Sourcing FAQ
Plain answers on how China sourcing agents charge, paying suppliers safely, failed inspections, minimum orders, and who approves an order.
These answers are general editorial guidance for buyers who hire their own suppliers, agents, inspectors, and forwarders. A written agreement with your provider controls a specific order.
Frequently asked questions
How do China sourcing agents usually charge?
Fee models differ: a percentage of goods value, a flat fee per task, a retainer, or a margin built into the product price. Ask any agent to state the fee base, what the fee includes, and which costs are billed separately before you authorize work. The sourcing agent fees guide explains how to compare quotes on the same basis.
Is it safe to pay a supplier through a sourcing agent?
It depends on who the agent is and what is in writing. Before any payment, confirm the legal name on the supplier license, quotation, invoice, and bank instruction, and agree in writing who pays, through which channel, and who authorizes each payment.
What should happen if an inspection fails?
The buyer reads the report and decides whether to require rework, accept a written concession, or reject the lot while the goods and the balance payment can still be held. Agree before production who pays for a repeat inspection after a failed lot.
What is a realistic minimum order?
Minimum order quantities are set by each factory and often depend on materials, printing, and packaging rather than the finished product alone. Ask each supplier which step drives its MOQ.
Can an agent work with a supplier I already found?
Many agents offer verification, inspection, or shipping without a new supplier search. Ask which checks are included for a supplier you chose and what happens if a check raises a problem.
Who approves the product and the shipment?
The buyer. The buyer approves the specification, sample, budget, supplier, and release decision. An agent or inspector collects evidence and carries out the work agreed in writing.
Can goods from several suppliers ship together?
Yes, through a consolidation warehouse run by a forwarder or agent. Confirm how cartons are counted by SKU on arrival, how long goods can be held, and when storage charges start.
Where to go next
Buyers who have not ordered from China before can start with How to Source Products from China. If the supplier is already selected, use the supplier verification guide and the quality control checklist.
To compare agents, read how sourcing agent fees are structured and how to choose a sourcing agent.
What a provider's quote should say
Whoever you hire, the quote should identify the work included, the fee and its base, known separate costs, the buyer's responsibilities, and the evidence delivered. Supplier search, inspection, consolidation, and shipping can usually be bought separately.
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