China Sourcing Agents

[KeySuppliesLtd]

Hi,

We are looking for a sourcing agent to help us find cheaper products from factories in China than we have so far on Alibaba. We've spoken with a few different agents, but the upfront fees are so high than any saving they can make will be immediately lost. This is because as a new company, our MOQs are quite low.

Does anybody on here have any agents they can recommend, that will offer a fair price to us - ideally a low start up fee, and a guarantee of a certain % saved per product. That way, we can work out if it is worth working together.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding agents you've used yourselves, or if there are any agents on here who'd like to help.

We are planning on selling kitchenware, mainly cheese boards, chopping boards, steak knives and cocktail sets. We have found the perfect products and now we just need the perfect price.

Thanks!

 

[GraemeL]

Have you worked with an agent before or Chinese factories before? A few words might help you as your expectations might not be realised.
If you have small volume I doubt you will find any agent that will charge so little that you will be profitable. Particularly if you want to buy from several factories - or wholesalers as that takes involves a lot more time and cost. Business models based on importing from China are profitable once volume has been established. (Unless you sell something like iphone cases from home...)

And

a guarantee of a certain % saved per product

is not viable. That means you have already decided on a supplier and negotiated a price. In that case I don't think you need an agent.

Perfect price? That's not top of my list. What matters most to me is that the product I expect to get is the one that is delivered. Factory inspections, QC checks, packaging quality, reliability ........ An agent does a huge amount more than negotiate a better price.

Graeme

 

[KeySuppliesLtd]

Hi Graeme,

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my message. It's really helpful.

Can you recommend any China sourcing agents that, as you've said, prioritise the inspections, packing etc? That's something that I hadn't really thought about.

Am I right to think that if I use a sourcing agent, I won't actually have any link to the factory, only to the agent? How do I know that the agent isn't going to just take my money and run?!

Cheers!

Scott

 

[GraemeL]

Am I right to think that if I use a sourcing agent, I won't actually have any link to the factory, only to the agent?

Probably right. Though as you don't speak mandarin you wont have a link anyway. I personally visit every factory before I buy in container loads. I still use an agent.

How do I know that the agent isn't going to just take my money and run?!

You mean you think you are more trustworthy than them? How do they know you will pay them?

Unfortunately your first post has got you off to a bad start. Be respectful and open minded. I expect you will get some more replies. You need to be able to brief an agent about the products you want and let them find them for you and tell you about the other services they provide.

Graeme

 

[KeySuppliesLtd]

My apologies, I certainly didn't mean any disrespect. I'm just a new Amazon seller trying to learn as much about this process as possible!

 

[TTC]

You'll find several "UK based" China sourcing agents here who claim themsleves know Chinese manufacturers as well as Chinese agents. Hope you can find a good one with a "low" fee.

I've seen many new Amazon sellers like you before. Most of them didn't make it well for their first business. Factory produced a lot of poor quality products for them since the price is really low. What will you do if you find the factory produce a container of rubbish after you make an inspection? Think about it and you will know which part to focus on.

Good luck!