Recently updated on November 15th, 2019 at 08:01 pm
With a local buying agent on your side seems to be much more helpful while importing from China, however, intermediaries are like a double-edged sword, before going into the deal weighing up the benefits can help you decide whether you need a China sourcing agent or not.
What’s China sourcing agent?
China sourcing agent is usually a third party service based in China that you can hire to source products, liaise with suppliers, perform quality inspection, arrange shipping and logistic, etc. on your behalf. There isn’t any standard what exactly a China sourcing agent should do.
Not everyone needs a buying agent in China, especially if you fit into these categories.
1. With a very tight budget and saving costs is your first concern.
Most of the buying agents in China, be it Chinese buying agents or buying agents by foreigners in China, they tend to increase your price with service fee than dealing directly with manufacturers. However, things could work out much more smoothly if they stand on your side.
That being said, good China sourcing agents can help you filter the best supplier in the abyss of product search, carry out quality inspection, arrange shipping…saving you all the hassles across cultural boundaries.
2. Capable of handling all the trivial things on your own.
The abilities to handle everything without the help of sourcing agent is vital.
3. A profound knowledge of Chinese business practice and Chinese culture.
Business practice and culture in China is significantly different from the Western. It’s important to understand the major differences underlying how people in the two cultures think as there’s great potential that they tend to misunderstand each other.
4. Working with reliable and honest suppliers.
Suppliers who will not cheat you on the quality of the goods, delivery time, etc. Some of the suppliers in China would usually say yes to everything before placing the order. After you pay then maybe they can’t do most of the things and they will ask you to choose other models or make other changes. Buying from China — What You Need to Know about Mr and Ms. Cha Bu Duo
5. You don’t trust your buying agent.
China sourcing agent is a bridge between Chinese suppliers and clients. The first and foremost important is to find someone you feel reliable and comfortable to work with, or you’d better do it on your own. It’s just a matter of trial and error.
As a rule of thumb, competing based on low price is still the initiative for many businesses in China and it has lead to illicit competition. To be ahead in the rat race, some dodgy businesses launch products or services at exceptionally low prices. Those who are anxious to get things on the cheap would fall into the trap. Some China sourcing agents offer to source at commission as low as 1% with hidden costs. The average profit margin for retain business is about 80%, 20-30% for wholesale. How can a business survive making 1% of profit margin without clever maneuvering? Unless the clients are ordering truckloads. So use your common sense and don’t fall into the trap of low price.
The benefits of sourcing agents
- Sourcing new products and suppliers
- Audit suppliers
- Develop new samples
- Inspect quality
- Arrange shipping & logistics
- Manage Custom declaration & VAT
What to look for in a qualified China sourcing agent?
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Product Expertise
Sourcing agents with enriching experience and profound knowledge in the products you’re looking for can greatly speed up the sourcing process and saves time in quality inspection. For example, the sourcing of electronics requires more expertise , i.e., what kind of certificates are mandatory for EU, US markets, the materials of the electronics, what kind of manufacturing techniques are used, how to test the gadgets, etc. Another example is fabric, the sourcing agent should know the difference of fabric composition, cotton, polyester, rayon, linen, wool, etc. What kind of fabrics are better for making dresses, pants, jackets, swimsuits, sportswear, what kind of fabrics are for digital printing, screen printing, sublimation, etc.
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Services
There’s no standard to the kinds of services a China sourcing agent offers. Some offer a one stop shop from the beginning to the finish of importing from China, while others only offer sourcing service, factory audit or quality inspection service.
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Revenue Module
The revenue modules of sourcing agents vary depending on each other. Mostly commonly used revenue modules are as followed.
1. Flat Fee
Some China sourcing agents charge a flat fee for the whole project or either a small part like sourcing products, quality inspection, etc. This is widely used in sourcing private label products especially private label clothes that require lots of customization.
2. Commission based
Some agents charge commissions based on your buying amount. The commission based revenue provides more incentives to sourcing agents to focus on large volume orders that require little time to develop.
3. Kickback
To win in the rat race, some doggy sourcing agents charge tiny commissions as low as 1% or free sourcing as you can see in some advertisements, while in the back they take black commissions from suppliers. Stay away from sourcing agents that charge as little as nothing or work for free, you don’t know what would be waiting ahead of you, maybe an increase of 20% kickback based on the original prices the suppliers give, or defective items.
Questions to ask a China sourcing agent
Here’re a few questions we suggest to ask a China sourcing agent before assessing whether they’re the right pick.
- Do you have experience with the product? How much do you know about the industry? How many years of experience?
- Do you offer a full service package? Can you help with sourcing supplier, prototyping, quality control, labeling and shipping?
- Do you source suppliers within your network or from open market places?
- What standards do you use to select and asses suppliers?
- How do you carry out quality inspection to avoid defective items?
- Do you charge from us fixed price or commission? Do you charge commissions from suppliers?
Dear freind
i would like to visit guangzhou in the month of april 2018
and my product is womens innerwear underwear.
Is there any market in guangzhou for surplus stock excess stock cancel order stock in guangzhou and any market related to this type of stock then please reply me
my mail id gujsil53@gmail.com you can send me wechat id on this mail id
whatapp me on +265 888 37 87 11/ qmkozomba@gmail.com
hello, am looking for an honest agent who can be buying things in China and send them to Malawi… contact me
Hello, thanks for contact. My colleague will be in touch with you. Thanks.
Dear sir,
iam jayrama from bangalore india, i need dell and hp laptops and sony and samsung led tv and desktops branded very cheap price please inform me mail ID:- bgsjayarama@gmail.com whatsup:9844992022
thank you
Hi Jayrama, thanks for contact. My colleague will contact you regarding desktops. Thanks.
Hi, I’m Maytham Al-Saadi from iraq,
I want to export leather from Iraq to China so I needed a reliable company to ship and unload as a customs and storage in the free zone in China
Hi Maytham, thanks for contact. My colleague Kevin will be in touch with you by email. Best regards, Sally.
Seeking a buying agent would like to get designer replicas for resale
Hi,
I am looking for an agent who can help me out in sourcing womens and mens footwear and bags from Guangzhou. Specifically looking for someone who can help me with the markets for the same.
Thanks
Hi Saransh, which market do you target at? Indian?
I am looking for an agrnt who can help me buy goods from taobao and help with shipping
Hi Anuradha, thanks for contact. We can help you with buying from taobao and ship to your address. My colleague will be in touch with you by email. Thanks.
Hi,
This is Faiz Khan from India.
We are Finished Leather Exporter since 15 years.
Now we are planning to open a branch office in China.
Any candidate who have sound knowledge of Finshed Leather working can contact me on my email ID: aceenter@hotmail.com
Hi Faiz, good luck with your business in China. Best regards, Sally.
I need a facilitator in Guhangzho which can facilitate me regarding factory sourcing and wholesale market information and buying for garments and cloths items to supply goods to pakistan
Hi Abdul, thanks for your message. We’re happy to help you with it. Best regards, Sally.
I am looking for a buying agent. Looking for ladies quality stylish clothing
Hi Cathy, thanks for contact. My colleague Ariel will be in touch with you regarding ladies clothes. Thanks.
Hi ! I would like to know about how to buy case from China in wholesale price.
Hello, do you mean phone cases? If you have plans visiting Guangzhou, you can buy directly from xidier electronic market. You can either source online or hire a buying agent in Guangzhou to source phone cases for you. Good luck.
We need buying agent in China. thanks
Hello, my colleague Ariel will be in touch with you, thanks.
Please contact me
Hi Sam, Thanks for message. My colleague will be in touch with you. Thanks.
Hi
I’m searching for an agent who can help me to buy sports materials in china.For exemple: Adidas,Babola,Umbro,Nike,Reebok,Wilson,Asics and Head etc…
Wish i get an answer soon form you.
Best Regards
Avesh
Thanks
Hello Avesh,i will answer you by email,kindly check your mail box.Thanks.Ariel.
hi there
im searching for a manufacturer that deals with womens wear, skirts specifically in Guangzhou china.
Hi Omar, thank you for your message. My colleague Ariel will be in touch with you regarding ladies skirts supplier. Thanks.
Hi I am in need of a OEM agent as well.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Hi dear, thank you for your message. My colleague Ariel will be in touch with you regarding OEM agent. Thanks.
HELLO , I NEED BUYING AGENT IN GHANZOU . How to get one of them ?
Hi Jennifer, thanks for your message. My colleague Ariel will be in touch with you regarding buying agent service. Thanks.
Hi, i need a sourcing agent for sourcing LED TVs to India. Can you support?. My what’s app number +91 9597977747
Hi Anguraj, thanks for your message. My colleague Ariel will be following up the sourcing of LED TVs. Thanks.
I want a agent purchase all bags cheep price best quality help me
Hi thanks for your message. Sure with great pleasure. Please kindly check your email. Thanks.
Hi
I am based in south Africa and very much interested in ladies hand bags. I have a very tight budget and not sure if you may help me. Please email me on tryme1709@gmail.com I would really appreciate all the help you may offer.
Hello
We need ladies shoulder bags from GZ to USA.
Any buying agents please contact
Hello Delia, thanks for message and welcome to Guangzhou. My colleague Ariel will be in touch with you regarding buying agent service. Thanks.
I need a buying agent for furniture fittings items. please contact me.
Hi Ameet, thanks for contacting us. My colleague Ariel will be in touch with you. Thank you.
Hi we are manufacturers – exporters all types of leathers goat skins / sheep skins / cow and buffalo is suitable for shoe upper / shoe lining / gloves / garments and hand bags.
I want leather selling agents in China / Hong kong who can sell our leathers on commission basis
Hello,
We need a buying agent on behalf of us, we are looking for a whole range of small leather accessories- can you help?
Thanks
Rachel
Dear Rachel,
Thanks for your message, we are the sourcing and shipping agent in Guangzhou China with providing one-stop logistic services, i am sending you the details now, kindly check your email box.
Best Regards
Ariel
I want all mobile accessories. Come to my inbox
Dear
We need buying agent in guangzhou
Please contact us
Reply by email & please inform Whatsapp number also
Best regards
Bharat
Dear Bharat, thanks for contacting us. My colleague Ariel will contact you regarding buying agent service. Thanks.
we are in importer from Australia and will be coming to china this month for canton fair and looking for agent to move a business forward as we a variety importer of Hot trending items.
Will be doing few factory visit and need someone with good English.
will be in china from 21st april 2017
Hi Stephen, thank you for contacting us and welcome to China. My colleague Ariel will be contacting you regarding sourcing agent service.Thanks.
Hello Stephen,i have sent you the email yesterday, kindy check your mail box.Thanks.Ariel
hello i am coming to ur city 25 march for ten days want to buy
label weaving machines
sticker making machines
Hi Raj, welcome to Guangzhou. We’re very happy to help you source the machines if you need help. Thanks.
looking for buying agent, require pu men wallets in bulk
Hi Mohammed, thanks for your messages. We’re happy to assist you with purchasing men’s wallets. My colleague will be in touch with you. Thanks.
Hi,
I am coming to Guangzhou and i need a buying agent.
Please contact me on +264811554433
Regards
Hi Joan, thank you for your message and welcome to Guangzhou. My colleague Ariel will be in touch with you. Cheers.
I am looking for good suupliers in guangzhou who deals in ladies and kids clothings and can help me provide goods in both retail and wholesale basis.Do whatsapp on 8169142465 or send a mail on deepakamazo@gmail.com
hello iam looking for agent to assist with buying handbags in gu hang gang guangzhou and help to collect and pay for all goods at a small warehouse to be collected by my shipping company 4 days mabye 5 please give your rates thanks billy mooker
billy.mooker@yahoo.co.uk
I’m coming to Guangzhou in February and I need a agent for translation and transportation please contact me!
Hi Julian, thanks for your message. My colleague Ariel will be in touch with you. Best regards, Sally
I am looking service agent who can arrange to pickup from different menufacturs and send to usa.
Note: Few weeks ago we visited guangzhou and order some items.
Dear Govind,
Thanks a lot for contacting us. We’re very happy to help you collect all the goods, inspect quality if it’s necessary…and arrange shipping to USA.
I need a buying agent but I would like to first meet up in Guangzhou before doing deals. Please email your details thanks.
I need an agent in Guangzhou. please contact me
We need buying agent in China. thanks
Hi there,
I just want to inquiry about wedding boxes, how much it will cost. I need a massive amount of boxes in different variety. I need similar boxes as shown in the link below.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25-50-100-Luxury-Wedding-Favour-Favor-Sweet-Cake-Gift-Candy-Boxes-Table-Deco-/192006484632?var=&hash=item2cb47a7298:m:m2mbmVsjA1-EcyGogQxJ4xg
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wedding-Party-Favour-Boxes-Candy-Sweet-Boxes-Gift-Favor-MANY-COLOURS-DESIGNS-/361471834999?var=&hash=item5429667b77:m:mMjwBmGjMxS44ephLzL4INQ
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-100pcs-Wedding-Favour-Favor-Sweet-Cake-Gift-Candy-Boxes-Bags-Anniversary-Party-/381305010558?var=&hash=item58c78cb97e:m:mjM2UFvnVK6Nk2v8xk5Cq0A
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-20-50PCS-Cute-Bee-Candy-Sweet-Gift-Boxes-With-Ribbon-Party-Wedding-Favor-Box-/282065725463?var=&hash=item41ac6d6817:m:mAGdbQ1S57QZlBTScBjCdWw
Thanks
Regards: Yousuf Moorad
We need a contact in Ghanghzou to buy some items for us.
Can you help us?
Waitiing for your contact,
Regards,
Cecile
Hi Cecile, thanks for contact. Sure with great pleasure. What items are you looking for?
I need an agent in Guangzhou,please contact me.
Hi Avril, thanks for contact. Pls kindly check your email 🙂
I need an agent in Guangzhou and in hong kong please contact me
Hi Ano, thanks for contact. Pls kindly check your email 🙂
Hi, I need a purchasing agent in Guangzhou, who can speak English/ Indonesian.
Hi Sonia, thanks for contacting us. What kind of products are you looking for?
I need an Indian buying agent based in Guangzhou …
i need a agent, call me
I need some items from you
I need you. Please send me youre number.
Hi Khalid, here’s my contact info: sally@business-in-guangzhou.com, thanks.
Dear Todi, please kindly check your email for more information. Thanks.
Dear Todi, please kindly check your email for more information. Thanks.
Dear
We need buying agent in guangzhou
Please contact us
Dear
We need buying agent in guangzhou
Please contact us
Dear Berat, thanks for contacting us. Please kindly check your email, thanks.
Hi,I am Ivan from Serbia.I will come for few days in Guangzhou to see some factory for kiddy rides.
And I need agent to help me to by product.
Dear Mr.Ivan
We are the buying agent in Guangzhou and have purchased the kiddy rides before from a factory here, please check your email box.
Best Regards
Ariel
Hello,
I am from the Philippines currently looking for a sourcing agent for constructions materials.
Hi Aljon, thanks for your message. My colleague Ariel will be in touch with you regarding buying agent service. Thanks.