What items are included in basic service fees?

2025 industry standards show that formal agency companiesBasic Service CostsTypically includes:

• Customs documentsPreparation (0.2%-0.5% of goods value)
• Export tax refundDeclaration (single transaction 500-2000 RMB)
• Foreign exchange settlement service (0.1%-0.3% of settlement amount)
• Basic logistics tracking (limited to designated ports)

Note: Some agents mayBank handling fees(Approx. USD30-50/transaction) list separately, recommend confirming fee details before signing contract.

How are capital advance costs calculated?

After the 2023 General Administration of Customs policy adjustment, advance payment cost calculation presents new characteristics:

• Tax Rebate Advance Financing: Interest calculated at 0.015%-0.03%/day of advanced amount
• Letter of Credit Financing: Comprehensive cost approximately 1.2%-2% of goods value
• credit terms: 90-day payment term typically charges 3%-5% of goods value

A garment export case: $1 million order, using 60-day tax refund advance, cost approximately1,000,000 × 13% × 0.02% × 60 = 1560 RMB.

Third,Additional feesWhat are the common pitfalls?

Key points requiring special attentionHidden fee items:

• Document modification fee (USD50-200/instance)
• Special port handling fee (RMB500-3000)
• Expedited service fee (2-3 times regular fee)
• Anti-dumping document processing fee (starting from USD800)

In 2024, an electromechanical enterprise failed to clarifyFumigation certificate fee(USD420), resulting in 3% profit loss.

How do fees differ across trade methods?

2025 latest comparison data:

• FOB terms: Average charge rate 1.8%-2.5%
• The CIF provisions: Additional 0.6%-1.2% premium management fee
• EXW terms: May incur 3%-8% domestic logistics surcharge

Recommendation: For bulk cargo chooseFOB + advance paymentcombination, for small batches applyCIF all-inclusivemodels.

How to determine if fees are reasonable?

Three core evaluation criteria:

• CompareIndustry benchmark: 2025 normal comprehensive fee range 1.5%-3.5%
• checkedCost composition ratio: Service fees should account for over 60%
• confirmedExchange rate locking mechanism: Will additional charges apply if fluctuations exceed 2%?

A typical case: In a total fee rate of 3%, 1.2% is financing cost, 0.8% is operation fee, and 1% is risk reserve, forming a reasonable structure.

What negotiation tactics can reduce agency costs?

Recommended by senior buyersBargaining strategies:

• Annual export volume exceeding $5 million may qualify for tiered rates
• Long-term cooperation may offset annual deposit (approximately 0.3% of cargo value)
• Providing partial documentation independently may reduce service fees by 15%-30%
• Balancing costs by combining sea/rail transportation

In 2024, a building materials company successfully reduced annual agency costs by 18% throughquarterly prepaymentHow exactly are export agency services charged? Do you understand these hidden fees?