Everything buyers usually ask before placing a first order from China. Still not sure about something? Just ask us — no obligation.
What exactly does a sourcing agent do?
We act as your own purchasing team inside China. We find factories that actually make your product, check they are real manufacturers and not traders, negotiate the price, follow production, and arrange packing and shipping to your door or to an Amazon FBA warehouse. You deal with one person in your own language instead of twenty suppliers.
How do you charge for your service?
A commission of 5–7% of the order value, or a minimum of US$400 per order, whichever is higher. The exact rate depends on the size and complexity of the order. It is agreed in writing before you pay anything, and it does not change once the order is placed.
Inspection, packaging sourcing and warehousing are quoted separately.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
It depends on the product and the factory, so we confirm it before you commit to anything. Tell us your target quantity in your first message and we will come back with the real minimum.
As a rule, the more customised the product, the higher the minimum. An existing product bought as it is can often start small. A product with your own mould, your own colour or your own printing carries the factory’s setup cost, and the minimum rises to cover it.
If your quantity is below what any factory will accept, we will tell you straight away — and where we can, suggest a version of the product that works at your volume.
How do I pay?
Payment is by T/T bank transfer. You pay a deposit to start production and settle the balance before the goods are shipped. The split is confirmed in writing with your quotation.
Every payment is against an invoice, for the amount agreed before the order was placed. Nothing is added later.
How long does the whole process take?
A typical first order runs like this:
- Quotation — within 24 to 48 hours.
- Samples — 5–10 days, if you ask for them.
- Production — 15–35 days, depending on the product and the quantity.
- Shipping — 3–7 days by express, 8–15 days by air freight, or 25–45 days by sea.
We give you a realistic timeline in writing before you pay anything.
Do you check the goods before they ship?
Inspection is a separate service, quoted on its own — it is not included in our sourcing fee, because it means travelling to the factory and spending a day there. We recommend it on every first order.
When you add it, we check quantity, workmanship, sizes, logo printing and packaging against your specification, and send you photos and video of your actual goods. Anything wrong gets fixed before the goods ship. More about inspection →
Can you ship directly to Amazon FBA?
Yes. We prepare your goods to Amazon requirements: FNSKU labels, polybags, warning labels, carton labels and carton weight limits. We then book the shipment to your FBA warehouse and send you the tracking and customs paperwork. More about FBA prep →
What happens if the goods are wrong or damaged?
Where the goods have been checked before shipment, most problems are caught in China, where they are cheap to fix. If something still goes wrong after delivery, we go back to the factory on your behalf and negotiate a repair, a replacement or compensation. You are not left arguing with a supplier on your own.
Do you work with small businesses and first-time importers?
Yes. A large part of our clients are online sellers placing their first order from China. We will walk you through every step, explain what the factory is really saying, and tell you honestly when a product is not worth importing.
Which products can you source?
We work mainly with consumer goods: furniture, home and kitchen products, storage and organisation, pet supplies, electronics and accessories, bags, stationery, gifts and promotional items. If your product is outside our network, we will tell you straight away instead of wasting your time.
Ready to get a quote?
Send us your product details and you will get factory options, sample cost and a landed price within 48 hours.