How valuable is hiring an Asian agent for a Canadian drop shipping store?

[Chimera2021]

Not certain if this is the correct board for these questions or not.

I need advice from someone who has successfully started and operated a drop shipping store based in Canada, with suppliers outside of the country including China. I am about to launch in the next few weeks, with focus on Canada as well as the US, and given there is no volume, having to weigh what I do myself Vs having 3rd party support.

At this stage of the business, what is the value of an hiring an agent in Asia? In addition, do I need a customs agent and is it advised? Or should I attempt to manage the customs process myself, which seems onerous? How has your experience been in having the customer cover the customs duties? I have posed these questions on shopify expert but have only receive offers for other non-related services. At any rate, I would rather receive practical, hands-on, pertinent advice than technical advice, unless there’s an app that takes care of all of this. Much appreciated.