Is Purchasing Service Dead? Agent Importing is Sweeping Through Moments

Mr. Zhang recently noticed that the "purchasing service providers" in his Moments suddenly collectively transformed - from showing cosmetics receipts to posting imported equipment parameters. Ms. Li's yoga studio even directly introduced a complete set of Italian equipment through an agent. When "agent importing" quietly replaces traditional purchasing services, is this an inevitable result of consumption upgrading or a business opportunity that ordinary people can also seize?

Customs Data Reveals the Truth: In 2023, the daily necessities imported through formal agents increased by 217% year - on - year, and spot checks showed that the logistics costs of individual purchasing services increased by an average of 40%. During a certain customs clearance, Ms. Li found that for the same batch of health products, the arrival speed of the agency company was two weeks faster than that of individual purchasing services.

• Qualification Crushing: Agents hold six types of certificates such as import and export rights/product filings
• Cost Advantage: Container consolidation saves 60% of freight compared to international express delivery
• Risk Avoidance: Formal VAT invoices solve the problem of after - sales rights protection

When Mr. Zhang wanted to import German kitchenware, the solution provided by Zhongshitong subverted his perception:

1. First, reduce the tariff rate through the free trade zone
2. Replace some EU certifications with domestic inspection reports
3. Integrate the orders of three customers for combined transportation

Ultimately, the landed price was actually 15% lower than the price marked in the Taobao purchasing service store.

Ms. Wang once trusted the "all - inclusive service" and ended up with her goods stranded at the port:

• Vague Quotation: Inspection fees/label rectification fees emerged later
• Qualification Fraud: Using a food business license to pretend to be a dairy product import qualification
• Logistics Trap: Promising "door - to - door" but requiring self - pick - up at the bonded warehouse

These signals indicate that it's time to consider transformation:

• Old customers start asking about bulk purchase prices
• Peers display import certificates on social platforms
• The supply cycle of domestic agents exceeds 45 days

1. Log in to the website of the General Administration of Customs to query the HS code
2. Compare the value - added service lists of three agents

3. Participate in cross - border supply chain exhibitions (Guangzhou in September/Shanghai in November)
4. Join the "Import Entrepreneurs" community to obtain customs clearance templates

When import trade changes from a "mysterious operation" to a standardized service, will you continue to pay for middlemen or become a beneficiary of the new chain? Welcome to share your agency experiences or questions in the comment section.