Is Agency Export Actually the Biggest Scam in Foreign Trade?

Mr. Zhang recently received an overseas order. While excited, he was in a dilemma: he didn't have the right to import and export, didn't understand the customs declaration process, and was worried about the safety of funds... For foreign trade novices like him, how can they overcome these hurdles? Today, let's talk about company agency export, this "invisible pusher", and see how it enables small and medium-sized enterprises to easily venture into the international market.

1. Agency Export: The "Shared Bicycles" in the Foreign Trade Field

Imagine that you only need to focus on products and customers, while professional links such as customs declaration, logistics, and tax rebates are all taken care of by others - this is the core value of agency export. According to statistics, about 65% of small and medium-sized enterprises in China complete their first export order through the agency model, and its advantages are obvious:

• Zero-threshold Entry: There is no need to build a foreign trade team on your own or handle the right to import and export.
• Cost Savings: Save 30% - 50% of operating costs compared to self-operation export.
• Risk Avoidance: Professional institutions handle high-risk links such as foreign exchange verification and letter of credit examination.

2. Three Golden Rules for Selecting Agency Services

Ms. Li once suffered heavy losses due to the wrong choice of agency, which caused the goods to be stranded at the port. How to avoid stepping into pitfalls? Please keep in mind:

• Qualification Verification: Check hard indicators such as customs AEO certification and registration with the foreign exchange administration.
• Transparent Services: Request a detailed quotation and be vigilant about hidden fees in the "package price".
• Case Investigation: Focus on understanding the service experience of enterprises in the same industry.

It is worth noting that high-quality agencies will provide a full-process visualization system, with real-time updates from booking shipping space to tax rebates, allowing you to keep track of the goods' status at any time.

3. Advanced Ways of Agency Export

With the development of the market, the simple "customs declaration on behalf of" has been upgraded to a comprehensive solution:

• Supply Chain Finance: Advance payment for goods based on orders to relieve financial pressure.
• Compliance Planning: Reduce tariff costs through free trade zone policies.
• Brand Going Global: Assist in handling overseas trademark registration and product certification.

A furniture enterprise successfully reduced the product tariff from 12% to 0 through the RCEP origin certification service provided by the agency, which is the value-added manifestation of professional services.

4. The Future Is Here: The Intelligent Transformation of the Agency Industry

When AI customs declaration and blockchain letters of credit become a reality, the traditional agency model is undergoing profound changes. It is recommended that enterprises pay attention to:

• Service providers with intelligent risk control systems.
• Digital platforms that provide data cockpits.
• One-stop services with the ability of overseas warehouse linkage.

In this era where "it's hard to conquer the world alone", choosing the right agency partner may be the golden key for you to open the international market. Have you ever encountered any interesting stories or difficulties regarding agency export? Welcome to share your stories in the comment section.