipping companies or service terms with customers, good negotiation skills can bring better returns.

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

Cost control consultantConsult

You should know how to arrange funds reasonably. Shipping agency may involve the advance payment of some expenses, and the capital chain should be kept smooth.

The relevant questions or replies only represent the user’s personal stance and do not represent any views of this website.

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