Export Agent for UK-Made Goods

Small manufacturers, food and drink producers or overseas suppliers wanting a route into a new market, and the buyers who purchase through you.

A commission on each sale, a margin on goods you buy and resell, or a monthly fee from producers you represent.

• Sales and negotiation
• Building relationships across cultures
• Understanding shipping terms and paperwork
• Languages, if you target a specific market

• Write down who is responsible for shipping, duty and payment risk in every deal
• Check whether you need an EORI number and how export declarations work
• Export controls and sanctions apply to some goods and countries, so check before agreeing deals
• Late or non-payment from overseas buyers, so consider payment up front or trade credit insurance
• Check your agency agreements carefully and whether professional indemnity insurance suits you

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your travel, samples, software and any insurance. These are estimates. You usually hold little stock, working through a freight forwarder.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £4,000, depending on the deals you broker and the commission you agree. These are estimates only. Late or non-payment from overseas buyers can affect your income.

Check whether you need an EORI number and how export declarations work. Also check export controls and sanctions for certain goods and countries, write down who handles shipping, duty and payment risk, and review agency agreements and professional indemnity insurance.