US goods export agent for overseas buyers

Overseas retailers, distributors and small businesses that want US products but have no direct supplier contacts.

A markup on goods you buy, or a commission or service fee per order, plus handling fees for paperwork and shipping coordination.

• Building relationships across time zones
• Attention to detail with documents
• Negotiating prices
• Knowledge of a product area or target country

• Export controls and licensing for restricted goods or destinations, check with the US Department of Commerce (BIS) and sanctions lists from OFAC
• Payment risk with overseas buyers, consider letters of credit or payment upfront
• Import rules in the destination country, which your buyer or forwarder should confirm
• Cargo insurance and liability if goods are lost or damaged
• Currency swings and shipping delays that can erase thin margins
• Check your state and city for any general business license requirements

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the products you handle and the markets you target. Currency swings and shipping delays can erase thin margins, so keep a cash buffer.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on the goods, your buyers and how much time you put in. Payment risk with overseas buyers is worth planning for, for example with letters of credit or upfront payment.

Check export controls and licensing for restricted goods or destinations with the US Department of Commerce (BIS) and OFAC sanctions lists. Also confirm import rules in the destination country, look into cargo insurance, and check state and city business license requirements.