SourcingCraft Insights · Sourcing Agent FAQ · 2026-09-24
China Sourcing Agent FAQ: Answers Before You Start
If you are buying from China for the first time, or growing a product line, you may have questions about how a sourcing agent works. This FAQ answers the points buyers ask most often: what an agent does, how verification and sample checks work, whether small orders are covered, and what the service costs. If your question is not here, contact us and we will give you a direct answer.
What does a China sourcing agent actually do?
A sourcing agent works on your behalf across the buying process. At SourcingCraft, that means supplier verification, factory audits, price comparison, sample checks, 1688 sourcing, and order consolidation. You share your product requirements and target budget, and we handle the practical steps: shortlisting factories, asking for quotes, arranging samples, and checking production before shipment.
Why use an agent instead of contacting factories directly?
Many buyers start by contacting factories themselves, and some continue to do both. An agent can add value where distance and language create friction: someone on the ground can visit a workshop, confirm a factory actually exists, check a sample against your specification, and keep communication flowing across time zones. An agent does not replace your decisions, but can make the process more manageable.
How much does it cost?
Costs depend on your project: order size, number of suppliers, whether a factory audit is included, and how many shipments you need. Fees are usually based on a service fee, a commission structure, or a combination, and the right model depends on your volume and budget. Tell us your scope and we will explain the options before any commitment.
How do I know the factory checks are real?
Verification means someone physically visits the site and checks what is there: the registered address, production lines, equipment, and supporting records. You receive reports with photos and notes you can review. If you want an independent factory audit, that can be arranged separately by a third party. We do not claim to remove all risk, but we make the information available so you can decide with more context.
Can you handle small orders or sample requests?
Yes. Sample checks are part of our standard service: we order samples from shortlisted suppliers, check them against your specification, and report on quality, packaging, and consistency. Small first orders are common when you are testing a market. Volume thresholds depend on the product and supplier, so share your quantity and we will confirm what is possible.
Can you buy from 1688 for me?
Yes. Many products are available on 1688 at factory-level pricing, but the platform is in Chinese and designed for domestic buyers. We search for matching products, communicate with sellers, arrange purchases and inspection, and consolidate multiple items into one shipment for international delivery.
What happens if something is wrong with my order?
Problems are easier to fix when they are found early. That is why we recommend sample checks before production and a pre-shipment inspection before payment of the balance. If issues are found, we document them and work with the supplier on corrective actions before the goods leave the factory. No agent can guarantee a perfect order, but checking at the right moments reduces surprises.
Have a question that is not covered here? Send us your product details and we will reply with practical answers, no obligation. Visit sourcingcraft.com to start the conversation.