Cote d’Ivoire - Using an Agent to Sell US Products and Services Cote d'Ivoire - Using an Agent
A problem sometimes experienced by U.S. exporters is the failure to clarify terms and conditions for agents and distributors selling U.S. products. Key factors that should be clearly addressed in written agreements include geographic regions to be covered, type of relationship (distributor or agent), exclusivity, payment terms for products or commissions, currency of payments, actions taken to address currency fluctuations, renewals of the agreement including specific parameters for performance and promotional activity, provisions for termination of the relationship, licensing or protection of intellectual property rights, and provisions for dispute settlement. The U.S. Commercial Service provides a range of fee-based services (www.buyusa.gov) that can help U.S. companies locate reliable local agents and distributors through an International Partner Search (IPS), which is a customized search for qualified local representatives, agents or distributors. More assistance can be provided through additional services, including the International Company Profile (ICP), and the Gold Key Service (GKS). Information regarding these programs is available through the U.S. Commercial Service website as well as by contacting your Export Assistance Center.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.