What is a Product Sourcing Agent?

You may have heard that you need a sourcing agent to get competitive in the global manufacturing space. If you’re not familiar with what a sourcing agent is, you’ve come to the right place. Sourcing agents help businesses find the suppliers, raw materials, factories, and manufacturers they need to develop their products. Most sourcing agents have specializations and fields that they have particular experience working in. This means they’ll be able to provide you with access to high-quality products based on their networking connections and negotiation skills within that domain. 

While there are sourcing agents all over the world, finding a sourcing agent in China is typically preferred. China offers a vast array of reputable factories, access to many far-reaching manufacturers, some of the most niche raw materials, and a supplier network that is second to none. Still, not all sourcing agents and sourcing companies in China are the same. Some will try to nickel and dime you, while others will promise the world only to underdeliver. That’s why it is imperative that you partner with a sourcing agent you can trust. This is where China Sourcing International comes in.  

Many American traders find that they need to choose between using a sourcing agent and dealing with Chinese manufacturers directly when importing goods from China. CSI is here to explain why it may be advantageous to work with a sourcing agent. Learn more about what sourcing agents do and how they can help you take your business to the next level.

What do Sourcing Agents Do?

As the intermediaries between Western companies and factories in China, sourcing agents help take products from conception to creation. They learn about product specifications, budgets, timelines, requirements, and other key factors that are non-negotiable for developing your product. Sourcing agents then collaborate with manufacturers, inspect sample products, audit factories, and go through every process necessary to successfully ship a completed product to western shores. Sourcing agents help bridge the language and distance barriers by providing an on-the-ground team, all while saving clients time and money.

When You Need a Sourcing Agent

Finding the right factory to manufacture your product is not as easy as it sounds, especially if you don’t have experience sourcing in China. While sourcing for products in China may provide many benefits, this only holds true if you know exactly where to go. Certain regions specialize in different products and industries; some factories have huge MOQs; some companies will blatantly rip you off and operate with unethical practices. It can be hard to know who to trust. Trusted sourcing companies like China Sourcing International help alleviate these concerns. We work with inventors, innovators, and business owners from all over the world source for reputable factories in China that will manufacture their products at a fair price and at the highest quality. Not only that, but the factories we partner with also have solid after-sales protocols to ensure everything goes smoothly even after the final delivery.

Finding the Right Sourcing Agent in China

There are several pieces of criteria to consider when looking for the right sourcing agent:

• Experience – Connections are key in any industry, sourcing and manufacturing included. Sourcing agents who have been in the business for years will have a strong network of connections they can tap on. They will have worked with trusted parties for which they can vouch, which means your products will be manufactured with greater backing. 
• Credentials – Legitimate sourcing agents must be registered. Working with an unregistered sourcing agent may end up costing you a lot of money, especially if they operate unethically and try to scam you. Verify the length of time the sourcing agency has been in business, the company’s location, and even consider consulting the local Chamber of Commerce or a Chinese government trade agency if you have any doubts.
• Communication Skills – The best sourcing companies in China will be able to communicate with not only China-based factories but also with their American counterparts to ensure that nothing gets lost in translation. 
• Supplier Network – Networking in any sense is critical but having a strong network of suppliers is particularly important when you are vetting potential sourcing agencies. A good sourcing company should have an extensive supplier list of reputable factories they can provide to you. This way, you’ll be able to get the most competitive rates, expedited lead times, and highest quality.

If you are interested in speaking with one of our sourcing agents, please contact us at China Sourcing International today! Email [email protected] to get started.