Common questions about working with a sourcing agent, MOQ, samples, quality control and payment information.
What does a sourcing agent do?
A sourcing agent researches and verifies manufacturers in China on your behalf, negotiates prices and terms, follows up samples and production, performs quality control and coordinates shipping. When you work with us, you communicate with a single dedicated account manager for all of these steps.
I already have a supplier. Can I still work with you?
Yes. You can request services such as factory audits, quality control, warehousing, consolidation or logistics separately for your existing supplier. In that case you share the supplier details with us, and only the steps of the services you select are carried out.
What information do I need to send a request?
A product description, link or image, estimated quantity, quality expectations, target price (if any), delivery location and target date are enough to get started. Adding technical drawings, specification files or sample photos speeds things up. Any missing details can be clarified with your account manager.
What is MOQ and can it be negotiated?
MOQ is the minimum order quantity a manufacturer accepts. It varies with the product, materials, tooling requirements and the manufacturer's production setup. In some cases a more suitable quantity can be found by talking to other manufacturers or adjusting the order structure, but this is not possible for every product.
Can I get samples before placing a bulk order?
Yes, sample approval before a bulk order is a recommended step. Samples are requested from the supplier, sent to you, and the process continues based on your approval or revision requests. Sample and courier costs, and how they are treated in the bulk order, are stated in the quotation.
How is quality control carried out?
Depending on your needs, pre-production, during-production and pre-shipment inspections as well as container loading checks can be performed. Inspections follow a checklist and AQL level agreed with you. The report shows defects with photos and gives a pass, fail or conditional result.
Can I pay through the website?
No. We do not collect online payments through our website. Payment terms and methods are stated in writing on the proforma invoice sent to you. For general information, please see our Payment Methods page.
How can I follow the status of my request?
When you submit a request you receive a reference number. You can use it when contacting your account manager and, if you wish, receive status updates by email. No customer account is required.
I want to visit China for a trade fair or factory visit. Can you help?
You can submit an appointment request for a trade fair tour or factory visit. A draft programme is prepared based on your date range, number of visitors and categories of interest. See our China Visits page for details.