How can importers review documents efficiently and select high-quality freight forwarders and suppliers
When conducting international trade, importers need to pay attention to many aspects, including the document review and payment process, selecting the appropriate freight forwarder, and evaluating suppliers. This article will introduce these aspects in detail.
Invoice review and payment process
After receiving the complete set of documents from the issuing bank, the importer needs to strictly review the documents to ensure that “the documents are consistent and the documents are consistent.” The order review period is usually 5 working days. During the document review process, the importer should focus on the commercial invoice and compare other documents with it. Once any discrepancy is found between documents or orders, the importer should immediately notify the issuing bank in writing, explain the discrepancy in detail, and handle it carefully in accordance with UCP600.
How to choose a freight forwarder
When choosing a freight forwarder, importers need to pay attention to three aspects: the route advantage, price and service level of the freight forwarder. Specifically, importers can understand relevant information such as their main business scope and routes they engage in through communication with the freight forwarder. In addition, the importer should also ask the freight forwarder “Which line has the advantage” or “Which ship owner has the advantage”. When comparing prices, in addition to ocean freight, you should also consider various handling fees and miscellaneous charges, that is, the “All In” price.
Chartering and booking procedures
When chartering a ship and booking space, importers should contact the freight forwarder as early as possible to understand the export port, shipping schedule, etc. to be arranged. When going through the booking procedures, be sure to send the booking form by fax, writing, email, etc. In addition, importers need to pay attention to avoid loading, unloading and load changes.
Factors to consider when choosing a supplier
When selecting suppliers, importers should fully consider multiple factors such as the supplier’s certification status, market location, product export status, employee level, and management personnel quality. In addition, settlement currency, source of goods, logistics and total import costs are also important considerations that cannot be ignored.
Get optimal policy support from suppliers
Importers should actively strive for various preferential policies provided by suppliers, including price, distribution, settlement, incentives and support policies, etc. At the same time, after-sales service policy and market management policy are also one of the key points.
Research on suppliers
The investigation of suppliers should cover many aspects such as qualifications, business status, financial status, and business policies. In addition, the identity of the supplier should be verified, especially whether it is an agent for a brand.
Through the above steps, importers can complete the document review and payment process more efficiently, select appropriate freight forwarders and suppliers, thereby improving overall business operation efficiency.