China Sourcing Agent - Recommendations Please

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Wilson1973

Free Member
Jan 19, 2011
27
1
  • #1
    Hello,
    I am looking to import from China to the UK for the first time. Whilst I have managed to find several suppliers, I want to play safe and use the services of a professional product sourcing agent, who can take control of this process. i.e. quality inspection and shipping management.


    Whilst I understand this will add additional cost, I believe it is the best and safest way to proceed in the short term – unless people tell me otherwise.
    I would like to hear from any genuine UK companies that have successfully used china sourcing agents (for furniture / manufactured type goods – not electrical or technology) and which would gladly recommend their services.


    Look forward to hearing from you.


    Note: please do not contact me if you are a sourcing agent. I am looking for UK business that can recommend services.
     
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    W

    Wilson1973

    Free Member
    Jan 19, 2011
    27
    1
  • #4
    Mister B said:
    Speak with Swiss Logistics who is a member on here, he should be able to help you. Good on you for looking at the overall picture and not aiming to make a fast buck. It's so easy to get your fingers burnt. Mister B
    Click to expand...

    Hi Mister B,

    Thanks for the response and the contact info.

    There is no such thing as easy money... I'm in it for the slog... :)
     
    Upvote 0
    D

    directuk

  • #5
    I am not sure if you have seen this company before but i have used them a few times and they are really good at getting the products to your door what ever you want they will be able to source it. And the good thing is that they are free! Speak to someone called Jonathan he will be more than willing to look at your products for you.

    Website www.globalsourcesupply.com

    email [email protected]

    Tell him you know Ben directuk on the Business forums

    i am sure he can help

    Regards

    Direct UK
     
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    Reactions: Wilson1973
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    W

    Wilson1973

    Free Member
    Jan 19, 2011
    27
    1
  • #6
    directuk said:
    I am not sure if you have seen this company before but i have used them a few times and they are really good at getting the products to your door what ever you want they will be able to source it. And the good thing is that they are free! Speak to someone called Jonathan he will be more than willing to look at your products for you.


    Tell him you know Ben directuk on the Business forums

    i am sure he can help

    Regards

    Direct UK
    Click to expand...

    Thanks Direct...

    On my (short) list :)
     
    Upvote 0
    leonyu

    leonyu

    Free Member
    Sep 3, 2009
    44
    1
  • #12
    I run a sourcing service company in China.

    I agree that using agent to help would help you save money and trade safely.

    You need to choose a good agent, there are lots of sourcing service companies in China and your way of consulting companies have used services alike is great.

    Good luck!
     
    Upvote 0
    leonyu

    leonyu

    Free Member
    Sep 3, 2009
    44
    1
  • #13
    alec_biz said:
    hi Wilson, if i were you, i would rather to employ local guy to representative your company, he will report to you directly....so you could get anything undercontrol...thank you
    Click to expand...

    Very frankly, I am a chinese and I have worked for a US sourcing company, it is very hard to find someone trust worthy in China.

    There are different working styles, living habbits, communication problems.....all those are barriers. But if you can find one, it would be very helpful! For sure.
     
    Upvote 0
    P

    powerfulsourcing

    Free Member
    Apr 29, 2011
    1
    0
  • #14
    Hey Wilson,
    Sorry to bother you, I hope we can have chance to talk, I sourced for a US company and an Australia company, as indivual, and also a Poland company, but work is not too much, I can advise my cleints contact for you to check. I work with them as personally, so the cost is not too much.
    I'm familar with Houseware products/Giftware/Cosmetics/Cosmetic accessory. and printing.
    I worked in interenational sourcing office from US before. so I have the resoureces.
    Just try!
     
    Upvote 0
    S

    SyamKolli

  • #15
    Dear Wilson,
    I hope you are well.

    I spend 8-9 months a year travelling around Asia visiting factories on behalf of clients. My business partner looks after customers in the UK, we are UK based.

    I am ashamed to say not all sourcing agents are so cautious. Some sourcing agents I have met only visit factories one a year, some dont visit the factory at all.

    You should always ask for samples to be sent, regardless of the product.

    I would be happy to advise you further or point you in the correct direction as regards to a agent for your particular product.

    Best
    Syam
    skype: syamkolli
     
    Upvote 0
    T

    taiwanscooter

    Free Member
    Apr 21, 2011
    12
    1
  • #18
    Hi there,

    I would recommend sourcing a supplier through Global Sources for a 1st time buy. Go through all the motions that you would on a large order. In other words, just because you're making a small order, treat it like you're buying 3 containers. You can gain a lot of valuable experience in sourcing, negotiating, freight forwarding, and of course, customs procedures and tariffs.





    buy-china-wholesale.com
     
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    N

    nextec

    Free Member
    Jul 8, 2009
    206
    38
    Chippenham, North Wiltshire
  • #20
    I use a sourcing and shipping agent in China for all of our goods.

    Using them has been the best business decision I have ever made.
    They do a fantastic job for a small commission and I can't recommend them highly enough.

    Natasha has given us a better service than I could ever have hoped for and is always there on Skype or Phone if there are ever any problems.

    Just contact Natasha at http://www.zts.com.hk/ I couldn't do without her now.

    Thanks
    Richard
     
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    K

    kennyservice

    Free Member
    May 7, 2011
    28
    2
    Shenzhen,China
  • #21
    you can read article about "make sure to choose the right person/agent" in blog kennygao.com, hope it could help you.

    I am sourcing agent in Shenzhen China, already deal with furniture for my clients. The area in China good at furniture is Foshan and Shenzhen City. that means from these area you can get more professional manufacturers, get better price with better quality.

    In China, you have to know which area is professional for what products.

    You can google "Kenny Service Limited" to learn more about the service offered. it is also a alibaba recommended sourcing agent.

    Regards
    Kenny
     
    Upvote 0
    E

    elecpack

  • #23
    yeah,i think you really need some more suggestions,it's better to cost a little more to make sure safer than to risk some risks.one of my friends is a sourcing agent,all his business partners are from Australia,if you want any informations,pls be free to contact me.lol
     
    Upvote 0
    E

    ekkopal

  • #27
    [FONT='Arial','sans-serif']If it's your first time to buy from China, it's always recommended to use a professional sourcing agent who specializes on sourcing and buying the products you're looking to buy "on the ground" in China. Even if your first order quantity is kinda low, the sourcing/buying agent can still get good price and utmost cooperation from the factory with the leverage they have because the chances are they have several other orders being produced at the same factory or they had good cooperation with the factory before and have gain good trust and reputation from the factory.

    By working hard for your business, as well as for themselves, the professional sourcing agents can always provide the services that most medium and small factories can't because the benefit of the staff of the sourcing agent who handles your project is closely connected with the success of your project.

    We, Ekko-Pal Industries Limited, are a professional sourcing/buying agent based in Dongguan where hundreds and thousands of factories, covering a wide range of products, are located. For more details on what we can do for your outsourcing to China, please visit our web site at [/FONT]    [FONT='Arial','sans-serif']www dot ekko-pal dot com[/FONT][FONT='Arial','sans-serif']

    ------------------------------
    Joe Zhang
    Project Manager
    Ekko-Pal Industries Limited (Dongguan)[/FONT]    [FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
     
    Last edited by a moderator:
    Upvote 0
    S

    sarv123

    Free Member
    Jun 28, 2011
    1
    0
  • #29
    A leeds business that has a particular software development project in mind, but how are you going to find a competent, affordable and Well, we are experts at bespoke business software development including custom database design and we are based in West Yorks which makes us your friendly
     
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    M

    mark2012

    Free Member
    Jan 2, 2012
    5
    0
  • #34
    Hi Wilson,

    I know a friend as an independent sourcing consultant who may be able to give you some advice. He is very responsive and UK present, he has many working partners in HK and China with connections to suppliers.

    Let me know if you interest and give me your contact.

    Thanks
     
    Upvote 0
    H

    heakhl4620

    Guest
    Mar 19, 2012
    2
    0
  • #36
    if you want import the furniture,can you contract me at any time. I am working in Aldi company as sourcing, if have any question, I think I can
    help you.
    BR
    Scott


    Wilson1973 said:
    Hello,
    I am looking to import from China to the UK for the first time. Whilst I have managed to find several suppliers, I want to play safe and use the services of a professional product sourcing agent, who can take control of this process. i.e. quality inspection and shipping management.


    Whilst I understand this will add additional cost, I believe it is the best and safest way to proceed in the short term – unless people tell me otherwise.
    I would like to hear from any genuine UK companies that have successfully used china sourcing agents (for furniture / manufactured type goods – not electrical or technology) and which would gladly recommend their services.


    Look forward to hearing from you.


    Note: please do not contact me if you are a sourcing agent. I am looking for UK business that can recommend services.
    Click to expand...
     
    Upvote 0
    H

    hotiny92

    Free Member
    Mar 20, 2012
    13
    1
  • #38
    Hello, there. I have got a huge supply base in mainland China and our company directly works with local manufacturers and we are based in Ningbo, a huge container port in eastern China, and have got our own manufacturing facilities. I graduated from Univeristy of Liverpool with masters degree in Supply Chain Management with a Distinction. We have got a professional team handling purchasing, logistics and QC, etc. Pls feel free to contact me and we can have further negotiation regarding our cooperation. Looking forward to your email.
     
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