Re: I need some advice, please!
Posted 01 Jun 2012 22:12
Someone else will need to answer those for you. I just don't know those answers.
I have never used a customs broker because I don't deal with that side of the equation. My customers normally either sort it out themselves or have their own customs agent. In which case I don't get involved.
Regarding shipping, I always regard companies like DHL, Fedex etc more as couriers than "shippers. Thats just me and because I only ever use them for small amounts, like sending samples. I never use them for shipping large orders. There are much more economical options if you are looking to ship via sea. But once again this depends on your market and products. Many ebay sellers for exmaple, use a lot of air shipments, but that is not my business..
As for the name of what you are doing, I tend to call myself a sourcing company. Some people say trading company, some say sourcing company, I am not sure if there is a one name fts all category. But I don't use "agent". This implies I act as an agent (or representative) of the supplier, which I am not.
Unfortunately, a lot of what happens in this business is done by trial and error. When you want the "best" shipping company, that depends on the relationship you have with them. If you are a new customer you will not get a good as deal as their long term customer. Thats just the reality.
So once again, you need to conact these people, ask about their fees and how they charge, then decide which one suits you best.
There is no such thing as "the best". Only what is best for your circumstances. But I will tell you, if you are in Canada it is more likely you will find a better shipper there, than you will from here.