Definition

1. Noun:
   • A foreign purchaser who buys goods outright for resale: A "customer agent" is a specific type of commercial intermediary, typically based in a foreign country, who purchases goods directly and in full from a supplier or manufacturer. The agent then owns these goods and resells them in their own market or region.

Usage

• The term "customer agent" is used in international trade and commerce to describe a specific business relationship. It distinguishes an agent who acts as a principal buyer (taking ownership of the goods) from other types of agents who may only broker deals on commission without taking title to the merchandise.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The manufacturer expanded into the Asian market by appointing a reliable customer agent in Singapore.
  • As a customer agent, her firm purchases electronic components in bulk from German suppliers for resale to local assemblers.

Advanced Usage

• The role can be contrasted with that of a "commission agent" or "broker," who does not take ownership of the goods. A customer agent assumes both the risk and the potential reward of the resale.
• In some trade contexts, the term might be used interchangeably with "merchant" or "distributor," though "customer agent" specifically highlights the agency relationship with the original supplier.

Variants and Related Words

• Agent (n): A person or company that acts on behalf of another. This is the broader category.
• Purchasing Agent (n): An agent whose primary function is to buy goods, often for a specific client or company.
• Reseller (n): A general term for any entity that buys goods to sell them again.

Synonyms

• Foreign buyer: A purchaser located in another country.
• Merchant purchaser: A buyer who acquires goods for the purpose of trade.
• Independent distributor: An entity that buys and stocks products for resale in a specific area.

Related Phrases

• To act as a customer agent for: To perform the role of purchasing and reselling goods on behalf of a supplier.
  • Their company acts as a customer agent for several European automotive parts manufacturers.

Noun

1. a foreign purchaser who buys goods outright for resale