Sourcing goods from China can help your business save both time and money.
However, things can be tricky.
Finding a sourcing agent in China can seem like a mega-project with such little transparency available and so many options.
That’s to say, it’s hard to know which agency is right for you.
Finding the right sourcing agent to get you the best prices, quality and delivery time is very difficult, as there are thousands of them in China alone.
Here are some steps you can take to find a reputable sourcing agent in China that will meet all your needs.
What To Consider When Looking For An Agency?
To find a reputable company, look for one that has extensive experience working with businesses just like yours.
Agencies that specialize in sourcing products from China are best suited to companies looking to import goods manufactured there.
Be sure that your Chinese sourcing agent is well versed in foreign trade practices and international customs regulations.
Also, when choosing an agency, make sure they have a good reputation within their industry.
You should consider talking to other companies who have worked with them before or asking around at expos or conferences where you might run into them.
Additionally, take note of what kind of services they offer and how much they charge for each service (usually these details will be listed on their website).
If you aren’t clear about something, don’t hesitate to ask questions!
Good sourcing agents want to help their clients succeed; therefore they should be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about their services.
Common Scams And How To Avoid Them
When you have some sourcing supplier on your list, there is no guarantee that their work will be consistent or satisfactory.
The last thing you want is for your money to go down a black hole, so you must choose a reputable sourcing agent.
As a rule of thumb, if an agent won’t tell you upfront what their fee is going to be (or have any additional costs involved with working with them), run away quickly!
A good sourcing agent will provide you with a detailed breakdown of all costs associated with manufacturing your product.
You should never pay anything until you see your products in person and are happy with the quality.
Make sure to negotiate every detail before signing on paper, including shipping terms, payment schedules, and what happens if there are issues during production or delivery.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from deals that don’t feel right – remember: trust but verify!
4 Tips On How To Choose Between Different Agents
(1) Pay Attention To Communication.
Make sure you communicate clearly with your sourcing agent.
Remember that English is not the official language in China.
Even most of the sourcing agents know some English, they may misunderstand or make mistakes now and then.
Also, try to get as much detail as possible on how they will find a reliable manufacturer.
(2) Focus On Your Product’s Quality, Not Just Its Price.
You want a sourcing agent that is more concerned with providing quality products than simply charging you less money.
Quality control and assurance are critical aspects of product sourcing.
After all, quality is what sets your company apart from competitors.
Make sure that your sourcing partner acts in your best interest and ensure that all kinds of checks and audits are performed during and after production, and before the shipment of goods.
(3) Do Some Background Research Before Selecting An Agent.
The most important thing to remember when choosing a sourcing agent is trustworthiness.
To start, Google their name along with scam, rip-off, or anything else that would indicate unethical business practices; if negative results appear, take note of them and decide if it’s worth proceeding with their services anyway.
(4) Talk To Other Businesses Who Have Worked With Your Potential Sourcing Agent.
If you can’t find any reviews online, try a new way.
You can ask other businesses who have worked with them directly—ask around at networking events or reach out via LinkedIn or email.
The opinions of others can be very helpful when deciding between different agents because they’ll give you insight into their customer service and work ethic that might not be available elsewhere.
Partner With C2W
China 2 West can be your sourcing team in China.
We are one of the best sourcing agents with 16 years of experience.
Let us know what you need, and we will be more than happy to provide tailored services that meet your unique specifications.
Experience the difference that comes from knowing who to trust for your sourcing needs in China.
Contact us now and see how we can help with your project.
