Since business has now become global for the most part, many merchants are seeking to outsource manufacturing as a way to save both time and money in their businesses. However, success with importation does require knowledge of not only the manufacturing processes but also of importation/exportation laws in both the country of destination and the country in which the manufacturing will be done.
Because of this required knowledge, many import/export agents are now appearing globally. These import/export agents match buyers and sellers to each other by location and also production requirements. Good import/export agents have a working knowledge of the top foreign markets as well as the top manufacturing needs of clients. In addition, import/export agents usually provide tips for targeting markets, making choices in production lines and achieving target prices.
Because of the value a good import/export agent brings with them, many top importation companies now routinely provide clients with an import/export agent as part of the package they offer when doing business through them. This is more of a ‘direct channel’ than hiring an outside import/export agent. While many independent import/export agents exist, having one that exists within an exportation company itself streamlines the process significantly. While many independent import/export agents are small, outsourced type operations, having an ‘in house’ agent gives a merchant/client all the advantages of having a large scale firm handle the importation without the tremendous costs usually associated with this.
Having an ‘in house’ agent also builds trust and a better relationship between the buyer and the import/export agent, as most agents subsist for the most part on commissions earned. Without trust, the relationship can be harmed, and this IS relationship building at its utmost. Agents are for the most part, ‘brokers’ between parties and therefore the relationship must be a priority for trust to occur and for agents to work to full capacity. Agents also have a full working knowledge of any customs issues and the resolutions that must occur with these, so commitment TO a client is key. Time and money can be saved with the right import/export agent, or lost with the wrong one.
That is why any importation firm that offers an ‘in house’ agent is definitely preferable to those that do not, as the relationship between them (the importation firm) and the agent already exists long before the merchant/client ever gets involved.
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