Sourcing FAQ
Direct answers on fees, payment safety, inspection failures, minimum orders, and response times from a China sourcing desk.
These answers describe the current desk workflow. The written quote and order instruction control a specific file.
Frequently asked questions
What products can you source?
Most consumer and light-industrial goods that can be exported from China. We decline orders we cannot inspect or that need licenses we do not hold.
How do you charge?
Usually a 5% to 10% commission on goods value, agreed in writing before anyone pays a factory. Inspection-only and shipping-only files can be quoted as a flat fee.
Is it safe to send payment through you?
You can pay the factory directly after we vet it, or we can pay on 1688 / by T/T under a written instruction. We do not ask for funds in a first email.
What happens if quality fails?
We report it with photos before cargo leaves China. If we placed the order, we push for rework, replacement, or a price adjustment. We do not release the shipment and hope the problem disappears.
What is the minimum order?
Factory MOQs vary. We can start with a sample and a small trial when the supplier agrees, then scale.
How fast do you reply?
During China working hours, usually within 1 to 6 hours depending on time zone.
Can you work with a supplier I already found?
Yes. We can verify the company, collect or review samples, follow production, inspect, consolidate, or arrange shipping without running a new supplier search.
Who approves the product and shipment?
The buyer approves the specification, sample, budget, supplier, and release decision. We collect evidence and carry out the agreed China-side work.
Can several suppliers ship together?
Yes. Goods can be received into one China warehouse, counted by SKU, held while other suppliers finish, prepared, and combined after each lot is released.
Before sending a brief
Include the product, quantity, destination, required date, and any supplier or marketplace links already under review. Do not send card details, bank passwords, or a factory payment in the first message. We start by identifying the missing specification and the next limited step.
Buyers who have not ordered from China before can read How to Source Products from China. If the supplier is already selected, start with the verification guide or quality inspection service.
What the quote should say
The quote should identify the work included, the fee, known separate costs, the buyer's responsibilities, and the evidence delivered. Product sourcing, inspection, consolidation, and shipping can be quoted separately. A buyer does not need to purchase every service.
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