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How to pay the intermediary company for receiving goods?
Paying a freight forwarder (also known as a
freight forwarder or
receiving agent ) in the United States requires a thorough understanding of the process, currency, payment methods, and legalities involved. Freight forwarders help international customers buy products from U.S. sellers, handle customs paperwork, arrange shipping, and sometimes even provide warehousing services.
You must pay for freight forwarders' services with "legal" money that won't result in a chargeback. You can buy ready-made verified accounts or cards for this purpose, or issue them to a drops (money mule).
Here's a detailed guide on how to pay a freight forwarder:
1. The main stages of working with an intermediary company
A. Selecting a broker
- Make sure the company has a good reputation, licenses and reviews.
- Check their experience working with international clients and terms of cooperation.
B. Conclusion of the contract
- Sign an agreement that specifies:
- Intermediary services (delivery, customs, storage).
- Cost of services.
- Payment methods.
- Responsibility of the parties.
C. Payment for services
- Pay the invoice issued by the broker for their services. This may include:
- Shipping cost.
- Customs duties.
- Warehouse services.
- Additional fees.
2. How to pay the intermediary company?
Intermediary companies usually offer several payment methods. Here are the main options:
A. Wire Transfer
- How does this work:
- You send money directly to the intermediary's bank account through your bank.
- For international transfers you will need:
- SWIFT/BIC code of the bank.
- Recipient's account number.
- Name and address of the company.
- Advantages:
- Fast and reliable.
- Widely used for large amounts.
- Flaws:
- Banks may charge a fee for the transfer.
- Accuracy in data entry is required.
B. PayPal
- How does this work:
- If the broker accepts PayPal, you can pay through your account.
- Enter the amount and recipient details.
- Advantages:
- Ease of use.
- Buyer protection (if payment is made correctly).
- Flaws:
- PayPal charges a transaction fee.
- Not all intermediaries accept PayPal.
C. Credit or debit cards
- How does this work:
- The intermediary provides a link for payment via a secure payment gateway.
- You enter your card details.
- Advantages:
- Convenience.
- Ability to dispute a payment if problems arise.
- Flaws:
- Commission for using the card.
- Payment amount limits.
D. Western Union or MoneyGram
- How does this work:
- You send money via Western Union or MoneyGram, specifying the recipient's name.
- The recipient collects the money in cash in his/her country.
- Advantages:
- Suitable for small amounts.
- Money is available quickly.
- Flaws:
- High fees.
- Not always convenient for business.
E. Cryptocurrencies
- How does this work:
- Some brokers accept cryptocurrencies (eg Bitcoin, Ethereum).
- You transfer funds to the provided wallet.
- Advantages:
- Flaws:
- The cryptocurrency rate is unstable.
- Not all brokers accept cryptocurrencies.
3. What do you need to know before paying?
A. Payment amount
- Make sure you know the full cost of services, including:
- Delivery.
- Customs duties.
- VAT (if applicable).
- Additional fees.
B. Currency
- Please specify in which currency you need to pay (usually USD).
- Please note the currency conversion if your card or account is not in dollars.
C. Recipient's details
- Make sure you entered it correctly:
- Company name.
- Account number.
- SWIFT/BIC code of the bank.
- Bank address.
D. Payment terms
- Find out if payment is required in advance or upon completion of services.
- Check if the payment can be split into parts.
4. How to protect yourself from scammers?
A. Broker Verification
- Check out reviews about the company.
- Make sure the company is registered and licensed.
B. Using secure payment methods
- Prefer methods with buyer protection (such as PayPal or bank transfer through a trusted bank).
C. Agreements on guarantees
- Make sure the broker provides receipts or proof of services rendered.
D. Avoid advances
- If the broker requires full prepayment without guarantees, it may be a scam.
5. Example of the payment process
- Receiving an invoice:
- The broker charges $500 for shipping and customs duties.
- Select payment method:
- You choose bank transfer.
- Money transfer:
- Through your bank, send $500 to the intermediary account using the details from the account.
- Payment confirmation:
- After the transfer, send a copy of the payment order to the intermediary.
- Provision of services:
- The intermediary confirms receipt of money and begins processing your order.
6. Conclusion
Payments to the intermediary company in the USA are an important step when working with international deliveries. To avoid problems, choose reliable payment methods (for example, bank transfer or PayPal), carefully check the details and terms of cooperation. If you doubt the legality of the intermediary, it is better to ask for recommendations or choose another company.
Answer: To pay the intermediary company in the USA, use bank transfer, PayPal, credit cards or other available methods. Make sure you check the details, payment terms and reputation of the intermediary to avoid scammers.
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Creating a virtual card to pay
Creating a virtual card to pay an intermediary is a convenient and secure way to make online payments, especially when dealing with international transactions or companies you may not fully trust. Virtual cards are digital versions of traditional credit or debit cards that can be used for online purchases without exposing your actual bank account or physical card details. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to create and use a virtual card:
1. What is a Virtual Card?
A virtual card is a temporary or permanent digital card issued by banks, fintech companies, or payment platforms. It typically includes:
- A unique 16-digit card number.
- Expiration date.
- CVV (Card Verification Value) code.
Virtual cards can be:
- Single-use: Valid for one transaction only.
- Multi-use: Can be used for multiple transactions until the balance is depleted or the card expires.
2. Steps to Create a Virtual Card
A. Choose a Provider
Several platforms offer virtual cards. Popular options include:
- Banks: Many banks now offer virtual cards as part of their mobile banking apps.
- Fintech Companies:
- Revolut: Offers virtual cards for free with customizable limits.
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Provides multi-currency virtual cards.
- Payoneer: Issues virtual cards for freelancers and businesses.
- N26: A European neobank that offers virtual cards.
- Payment Platforms:
- Privacy.com: Allows you to create single-use or reusable virtual cards.
- Stripe Issuing: For businesses that want to issue virtual cards programmatically.
- Apple Pay or Google Pay: Some banks allow you to add virtual cards to these wallets.
B. Sign Up for an Account
- Register with the chosen provider.
- Complete any required identity verification (KYC process).
C. Generate a Virtual Card
- Once your account is set up, navigate to the "Virtual Card" or "Card Management" section.
- Create a new virtual card by specifying:
- Spending limit.
- Expiration date.
- Purpose (e.g., single-use or recurring payments).
D. Fund the Virtual Card
- Transfer funds to the virtual card from your linked bank account or wallet.
- Ensure the card has sufficient balance to cover the payment to the intermediary.
E. Use the Virtual Card
- Provide the virtual card details (card number, expiration date, CVV) to the intermediary during checkout.
- If the intermediary requires additional verification (e.g., 3D Secure), follow the prompts to authorize the transaction.
3. Example of Creating a Virtual Card
Using Revolut:
- Download the Revolut app and create an account.
- Verify your identity (upload ID/passport).
- Go to the "Cards" section and select "Add a Virtual Card".
- Set a spending limit and expiration date.
- Use the virtual card details to pay the intermediary.
Using Privacy.com:
- Sign up at Privacy.com and link your bank account.
- Click "Create a New Card".
- Choose between single-use or reusable cards.
- Set a spending limit for the card.
- Use the generated card details for the payment.
4. Advantages of Using Virtual Cards
- Security: Virtual cards reduce the risk of exposing your real card details.
- Control: You can set spending limits and expiration dates to prevent misuse.
- Convenience: Easily generate a new card for each transaction.
- Fraud Protection: Many providers offer zero-liability policies for unauthorized transactions.
5. Things to Consider
A. Fees
- Some providers charge fees for issuing virtual cards or converting currencies.
- Check the fee structure before creating a card.
B. Currency Conversion
- If the intermediary requires payment in USD but your virtual card is in another currency, conversion fees may apply.
- Use platforms like Wise or Revolut for lower conversion rates.
C. Transaction Limits
- Ensure the virtual card's spending limit is sufficient for the payment.
- Some providers impose daily or monthly transaction limits.
D. Recurring Payments
- If the intermediary requires recurring payments (e.g., subscription fees), ensure the virtual card supports such transactions.
E. Chargebacks
- If the intermediary fails to deliver services, you may need to initiate a chargeback. Check the provider's policy on disputes.
6. Alternatives to Virtual Cards
If creating a virtual card is not feasible, consider these alternatives:
- Prepaid Cards: Load funds onto a prepaid card and use it for the payment.
- Bank Transfers: Send money directly to the intermediary's account via wire transfer.
- Digital Wallets: Use platforms like PayPal, Skrill, or Payoneer to send payments.
7. Final Thoughts
Virtual cards are a safe and flexible option for paying intermediaries, especially when dealing with unfamiliar companies or international transactions. By using platforms like Revolut, Wise, or Privacy.com, you can easily generate a virtual card, set spending limits, and protect your financial information.
Answer: To create a virtual card for paying an intermediary, sign up with a provider like Revolut, Wise, or Privacy.com, generate a virtual card with a specified limit, and use its details for the payment. Virtual cards are secure, customizable, and ideal for online transactions.