What is a China Export Agent?

A China Export Agent is the middleman who connects a supplier with a buyer.

An export agent does not take the title to the items that are being purchased and sold.

Export agents often get commissions for services rendered.

China Export Agents are actively involved in the purchase or sale of products.

They are independently owned.

 Buying agent

What does a China Export Agent do?

A China Export Agent mainly acts as a middleman for selling and buying of items between foreign and local companies.

The roles of a China Export Agent vary depending on the field or company one works in.

Similarly; the duties vary depending on one’s position on the supply chain.

If in an export trading company, a China Export Agent conducts market research for particular items and delivery of sales pitch to foreign and local companies.

If working in a management company, a China Export Agent can tackle overseas advertising and marketing, organizing budgets and invoices and foreign distributors.

Who Needs a China Export Agent?

Those involved in export business need China Export Agents to handle their items.

Since there are no industry specifications on Export Agent management, business owner and export agent can reach an agreement.

China Export agents are tasked with finding the right suppliers depending on client requirements and needs.

For instance, an exporter outside of China can find a China Export Agent who oversees the production of their goods, marketing, exporting and/sale to clients.

What are the Benefits of China Export Agents to Manufacturers and Suppliers?

China Export Agents are of great benefit to suppliers and manufacturers in China, and some of them are:

• Since Export Agents market the ordered products/items, they relieve the suppliers of the promotional costs
• They connect suppliers/manufacturers to potential clients (domestic and international)
• China Export Agents handle all of the logistics and documentation thus relieving suppliers of any additional work
• Since China Export Agents communicate directly with the clients and reach out to suppliers/manufacturers, there is no delays/limited errors
• They give suppliers/manufacturers useful information and provide feedback
• As China Export Agents negotiate the best prices directly with the manufacturers, the latter can ask for good prices.
• Gives clients samples to confirm the specifications so the manufacturer/supplier does not spend time making default products
• China Export Agents organizes third-party quality inspections and gives a procedure for quality inspections relieving the manufacturers/suppliers of it.

Product inspection

How do China Export Agents Compare with Foreign Export Agents?

China Export Agents are specifically Chinese agents located in China and working on the ground.

Foreign Export Agents are agents outside of China moving to this location to act as the middlemen for their buyers and potential suppliers.

What Types of Products can a China Export Agent Handle?

A China Export Agent can handle the following products:

• Pharmaceutical products
• Electronics
• Plastics
• Vehicles
• Clothing
• Rice and other food products

Note: You have to choose a China Export Agent who has experience handling these products.

You can determine this by the types of suppliers/manufacturers they have worked with before.

Can a China Export Agent Arrange Exportation of Products Prohibited by Law?

Absolutely, no.

A China Export Agent cannot arrange exportation of products prohibited by law.

In China, there are laws which establish which goods can be exported to other nations/prohibited/restricted.

Export agents are forbidden from organizing/exporting these classes of products.

Doing so is considered a violation of the laws and the agent pays the consequences.

How Involved are China Export Agents in the Export Process?

China Export Agents are very involved in the export process handling different roles.

In fact, handling the export procedure is their job.

Below is how involved they are:

• China Export Agents help clients prepare key documents for exporting the items.

They are involved with the documentation and logistics for the export business.

• They also help clients to establish connections with foreign companies so they help both end of the deals; import/export.
• Determines the quantity of insurance to take out on the shipment
• Tracks the location of the shipment all through exporting process
• Categorizes shipment according to a tariff coding system
• China Export Agents handle the export administration

Import-export

Can China Export Agent Help to Handle Export Clearance Procedures?

You have to prepare all the necessary export customs clearance documents needed by China load port customs once your goods are packed for export.

A China Export Agent can handle all these roles on behalf of the buyer/client, especially the export clearance procedures.

How do China Export Agents Drive Brand Growth?

Exporting agents are capable of driving band growth.

Among others, it takes having a good agent on the ground.

The export agent drives your export growth over several markets at the same time.

If you are thinking of getting your company into overseas markets, you can rely on your agents.

A committed and professional agent will drive your business forward thus growing markets, creating turnover and profits.

Exporting can even challenge the parent company to research and innovate thus supporting growth in home market too.

What the Characteristics of a Good China Export Agent?

Here are the characteristics of a good China Export Agent:

• Language proficiency, especially English
• Licensed
• Good knowledge of the local market
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Trustworthy
• Good network of contacts
• A sustainable personality to successfully market products abroad
• Have references for other companies they have worked with
• Are affordable
• Experience in exporting products
• Good reputation

How do China Export Agents Benefit Importers?

Below are the ways in which China Export Agents benefit importers:

• Reduced operation costs
• Convenience
• High quality goods/services
• Limited working capital and reduced start-up costs.

Working with an agent is less costly as compared to working a distributor.

• Since they are paid only commissions, China Export Agents gets higher sales volume for products
• Importers still have control over their products even though the China Export Agents handle them

Where can I find a Capable China Export Agent for Export into other Countries?

If you are looking for a capable China Export Agent for export into other nations all you need to do is visit these places:

• Trade shows
• Trade magazines
• Trade associations
• Embassy
• Consulate
• Other companies who sell similar products through an agent

Is China Export Agent the same as China Freight Forwarding Agent?

No. These are two different professionals who handle varying roles in the shipping and exporting process.

A China Export Agent is the middleman who handles most of the exporting activities on behalf of the exporter for a commission.

On the other hand, a China Freight Forwarding Agent is a person who offers tailored shipping solutions to clients.

Does a China Export Agent Perform the Same Roles as a Sourcing Agent?

Sourcing agent

A China Export Agent performs almost similar roles as a Sourcing Agent.

They are both representatives who perform outsourcing activities on the buyer/client’s behalf.

The Export Agent and Sourcing Agent locate and meet suppliers to see if they can take orders.

They then handle the documentation, logistics and shipment of products according to the client’s need/requirements.

Do China Export Agents Handle Everything from Goods Taken from Factory to the Importers Warehouse?

Absolutely, yes.

China Export Agents oversee the transport of the goods from the factory to the importer’s warehouse in China.

Since they are the importer’s eyes on the ground, they handle the logistics and transport.

How Quickly can a China Export Agent get me a Buyer for my Export Business?

A China Export Agent can get a client buyer for the export business in a few months.

The agent conducts market research to determine where the potential buyers could be as well as their needs.

The China Agent then goes on to market the products to the buyers informing them of the different aspects and pricing.

The whole process, therefore, takes a few months.

How can I Contact Exports Agents in China?

You can contact China Export Agents through visiting trusted B2B marketing websites.

These B2B websites offer a list of buyers and sellers from different countries.

Once you identify an export agent you can go ahead and contact them via email, skype or telephone.

While an email is a good way to reach the agent, communication via the telephone or skype are best as you get to meet the agent and gain some familiarity.

What Problems can I Face with a China Export Agent?

Some of the problems that you can face with a China Export Agent are:

• Fraud; a China Export Agent can take goods from a supplier who charges lower prices yet they are poor quality.

A buyer/client, therefore goods of low quality.

• Language barrier; if an agent is not English proficient there could be errors in the product specifications.

Besides, the agent should help in price negotiations with the supplier but this is not possible if the agent cannot speak English well.

• Ethics; a China Export Agent must align to the ethical requirements of the buyer/client. However, you can get a China Export Agent without this requirement.
• Defective products; since a China Export Agent handles the whole export processing they can include defective products without the client being aware.

Is it Safe Working with a China Export Agent?

Of course, yes if you choose a trustworthy and professional export agent.

You have to choose an export agent who is licensed, working in a reputable management company and has a good reputation among clients.

You may find China Export Agents who are frauds on some of these reliable sites.

It is, therefore, important to move with caution when looking for a China Export Agent.

Can I Work with More than One China Export Agent?

Yes, you can.

The decision to work with more than one China Export Agent depends on a client.

However, it is possible to do so when importing items from China.

How Can I Export Goods using a China Export Agent?

A client reaches out to a China Export Agent and have a discussion over the products they want to export.

The China Export Agent identifies the export rights.

He then identifies the goods that the client wants to export ensuring that the goods are permitted by the country

The Export Agent finds the right suppliers of your products. Once they have the products, they facilitate the export to the client’s nation.

They sign the declarations and provide the documentation needed for the goods to pass the customs.

The goods then undergo shipment.

Do China Export Agents Require any Special Licensing or Permit to Operate?

China Export Agents require export licenses to operate in China.

Without this document, the agent cannot export products via the China Custom border to overseas market.

The goods cannot be cleared at the border.

While Importing under FOB terms, who Makes the Arrangements with the Freight Forwarder, me or the China Export Agent?

An exporter makes the arrangements with the Freight Forwarder while importing under FOB terms.

They organize the vessel that will carry the goods once they pass the port of entry.

The China Export Agent only ensures that the contracted goods conform to the sales contract and deliver the goods to the named port of shipment.

What Documents are handled by a China Export Agent?

Below are the documents handled by a China Export Agent:

• Packing List
• Commercial Invoice
• Certificate of Origin
• Fumigation Certificate
• Bill of Lading
• Customs Declaration Form

What is the Different Between Direct and Indirect Exporting?

Direct vs indirect exporting

i. Definition

Indirect exporting is where the exporter/manufacturer exports the goods via intermediaries.

Direct exporting is where export marketing is done directly by the manufacturer.

ii. Prices

In direct exporting, the prices of exports are high as they are sold directly by a manufacturer.

In indirect exporting, the exports fetch lower and this is due to the intermediaries’ margin.

iii. Suitability

In indirect exporting, it is feasible and suitable for small scale exporters.

Direct exporting is feasible and suitable for large scale exporters.

iv. Specialization

There is no serious specialization indirect exporting because the manufacturer focuses on several aspects of the whole process.

There is specialization in manufacturing aspects in indirect exporting.

v. Overheads

In direct exporting, the manufacturer covers the distribution and manufacturing overheads.

In indirect exporting, the manufacturer bears the production overheads.

vi. Investment

There is more investment for distribution network and manufacturing in direct exporting.

There is less investment in indirect exporting as the manufacturer invests in manufacturing.

vii. Risks

There are more risks indirect exporting as the manufacturer assumes the marketing and production costs.

The risks are less in indirect exporting as the manufacture only bears the manufacturing costs.

 viii. Incentives

A direct exporter is capable of claiming several incentives such as special licenses, duty drawback and income tax benefits.

An indirect exporter on the other hand cannot claim incentives unless the export documents are not in his name.

ix. Control

The direct exporter exercises direct control after-sale service, overpricing, packaging or promotion.

The indirect exporter does not exercise direct control over packaging, promotion/pricing.

x. Reputation

A direct exporter earns goodwill in international markets. In indirect exporting, a manufacturer can not earn a good reputation in overseas markets.

Only the intermediaries get the reputation.

Can a China Export Agent help me get an Export License for my Business?

Absolutely, yes.

An Export License is a document issued by the Chinese government according to the nation’s export laws and regulations.

It gives exporters permission to ship items out of the nation.

Chinese companies intending to ship items to the overseas market from China must have this document.

Since a China Export Agent is on the ground, they can help a business get this document.

Why is an NDA important when working China Export Agent?

It is important to sign an NDA when working with a China Export Agent to avoid loss of intellectual property.

The NDA binds the China Export Agent to the agreement such that they cannot share the information in the contract of sale/product.

How do you Mitigate Risks when Working with a China Export Agent?

You can mitigate risks when working with a China Export Agent by:

• Compensate the China Export Agent handsomely so that they are not tempted to take bribes
• Ensure that you employ China Export Agents
• Emphasize ethical compliance when choosing a China Export Agent
• Train/make employee sign a document to prevent integrity issues
• Rotation of the China Export Agents to prevent any familiarity relationships with those handling the products
• Audit the China Export Agents to verify their behavior/conduct

Is it Important for my China Export Agent to Like my Product?

Not necessarily, but they should have experience handling your product in the past.

When a China Export Agent has information about your product, they may identify the best suppliers for the product.

They also identify the regulations regarding their export among others.

Why do some China Export Agents use Clients Expanding into the Same Market and Market them in Bulk?

China Export Agents tend to use clients expanding into the same market because of the experience and contacts they have in that market.

With such experience, they understand who are the best suppliers/manufacturers, potential costs they could incur, and the type of products suitable for this market.

The contacts they have established in this market are also important when they launch their job.

Besides, in taking clients expanding into the same market, the China Export Agent can market all the product’s clients in bulk to their potential customers.

They, therefore, save on marketing/promotional costs.

What are the Real Costs of a China Export Agent?

There is no standard fee for China Export Agents.

The costs vary depending on the order quantity, product category, service scope and the methods of corporation.

While clients may always go for free trials or lower service charge China Export Agents, the export costs remain high.

China Export Agents earn using the following methods:

Firstly, an export agent earns from the product price difference.

In this case, the agent connects the client to suppliers offering good incentives and competitive prices.

Secondly, fee/cost is based on the product value percentage.

Here, an agent charges a specific percentage of the whole order.

The typical service charge for China Export Agents is around 5-10% of the entire order value.

The product category, and order size also have an impact on the service fee.

To avoid making small service fees, China Export Agents go for bulk/large orders.

Lastly, China Export Agents can earn fixed salary for a specific project/period.

If an agent is paid for a project, it could be less than $50/product.

If you are a business, you can export from China by hiring a China Export Agent at the rate of $800.

Do China Export Agents Come with Other Hidden Costs when Importing from China?

Of course, not. The whole process is often very transparent thus limiting the introduction of hidden costs.

However, since every agent is not professional, a client may end up covering some costs that they do not understand where from.

Can a China Export Agent help me Negotiate Product Prices?

Definitely.

One of the jobs of a China Export Agent is negotiating the product prices with the suppliers and informing the client.

They negotiate the best prices with the factories or potential clients in the said market.

Are China Exports Agent more Efficient that Hiring your Own Staff?

China export agents are efficient just like hiring your staff. Export agents are more like a part-time and temporary extension of your team.

Some of the benefits that you are likely to enjoy when hiring Export agents are:

• Productive from the first day
• Short-term available
• No need to hire a person full-time as one does not set up a physical office on the ground
• There is no training costs or search agency fees

How Much Time will China Export Agent take to Promote my Business?

A China Export Agent mainly markets the business and the firm’s products since they do not have control/ownership over the products.

The time taken by a China Export Agent to promote a busines varies depending on the order quantity, nature/type of product, and the time of the project.

What is the Difference between A China Export Agent and a Distributor?

A China Export Agent has fewer roles as compared to a distributor.

For instance, a China Export Agent cannot title all of the products that are purchased.

An agent gets orders and earns a commission.

Distributors, on the other hand, include a margin on top of the prices of the product.

While an export agent can create a contract between the client and the supplier, a distributor lacks this authority.

The agent can negotiate a contract on behalf of the third party.

While distributors can take ownership role over goods, China Export Agents cannot.

Agents take up the role of being representative of suppliers in the foreign market.

Distributors on the other hand, purchase products, and resell to local consumers or retailers.

How do I get the Most of a China Export Agent?

You can employ a China export agent on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis, after all it is your product on the line.

Allow a distributor/agent to earn your trust before picking them.

As such, you first hire a person as a sole representative as they become the sole representative outside of you selling your product in the market.

At the same time, you still have your rights to sell in that market.

You can appoint an agent on an exclusive/non-exclusive basis:

Exclusive basis means that the agent you have picked is the only entity capable of selling your product in the specified market.

Your business cannot sell into this market.

When you appoint your agent through this way, ensure that they commit to your business ethics.

Non-exclusive terms allow you to hire more representatives concurrently hence enabling you to test the waters with different partners.

Your distributors/export agents may not be comfortable/happy with selling your products using this method on a long-term basis.

What is the Best way to Pay a China Export Agent?

Some of the ways of paying a China Export Agent are:

• PayPal
• Bank transfers
• T/T Payment

Note: You can always have an agreement with the China Export Agent on what payment method is convenient for them.

 Payment process

Do China Export Agents Assist in Obtaining Product Compliance Certification?

China Export Agents can help clients obtain Product Compliance Certification.

This certification shows that a particular product meets safety, health and environmental standards.

At Link Trading , we help you find quality products from China.

Even if you want freight forwarding services, Link Trading , together with our partners, we offer cost-effective and reliable solutions.

Contact us now for all your product importing needs from China.