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The tasks of an import-export company
Procurement agencies are also known colloquially as import export companies or import agencies, as they specialize in trade with other countries, often China. But what exactly does an export-import company stand for and what tasks does such a company perform?
If you want to import a product from another country, there are a few important aspects to consider. In addition to the exact characteristics of the product and the quantity required, transportation options also play a major role. When considering transportation, many factors must always be taken into account - the quantity of products, their size, the urgency and also the budget available. If the goods are needed quickly and a large budget is available, air freight is the best option. For less urgent products, sea freight can be an optimal solution as it is considerably cheaper. In addition to all these organizational considerations, the search for suitable manufacturers plays a central role for import-export companies. They obtain quotes from various providers and check the production facilities on site in order to minimize the risk as much as possible from the outset. There are companies that only specialize in finding suitable manufacturers and there are also companies that offer everything from a single source. The advantage of the complete packages is that the processes and communication usually run smoothly. If several individual companies are involved in the import, this can lead to confusion due to poor communication and thus to problems, for example with logistical issues.
In addition to logistics, there is much more to consider when exporting products to a foreign country, as not all products can be exported without problems. Just because a product is successful on the German market does not automatically mean that it will be successful on every other market. The Chinese market is very different from the European market, which is partly due to the different cultural conditions in the two countries. This starts with the name of the product, as misunderstandings occur time and again. For example, Chinese customers may not be able to pronounce the German name correctly or the German word may sound like a Chinese insult. You should also consider whether the product design can be transferred safely or whether the target group has different tastes in the individual countries. This also applies to the marketing concept, as advertising works slightly differently in every country. Therefore, you should always keep the following questions in mind - Is this product generally transferable to the Chinese market? If so, what changes need to be made? An import export company can help answer these questions, as they usually employ experts from different fields, so that everything from logistics to marketing can be adapted to the respective market.
Importing goods to Germany or exporting your own products to other countries should be well planned. Customs clearance should always be taken into account, regardless of the mode of transportation. This part of the task is usually handled by import-export companies or the associated logistics specialists who have the necessary expertise. This offers a major advantage for companies, as it involves a considerable amount of work and requires very specific knowledge. Companies that have not yet had any experience with this often find it difficult and sometimes major problems arise, which can lead to delays in delivery and therefore also to financial difficulties.
