Sourcing Agent - UK or China Based?

[guess121]

Hello,

I am a first time importer and looking at children clothes, mainly jeans, sizes 2 to 6 year olds. I cannot post URL at present but I will do once my post rating goes up.

We hear about horror stories related to Alibaba and am hesitant in using them and Alibaba prices when you include total cost - purchase, taxes, shipping, selling fees, postage... there is very very little profit and I know the higher the quantity the cheaper the product, etc... but we small business have to start somewhere and I am looking for a sourcing agent.

Do I look at someone in the UK or China?

Are there any agents that people can recommend?

I am willing to put the work in and get the ball rolling as I know there is going to be a lot of grafting involved, as there is no free lunch.

I am not looking at bringing in a great deal of MOQ, between 100-300 to start with and expand as the business grows.

It is late and I know I have not put much information on here, but I want to kick things off.

Thanks,
Vipul

 

[MOIC]

Hi Vipul

I am from the UK and have our head office in Guangzhou, China.

We can source the jeans you require, as well as arranging quality control, payments, packing, export paperwork and shipping to your door.

Please feel free to contact me if you need any further assistance at: [email protected]

Regards

Ron

 

[Alicechina]

Hello,

I am a first time importer and looking at children clothes, mainly jeans, sizes 2 to 6 year olds. I cannot post URL at present but I will do once my post rating goes up.

We hear about horror stories related to Alibaba and am hesitant in using them and Alibaba prices when you include total cost - purchase, taxes, shipping, selling fees, postage... there is very very little profit and I know the higher the quantity the cheaper the product, etc... but we small business have to start somewhere and I am looking for a sourcing agent.

Do I look at someone in the UK or China?

Are there any agents that people can recommend?

I am willing to put the work in and get the ball rolling as I know there is going to be a lot of grafting involved, as there is no free lunch.

I am not looking at bringing in a great deal of MOQ, between 100-300 to start with and expand as the business grows.

It is late and I know I have not put much information on here, but I want to kick things off.

Thanks,
Vipul

Hi,Vipul, i have 10 years working experience in garment sourcing, merchandising and quality control.My last job is as a sourcing representative for a German trading company. The place i stayed also is an important garment manufacture and exporting city in China. There are rich factory resources here. If you need my help,pls contact: ilvcnsd (at)163.com

 

[Cherry Lee]

Hi,Vipul, my friend have a jeans factory, I think I can let ask her contact directly for the jeans issues.

I am doing sourcing for foreign friends, if you need my help, pls let me know.

 

[BrandUK]

Yes Alibaba is risky but I have found good suppliers on there.

The guys at myofficechina are good. They can go check the factory out if you want.

If you can fork out the money you can go to the canton fair in china in November and meet suppliers and agents. See samples etc.

Another place to look at is Pakistan or Bangladesh prices are much cheaper. But I find it hard to find good factories.

Always check out if the factory has been audited. Ask for proof

 

[Aarona80]

I prefer to China-based agent,following are reasons:

1.Fluency in Chinese and English
Sourcing agents in China are fluent in both English and Chinese, two main languages spoken in China. This gives them an extra edge and experience in dealing with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. This enables them to develop close rapport with suppliers within a short time compared to what UK agents would do.

2.Comprehensive Knowledge Of The Chinese Business Culture
Sourcing agents in China have thorough knowledge of the Chinese business environment and culture. They know how to manage Chinese suppliers, cut the red tape, conduct deals quickly and ensure that the entire process is conducted efficiently. They are completely familiar with Chinese products within different industries.

3.The Agents Have A Good Knowledge Of Import And Export In China
Agents based in China have good links with all the concerned manufacturers and suppliers in China including the local authorities. They also know the regulations in foreign trade in China better than UK-based agents. Most importantly, since they understand policies that guide export and import trade in China, they are familiar with the legal sourcing practices accepted in this field and what should be avoided.

4.Sourcing Process Experience
The Chinese agents know the best sourcing and purchasing methods that suit the Chinese business environment. Being familiar with the industry, they know how to source, purchase and also find the best places for certain products. In addition, by dealing directly with suppliers the agents can obtain favorable prices. They also have adequate knowledge about the local quality control and audit control processes linked with particular products.
Working with a China-based sourcing agent will find it easier to coordinate logistical processes in the China, arrange for shipping, consolidation and even contract packing. The Chinese agents will handle all the technical aspects within the local market, thereby eliminating lengthier procedures that would otherwise cost a UK firm a lot of money.

 

[tombuckland]

Work for a company that imports a lot of things for China, mainly tacky merchandise but it is all sourced by someone we hire but who lives and works in China. Seems to work well.

 

[derekleexin]

Hi, I am Derek from China, I am working as international trading business for many years, I can be your sourcing agent in China.

skype: derek.lee9

 

[adam-gz]

Hi Guess121

My name is Adam, I am from the UK and now live and work here in Guangzhou, China. We provide sourcing services for businesses such as yourself in China.

We providing sourcing services for ALL items, however clothing, jewellery and general fashion items are our keys areas of expertise. I am sure that we can be of assistance to you.

If you are still in need of your products, please contact us with more information on what you are looking for and we can get the ball rolling.

Adam