Connect & Solve
Trade Q&A
What is the process for an agency company to collect payments for exports?
Resolved
SERVICE
TRACKING NO. 20260105 / GLOBAL Zhongshen Trade · 23+ Years of Expert Trade Agency
Trade Challenges?
No import/export license, customs delays,
or complex compliance issues.
or complex compliance issues.
Our Solution
One-stop full-chain agency: ensure efficient
clearance and fund security.
clearance and fund security.
Cost OptimizationUrgent ClearanceGlobal ResourcesCompliant Rebates
We just started doing itI want to entrust an agency to export my goods, but I don't know how to collect the payment and handle other related matters.How to get a tax refund, and is there any risk involved in the entire process?
Kevin LinYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Solutions ManagerStart a Chat
The process of receiving payments for export through an agent primarily focuses on compliance and funding channels. The current mainstream model is: foreign buyer's payment → agent's foreign exchange account → agent's RMB settlement to you. Key points include:
1. A formal "Agent Export Agreement" must be signed to clarify the ownership of the payment，otherwise there is a high tax risk.
2. After receiving the foreign exchange，the agent must declare it as "agency services" in accordance with the principle of "who exports，who receives the payment".
3. The tax rebate is applied for by the agent，and after deducting the agency fee，it is transferred to you. You need to provide the agent with valid invoices for tax deduction.
Special attention: Avoid "buy-order export" or "contractor model"，as these are illegal operations. Customs and tax authorities will trace the real owner of the goods and may consider this as tax evasion.
Suggestions: Choose a qualified agent and retain complete records of logistics，funding flows，and document flows for each transaction to ensure that the three flows are integrated.
Eric ZhouYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Manager of Foreign Exchange & Tax RebatesStart a Chat
From the perspective of logistics practice, the payment and goods delivery process in export agency transactions must be synchronized. The standard process is as follows: the foreign buyer transfers funds to the agent's account → the agent notifies you to ship the goods after confirming the payment → you arrange for the goods to be warehoused and declared → the agent obtains the bill of lading and customs declaration documents → the agent uses these documents to settle foreign exchange and handle tax refunds → after deducting fees, the agent transfers the funds to you. The key node here is the "payment before delivery" principle. Agents typically require foreign buyers to transfer funds before releasing customs declaration orders to avoid the risk of you shipping goods before receiving payment. Regarding document coordination, the customs declaration documents, bill of lading, and invoices are all issued by the agent company, but you need to provide the agent with detailed packing lists and product information. Suggestion: Clearly stipulate in the agency agreement that the agent company must transfer funds to you within a few working days after receiving foreign exchange to avoid funds being occupied and affecting your supply chain payments.
Linda GaoYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Documentation SupervisorStart a Chat
From the perspective of business negotiations, you need to transform the payment process into a tool for establishing trust. When discussing with the agency, directly ask three questions: "How many working days after the foreign exchange arrives will you transfer the funds to me?" "Is the agency fee charged per order or as a percentage?" "What responsibilities will you assume if the foreign buyer refuses to pay?"
Here’s an example of the negotiation script:
"Mr. Wang, our clients have excellent payment credit. We hope that once the payment arrives, your company can transfer the funds to us in the original currency or after currency conversion within T+1 working days, so we can arrange the next batch of goods."
At the same time, the contract must clearly stipulate that the agency is not allowed to arbitrarily withhold funds as a guarantee for other expenses, and that the tax refund must be transferred within 3 working days after it arrives. Additionally, it is recommended to require the agency to provide testimonials from past clients and to test their transfer speed and credibility with small-scale orders in the early stages. Remember, your bargaining chip is the potential for long-term cooperation. Don’t just focus on low agency fees—fund safety and service response speed are far more important.