Which is easier to sell, import agency or reselling?
I recently want to get involved in foreign trade - related businesses and am currently undecided between the two directions of import agency and reselling. Import agency means helping others import goods and charging an agency fee; reselling means purchasing goods by oneself and then reselling them to earn a price difference. I don't know which one is easier to sell in terms of market demand, risks, etc. Are there any experts who can analyze it for me so that I can make a more appropriate choice? Thank you!












Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Import agency and reselling each have their characteristics. In terms of market demand, import agency is targeted at enterprises or individuals who lack import channels and professional knowledge. With globalization, the demand persists. Reselling is targeted at a wider range of consumers, with a large market scale but fierce competition.
In terms of risks, the risks of import agency are relatively low. As long as the import process is completed according to the contract, the agency fee is relatively stable. However, if there are operational errors, there may be a risk of customer claims. Reselling requires bearing the pressure of procurement funds. If the goods are unsalable, there will be difficulties in capital turnover, and the profit is also affected by market price fluctuations.
If you have strong financial resources, extensive sales channels, and can grasp market trends, reselling may bring higher returns. If you have limited funds and want to develop steadily, import agency is more suitable.
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
I think import agency is good. You don't need to invest too much money in stockpiling goods. As long as you have import channels and professional capabilities, you can do it. And after the customer resources are stable, the income is also relatively stable.
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Reselling is highly flexible. You can choose products by yourself and quickly adjust according to market changes. If you choose the right products, the profit margin is large, but you have to spend time finding reliable sources of goods in the early stage.
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Import agency may be more worry - free. You don't need to worry about the sales process. Just connect well with the suppliers and customers. But if you build your own brand in reselling, the development potential in the future is huge.
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Reselling has high risks. In case the products can't be sold, they will be left in your hands. Although the earnings of import agency may not be as much, it is more stable and suitable for conservative players.
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
In the long run, if reselling is done well, you can establish your own business system. Import agency is easily restricted by customers. If the customers don't come to you, the business is gone.
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
If you have good supply chain resources, reselling has obvious advantages. You can get low - priced goods, and the profit will be high. Import agency doesn't require as high resources. Having channels is enough.
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0
Document expertConsult
I choose import agency. I don't need to consider the troublesome after - sales issues. The customers directly connect with the suppliers. If the after - sales service of reselling is not handled well, the reputation will be ruined.
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Reselling can exercise your sales ability and market insight. If you accumulate enough experience, there will be more development opportunities in the future. Import agency is relatively limited to the import business.