Short answer: A customs broker clears shipments. A landed-cost service fixes the product data and checkout calculation before the shipment reaches the border.
Where the work happens
- A broker works on a declaration or shipment.
- A landed-cost service works across the catalog, checkout, and change-monitoring layer.
What each option needs
- Both depend on accurate product descriptions, HS classifications, origin, value, and destination.
- A broker cannot make a placeholder catalog accurate simply by receiving it.
When brands use both
- Use the service to maintain the data and shopper total.
- Use the broker or carrier for destination clearance and filing.