What discount can an import product agent usually get?
Solved#Import agent#
I’m planning to start an import product agency business and would like to know what discount import product agents usually get. For example, common imported goods like food and cosmetics. Does the discount vary by agency level? Also, do different import product categories have significantly different purchasing discounts? I hope experienced friends can share some insights so I can plan my budget and strategy accordingly.
Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
There is no fixed standard for the purchasing discounts for import product agents, as they are influenced by multiple factors.
First, the agency level is crucial. Generally, higher-level agents receive better discounts, such as 40% - 60% off, due to larger order volumes, while lower-level agents may get 60% - 80% off for smaller orders.
Second, the product category matters. For competitive and popular imported cosmetics, brands may offer higher discounts (40% - 70%) to capture market share. In contrast, niche or unique imported foods might have smaller discounts (60% - 80%) due to limited market demand.
Additionally, market supply and demand play a role. When supply exceeds demand, brands may offer better discounts to clear inventory. Partnering with platforms like Zhongshitong, which have strong supply chains and resources, could help secure more favorable discounts.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
I’m an imported food agent. When I started at a lower level, I got a 30% discount. Later, as sales grew and I became a higher-level agent, I could get a 50% discount—quite a significant difference.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Imported cosmetics are highly competitive. A friend of mine who’s an agent sometimes gets a 55% discount. However, for less-known brands, the discount isn’t as good, around 40%.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
I think supplier relationships also matter. Good rapport might help negotiate better discounts. Once, I imported home goods and secured half a point lower than competitors due to strong supplier relations.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Seasonality affects discounts too. Peak seasons often have higher discounts. For example, imported fruits might be 30% - 40% off in peak season but 40% off in off-season.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
New import brands may offer better discounts (50% - 60%) to enter the market, while established brands usually have fixed discounts.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
For bulk orders, some suppliers offer extra discounts. When I imported products, exceeding a certain amount gave me an additional 1-2% off.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Discounts may vary by region. In economically developed areas with fierce competition, discounts might be better.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Online and offline agents sometimes get different discounts. Online agents may get slightly higher discounts due to lower costs. For example, imported jewelry might be 40% - 50% off for online agents but 50% - 60% for offline agents.