Agency import and export, simply put, means that enterprises or individuals with import and export needs, due to their lack of import and export operation rights or relevant operation experience, entrust a qualified agency company, such as Zhongshitong, to handle the import and export business on their behalf.
The services of the agency company cover multiple links. In terms of imports, it includes finding suppliers, signing purchase contracts, handling import licenses, arranging transportation, customs declaration and inspection, paying tariffs and value-added taxes, etc. For exports, it involves finding overseas customers, signing sales contracts, booking shipping space, commodity inspection, customs declaration, document preparation, and foreign exchange receipt and settlement, etc.
Compared with general import and export, the main bodies of agency import and export are the principal and the agent. The principal relies on the professional capabilities and qualifications of the agent to complete the business; while general import and export enterprises have their own operation rights and complete operation capabilities. Choosing agency import and export allows enterprises to focus on their core business, save labor and time costs, and reduce trade risks.
Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Agency import and export, simply put, means that enterprises or individuals with import and export needs, due to their lack of import and export operation rights or relevant operation experience, entrust a qualified agency company, such as Zhongshitong, to handle the import and export business on their behalf.
The services of the agency company cover multiple links. In terms of imports, it includes finding suppliers, signing purchase contracts, handling import licenses, arranging transportation, customs declaration and inspection, paying tariffs and value-added taxes, etc. For exports, it involves finding overseas customers, signing sales contracts, booking shipping space, commodity inspection, customs declaration, document preparation, and foreign exchange receipt and settlement, etc.
Compared with general import and export, the main bodies of agency import and export are the principal and the agent. The principal relies on the professional capabilities and qualifications of the agent to complete the business; while general import and export enterprises have their own operation rights and complete operation capabilities. Choosing agency import and export allows enterprises to focus on their core business, save labor and time costs, and reduce trade risks.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Agency import and export is like hiring a helper to handle import and export affairs. The agency company is familiar with the procedures and regulations, which can improve efficiency and avoid many troubles. For example, when importing goods, problems may occur during customs clearance if you don't understand the procedures, but the agency company can handle it easily.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
From the perspective of costs, agency import and export requires paying service fees to the agency company. However, compared with setting up a team to do import and export on your own, the cost may be lower. Moreover, the agency company has more resources, and things like booking shipping space with a freight forwarder may be more favorable.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Agency import and export enables enterprises without qualifications to participate in foreign trade. Some small companies want to export products but don't have the import and export rights, and they can achieve this by finding an agent. Also, the agency company has professional knowledge, and it's not easy to make mistakes in document preparation.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Agency import and export can also share risks to a certain extent. For example, when the international situation changes and trade policies are adjusted, the agency company can promptly grasp the situation and provide countermeasures to help the principal reduce losses.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
In terms of funds, sometimes the agency company can also provide financing support. For example, when an export enterprise is waiting for foreign exchange receipt, the agency company can advance funds to relieve the enterprise's financial pressure.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
To understand agency import and export, you need to know its flexibility. The principal can choose to let the agency company handle some or all of the business according to their own needs, such as only entrusting the customs declaration link.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
In agency import and export business, the reputation of the agency company is very important. A good agency company can establish a good cooperative relationship to ensure the smooth progress of the business. If you choose an unreliable one, various problems may occur.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
For enterprises that have just entered the import and export trade, agency import and export is a very good transitional method. After getting familiar with the business and having the ability, they can then consider carrying out import and export business on their own.