Commission-Only Trade Brokerage: How AJG Represents Both Principals Ethically

AJG operates on a commission-only model that is genuinely unusual in the trade brokerage market. Here is precisely how it works and why it is commercially rational for both buyer and seller principals.

The commission-only model: When you engage AJG as your trade broker, you pay nothing upfront. No retainer. No monthly consulting fee. No engagement fee. AJG earns commission only when a trade transaction is successfully concluded. If no trade happens, AJG earns nothing — regardless of how much time and effort was invested in the mandate.

Why representing both principals is ethical and effective: Traditional trade agents represent only one side — either the buyer OR the seller — creating inherent bias. AJG represents both sides simultaneously, which means AJG' only interest is completing the transaction on terms that both parties accept. This alignment is the commercial logic of dual representation.

Full disclosure: AJG discloses its dual representation to both principals at engagement. Both principals know and accept that AJG represents both sides. Both principals pay commission independently — the commission paid by the seller does not come from the buyer' payment. This transparency is the ethical foundation of the model.

Typical commission ranges: Commodity agricultural products: 1-2%. Manufactured goods: 2-4%. Specialty and technical products: 3-6%. High-value niche goods: 5-10%. Commission structure is agreed with each principal individually and documented in the mandate agreement before any counterparty work begins.