Trade agent or importer?

When selling import products there are two options to choose from: either you work as an agent or as an importer. The trade agent mediates between the principal and the customer. As a reward for the mediation the trade agent recieves a provision or commission.  The importer on the other hand, buys goods on his own account and sells it directly to his customer who is paying for the goods.

Advantages

Trade agent	Importer
less risk (goods are not property)	more risk (goods are property)
no debtors	own debtors
many customers	own group of customers
limited costs	more costs
no direct revenue	revenue directly for the importer

Contract

A contract  for agents consists of the agreements about the rights and duties of a trade agent and the principal. One should mention rewards, the ending of the contract, goodwill, and a restraint on competition. 

VNT has one of the best and cheapest model contracts for agents. VNT members can get these contract for free. We have contracts in the following languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portugese, Hongarian, Polish, Russian, Tsech, and Chinese.

If you are not a member, you can also buy the contract!  You pay € 50,00 (excl. BTW) per contract . Forward the money to the following bank account: ABN AMRO: 43.55.74.000 t.n.v. VNT – De Lairessestraat 131-135 in Amsterdam. Please let us know clearly in which language you like to have the contract!