In - depth Exploration of the Underhanded Deals of Export Agency Arrears

Mr. Zhang stared at the unpaid reminder on the computer screen and dialed the phone number of the overseas customer for the 17th time. Just like in the past half - month, there was only a cold voice prompt at the other end of the phone. As the person in charge of a foreign - trade enterprise, 40% of the final payment for the three container - loads of goods he shipped to Southeast Asia through an export agency company is still outstanding. This is not an isolated case — export agency arrears are becoming the last straw that breaks the backs of small and medium - sized foreign - trade enterprises.

After investigating 37 typical cases, we found that the arrears problem often starts from three key links:

• The Qualification Trap: Some agency companies attract customers with promises such as "full customs clearance" and "100% payment collection", but in fact, they do not verify the creditworthiness of overseas buyers.
• The Contract Trap: Ms. Li's case is very typical. A small print in Article 12 of the agency contract states that "the agent does not assume the risk of the buyer's breach of contract".
• The Operation Trap: After the goods arrive at the port, the agent suddenly demands additional fees such as "warehousing fees" and "document fees".

The risk control director of Zhongshitong International Logistics suggests taking the following measures:

• Double - line Verification: Check both the registered capital of the agency company and the overseas buyer's procurement records in the past three years.
• Installment Payment: Split the agency fee into 30% paid when booking the shipping space, 40% paid on the bill - of - lading date, and 30% paid after the payment is received.
• Closed - loop of Bills: Require the agent to provide a payment guarantee letter certified by the embassy.
• Dynamic Monitoring: Track the status of the goods in real - time through the logistics system and must demand payment within 48 hours after the goods arrive at the port.

If you have already fallen into an arrears deadlock, you can take actions in stages:

First stage (1 - 15 days): Immediately freeze all the unshipped goods of the agent and initiate an industry warning through the freight forwarders' association.

Second stage (16 - 30 days): Entrust a professional institution to conduct an asset investigation of the buyer and prepare a complete package of trade documents.

Third stage (31 days and above): Consider starting international commercial mediation or initiate non - litigation collection through an overseas law firm.

When we talk about export agency arrears, essentially, we are discussing the construction of the international trade trust mechanism. Before signing an agency contract next time, you might as well ask yourself three questions: Can I bear the worst outcome? Do I have a complete chain of evidence? Do I know the fastest relief channels? Welcome to share your anti - trap experiences in the comment section and help more foreign - trade people avoid these invisible reefs.