Is there a 20,000 yuan difference in import and export agency quotations? You might be comparing fake prices

“The agency fee for the same goods differs by 20,000 yuan!” Mr. Zhang has been dizzying from the quotations of import and export agencies recently. As a new foreign trade person, he originally thought that finding an agency was just about comparing prices. Unexpectedly, there are hidden costs, service differences, qualification traps... There are tricks everywhere. How deep is the water in import and export trade agency? How to find a truly cost-effective service provider? Today, we will use industry insights to help you see through the fog.

1. Cheap Doesn't Mean Cost-effective. Be Vigilant of These Implicit Costs

Ms. Li once chose an agency with the "lowest price on the whole network", and the results were:

• Goods were detained at the customs due to insufficient qualifications during customs declaration, and a storage fee of 5,000 yuan per day was incurred
• The so-called "tax-inclusive" actually changed the trade method, and finally additional taxes and fines were paid
• No one followed up during an unexpected inspection, and the customer trust was lost due to missing the shipping schedule

The agency fee is only the tip of the iceberg, and what is truly expensive is often:

• Compliance risk cost (such as buying orders for exports, money laundering and other gray operations)
• Time loss cost (unprofessional customs clearance delays)
• After-sales absence cost (shirking responsibility when problems occur)

2. 5 Golden Dimensions for Comparing Prices

Experts from Zhongshitong Import and Export suggest using the "five-dimensional price comparison method":

• Basic Fees: Are the agency fees/customs declaration fees/document fees transparent?
• Additional Fees: How are charges for inspection agency, order modification, rush processing, etc.?
• Service Scope: Does it include foreign exchange settlement, tax refund agency, etc.?
• Response Speed: Can it be handled 24 hours in case of emergencies?
• Risk Control System: Qualification endorsements such as AEO certification and legal team

3. Bargain in This Way and Save More Than 15%

Master these skills and negotiate with more confidence:

• Quarterly/annual signings can enjoy stepped discounts
• Cooperation with designated freight forwarders may have rebates
• The bargaining space is larger in the off-season (after the Spring Festival/third quarter)

A certain clothing foreign trade merchant finally reduced the comprehensive cost to 82% of the industry average price by bundling customs declaration + logistics + tax refund services.

4. New Trend in 2024: The Rise of Digital Agencies

Now leading enterprises have realized through SaaS systems:

• Online real-time quotation comparison
• Automatic push of customs declaration progress
• Intelligent risk control early warning

Agency companies driven by technology can often give concessions to customers through efficiency improvement. Just like price comparison on online shopping, transparency is reconstructing this traditional industry.

Is Your Agency Fee Worth It?

Next time you receive a quotation, you might as well ask: "What else can you provide besides the number?" You are welcome to share your bargaining experience or pitfalls in the comment section. We will draw 3 readers to provide free import and export cost optimization plans. After all, every penny saved is pure profit!