Export Agent
Export agents help and/or organise the day-to-day running of a business that sell goods to other countries.
Tasks & duties
Export agents may do some or all of the following:
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work out how to get new overseas clients
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tell potential overseas clients about products
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gather information on products and work out the cost of supplying them
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ensure the production timetable is met
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liaise with New Zealand product suppliers
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liaise with overseas customers
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may liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Export New Zealand to ensure exports comply with regulations
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may liaise with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure compliance with regulations and standards required by New Zealand and the importing country
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may arrange packaging and delivery of goods
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may prepare invoices and shipping documents
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may help with sales forecasts, bank drafts and customs papers
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may have input into product packaging and design to ensure labels meet overseas standards of language and contents
Skills & knowledge
Export agents need to have:
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knowledge of the details of the products they are selling
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knowledge of marketing and market trends
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knowledge of customs and export procedures
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knowledge of shipping and freight company documents
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knowledge of international banking systems
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analytical skills
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customer service skills
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oral and written communication skills
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planning and organisational skills
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negotiating skills
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computer skills including the ability to use the Internet and email
Entry requirements
To become an export agent a tertiary qualification in shipping and freight logistics, commerce, business management, exports or marketing is preferred. You must not have any criminal convictions.
Secondary education
A minimum of four years of secondary education is preferred, and useful subjects include English, computers and maths.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job. Courses and workshops are available for export agents.
Useful experience
Experience in banking, commerce, marketing, shipping or exporting is useful.
Related courses
Business Management
Economics
International Business
Marketing
Purchasing, Warehousing and Distribution
For more information, please refer to myfuture.
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