Is self - export really better than agency export? Far from it!

In the current wave of globalized business, many enterprises have set their sights on the international market, and export business has become an important way for enterprises to expand their territory. However, the primary issue facing enterprises is to choose what kind of export model, whether self - export or agency export? This choice is as crucial as a ship choosing a route in the vast sea. Today, let's deeply analyze the differences between self - export and agency export to provide a reference for enterprises' decisions.

Self - export means that enterprises need to form a professional foreign trade team, and they need to do everything from market research, customer development to a series of links such as customs declaration and logistics by themselves. It's like a chef who not only has to be proficient in cooking skills but also be responsible for purchasing ingredients, setting the table and all other affairs.

• First of all, self - export requires enterprises to have profound foreign trade professional knowledge. From the application of international trade terms to the preparation of various customs declaration documents, a slight mistake may lead to the goods being stranded at the port and increase additional costs. For example, when Mr. Zhang's enterprise first self - exported, due to the wrong understanding of the filling specifications of the bill of lading, the goods could not be picked up smoothly at the port of destination, and finally had to pay a high port detention fee.
• Secondly, self - export requires enterprises to invest a large amount of human, material and financial resources. Establishing a foreign trade team, recruiting professional talents and building a sales channel all require considerable expenses. But self - export is not without advantages. Enterprises can directly control the export links, establish a closer connection with customers, obtain more profit margins, and also better shape the corporate brand image.

Agency export is that enterprises entrust professional agency companies to be responsible for export business. It's like taking a ride on someone else's, leveraging the resources and experience of the agency company to realize the export of products.

• The biggest advantage of agency export lies in its professionalism and efficiency. Agency companies have long been engaged in export business, are familiar with various processes and policies and regulations, and can complete customs declaration, inspection and other work quickly and accurately. For example, Ms. Li's enterprise exported through Zhongshitong Agency. With rich experience, Zhongshitong provided one - stop service, greatly shortening the export cycle.
• Moreover, agency export can help enterprises save costs. Enterprises do not need to invest a large amount of funds to form a foreign trade team, just need to pay a certain agency fee. However, agency export also has certain limitations. There is an intermediate link of the agency company between enterprises and customers, which may affect the transmission and communication effect of information and also has certain constraints on the shaping of the enterprise brand.

When choosing between self - export and agency export, enterprises need to comprehensively consider their actual situation. If the enterprise is large - scale, has strong financial strength and professional foreign trade talents, and hopes to deeply participate in international market competition, self - export may be a good choice. But if the enterprise is small - scale, lacks foreign trade experience, and hopes to explore the international market at a lower cost and risk, agency export is more appropriate.

In short, both self - export and agency export have their own advantages and disadvantages. Enterprises should deeply analyze their own resources, capabilities and development strategies, weigh the pros and cons, so as to find the right direction on the stage of the international market and set sail. I hope that when enterprises face this important decision, they can think deeply and make the choice that is most suitable for themselves and achieve brilliant achievements in the international market.