Australian Goods Export Agent

Overseas retailers, distributors and wholesale buyers, or consumers through a cross-border online channel.

You add a margin when you resell goods, or earn a commission or agent fee from Australian producers for finding and serving overseas buyers.

• Knowledge of an overseas market or language
• Sales and relationship building
• Handling export paperwork and logistics
• Negotiating with producers and buyers

• Check export permits and rules for your product type, especially food, agricultural goods and cosmetics
• Check the import rules and labelling requirements in the destination country
• Payment risk: consider secure payment terms such as payment upfront or letters of credit
• Check what insurance you need for goods in transit and for product liability
• Check GST treatment of exports and ABN requirements with the ATO or an accountant

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $12,000, depending on the products you handle, samples, shipping and paperwork. You should also check what insurance you need for goods in transit and for product liability.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the products, your buyers and order sizes. Payment risk matters, so consider secure terms such as payment upfront or letters of credit. Expect at least about 12 hours a week.

Check export permits and rules for your product type, especially food, agricultural goods and cosmetics. Also check import rules and labelling requirements in the destination country, GST treatment of exports, and ABN requirements with the ATO or an accountant.