Sourcing Agent China - Qualities of a Good Sourcing Agent

Posted by China 2 West on January 5th, 2022

Finding the right supplier can be challenging, especially if you are looking for one in China. It can be difficult to tell which suppliers can provide high-quality products that suit your requirements, and you don’t want to make the mistake of wasting your resources on the wrong source. So, it’s always advisable to hire a sourcing agent in China to save time and money.

What’s a sourcing agent?

Sourcing agents play a crucial role in the success of businesses in the international market. Their job is to help you find the right supplier and simplify the sourcing process for the products you want to sell. They are essentially a third-party service provider that helps you find the best source and that makes them in high demand among global traders seeking high-quality products at competitive prices.

How does it differ from a purchasing agent?

Both purchasing and sourcing agents have similar functions, but the latter takes commissions, and the former works as a trader by buying items from local vendors at affordable prices and selling them to you with added profit for their gain. Unlike sourcing agents, purchasing agents are those who help procure the products you need, but their services are more suitable if your purchase quantity is less.

Qualities of a good sourcing agent

Not every sourcing agent in China may have your best interest. You have to be discerning and do your research to make sure that you are partnering with someone reliable and trustworthy. Here are the things you should know:

Experience

Find out how long they have been working as a sourcing agent in China and make sure they have an established presence there. It’s important to know if they have worked with western companies, too, so you can easily verify their track record of successful sourcing for other businesses.

Easy to communicate with

Choose sourcing agents who are professionals when it comes to communicating and staying in touch with their clients. They should be open to answering any questions you might have along the way and ready to keep you up-to-date on the progress of their work. Consider an agent who speaks your language, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.

Trustworthy

Trustworthiness is an important trait in any sourcing agent. Anyone dishonest will simply rip you off and ask the supplier for a kickback or hidden commissions while pretending to offer low-cost or free sourcing services. A professional sourcing agent in China is honest and transparent with every detail about the supplier. They can even verify the supplier\'s credibility for you to help you make an informed decision on whether to work with that company or not.

 Accountable

Sourcing agents don’t stop working once they have helped you find a good supplier. They will oversee the production and shipment of the products, assist in arranging refunds or returns, and coordinate with your suppliers.

 Focused on quality assurance

 The best sourcing agent in China cares about your business and your customers and they want to make sure you are getting high-quality products. Check if they offer quality control services, which encompass inspection of goods to verify the condition before being shipped to you.