Where does the money saved from self-operated import and export go?

Mr. Zhang is very troubled recently: The company wants to expand overseas markets, but when facing the two options of "self-operated import and export" and "finding an agent", the team is arguing fiercely. The finance department says that self-operation can save 20% of the cost, but the business department insists that the agent is more reliable. This is like the entanglement when buying a car - paying in full or leasing in installments? Today, we will use the practical experience of a 10-year veteran in foreign trade to help you see through the fog.

The "Double-Edged Sword" of Self-Operated Import and Export

Advantages List is Impressive:

• Profit margin increase: By eliminating agency fees, the gross profit margin generally increases by 15%-25%
• Process is autonomous and controllable: From customs declaration documents to logistics timeliness, it can be accurately grasped
• Long-term asset accumulation: The self-built AEO certification at the customs becomes an intangible asset of the enterprise

However, Ms. Li's lesson is worth being vigilant about: Last year, her cosmetic exports were detained for three months due to not being familiar with the new regulations of the ASEAN, and the final customs clearance cost was 40% higher than the agent's quotation. Self-operation is like a self-driving tour, enjoying freedom while also taking the risk of a flat tire.

The "Hidden Value" of Agency Services

The trump cards of professional agents such as Zhongshitong lie in:

• Policy Radar: Real-time updates on trade barrier changes in 53 key markets around the world
• Crisis Public Relations: Helped customers handle 7 FDA cargo detention incidents last year, with an average resolution cycle of only 11 days
• Economies of scale: The cost of consolidated shipping is 30%-50% lower than that of enterprise self-operation

The case of a certain medical device manufacturer is very typical: Through the "door-to-door" service of the agent, the time for obtaining the Brazilian ANVISA certification was compressed from 8 months to 3 months, seizing a 20 million order before competitors.

Decision Tree: Find the Optimal Solution in Three Steps

We have sorted out the key decision-making factors using big data:

• Annual import and export volume < 5 million: It is recommended to choose an agent (cost sensitivity > risk control)
• Range of 5-20 million: Hybrid model (self-operate main products + use an agent for new markets)
• > 20 million and the product is single: Must self-operate (economies of scale are evident)

Special attention should be paid to these three types of enterprises suitable for self-operation: Enterprises with cross-border subsidiaries that can share the customs affairs team, products with complex certifications that require full control throughout the process, and those involving sensitive fields such as military industry.

Future Trend: New Possibilities Brought by Digitalization

Now a new model of "semi-self-operation" has emerged: Through the Zhongshitong foreign trade SaaS system, enterprises can view the customs declaration progress and logistics tracks in real-time, retaining the professional support of the agent while also obtaining transparency close to self-operation. It's like using Didi Enterprise Edition, where you don't need to maintain a fleet but can manage all trips.

Mr. Wang's "risk-sharing" plan that he recently tried is even more interesting: The agent only charges a basic service fee, but 20% of the additional profit is used as an incentive. This innovative model increased his export volume by 170% in three months.

What's Your Choice?

Standing at the crossroads of foreign trade, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. But it can be determined that: With the implementation of new agreements such as RCEP, 2023 will be the best time to reconstruct the import and export strategy. You are welcome to share your confusion or experience in the comment area. We will select 3 readers to get the import and export cost calculation template for free - after all, data is more trustworthy than intuition.