Leather Export Agent

Tanneries and leather suppliers pay your commission. In some deals the overseas buyer pays a sourcing fee.

A percentage commission on each order, sometimes with a small retainer or sourcing fee for finding a specific type of leather.

• Knowing leather types and grades
• Negotiating and building trust with suppliers and buyers
• Handling export paperwork and shipping details

• Check whether the leather or hides need export permits, and whether exotic skins need CITES permits
• Check the importing country's animal health and customs rules, as they differ for hides and finished leather
• Payment risk with overseas buyers: look at payment terms, deposits, letters of credit or export credit insurance (for example through Export Development Canada)
• Agree in writing who pays you and when, so you are not left out of repeat orders
• Check GST/HST treatment of exports with the CRA or an accountant, and your provincial rules for registering a business

Estimates suggest startup costs typically sit around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how you set up and how you find suppliers and overseas buyers. Because goods ship straight from the supplier, you hold little or no stock.

Estimates typically put monthly revenue at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the number of deals and the commission you agree. Agree in writing who pays you and when. The idea assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check whether the leather or hides need export permits, and whether exotic skins need CITES permits. Also check the importing country's animal health and customs rules, payment risk with overseas buyers, and GST/HST treatment of exports with the CRA or an accountant.