SuanSupply
The short version
- A China sourcing agent finds and vets factories, negotiates price, follows production and arranges quality checks and shipping for you, usually for a commission of about 5 to 10% of the order value.
- The biggest risk is a hidden kickback: an agent who is also paid by the factory can't negotiate for you. Ask for a written statement that they take nothing from suppliers.
- Before you send money, check the agent's company in China's official business register, and sign an NNN agreement (non-disclosure, non-use, non-circumvention) in Chinese.
- Agree in writing that you own the supplier list, the contacts and any molds or tooling you pay for.
What does a China sourcing agent do?
A China sourcing agent is a person or company in China that finds suppliers for you and manages the order on the ground: shortlisting factories, getting quotes in Chinese, negotiating price and MOQ, ordering samples, following production, booking inspections and handing the goods to your freight forwarder. It is useful when you buy from 1688 or directly from factories, when you need several suppliers combined into one shipment, or when nobody on your team speaks Chinese.
| Who | What they do | How they earn |
|---|---|---|
| Buying agent | Places orders with suppliers you have already chosen | A small fee or percentage per order |
| Sourcing agent | Finds and vets suppliers, negotiates, manages quality and shipping | A commission, a flat fee or both |
| Trading company | Buys from factories and resells to you | A margin built into the unit price; you don't get the factory relationship |
| Freight forwarder | Books freight and handles shipping paperwork | Shipping charges; doesn't source products |
How much does a sourcing agent cost?
Most agents use one of three models. Ask which one before you share any product details:
| Model | Typical range | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Commission on order value | About 5 to 10%, lower on large orders and higher on small ones | Repeat orders with one or two suppliers |
| Flat project fee | From a few hundred dollars for a simple search to several thousand for a full product launch | New product development, custom work |
| Hybrid | A lower percentage plus a fixed fee | Larger or complex projects |
Ranges published by sourcing companies on their own sites in 2026; real quotes vary with product, order size and services included.
A very low commission, like 1 or 2% on a small order, often means the agent earns somewhere else: usually a markup the factory adds to your quote.
What are the red flags with a sourcing agent?
- Won't say how they're paid, or won't put “no commission from suppliers” in writing.
- Won't show you the factory: no factory name, address, video call or visit report, only their own prices.
- Pushes you to pay their personal account or a different company from the one on your contract.
- No business registration you can find in the official register, or a business scope that doesn't match the work.
- Refuses a small trial order or a pre-shipment inspection by a third party.
- Won't sign an NNN agreement. Serious agents sign one without fuss.
How do you check a sourcing agent is real?
- Get the full Chinese company nameAsk for the exact legal name in Chinese and the unified social credit code (统一社会信用代码) from their business license.
- Look it up in the official registerSearch the name at China's National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (gsxt.gov.cn). Check the status is active (存续), the registration date, the legal representative and the business scope.
- Match the detailsThe name on the register, the contract and the bank account you pay must be the same company.
- Ask for referencesTwo or three current clients in your country, and a recent inspection report with names removed.
- Start smallRun one small order end to end before you scale up.
What should a sourcing agent contract include?
- Fees: the exact model and rate, what's included (samples, visits, inspections) and what's extra.
- No supplier payments: a statement that the agent takes no commission, gift or referral fee from any supplier.
- Ownership: supplier names, contacts, product files, molds and tooling you pay for belong to you.
- NNN: non-disclosure, non-use and non-circumvention, written in Chinese with Chinese law and courts named, so it can be enforced in China.
- Quality: your specification, the inspection standard (AQL level) and what happens if goods fail.
- Payments: pay the factory or the agent's company account only, never a personal account.
Send clear requests to suppliers in Chinese yourself: 13 ready-made messages, from first contact to quality problems.
See the Supplier Message BuilderDo you need an agent, or can you do it yourself?
You can often skip an agent if you buy on Alibaba.com with Trade Assurance, the product is simple and one supplier makes all of it. An agent earns their fee when you buy on 1688, need factories outside the big platforms, combine several suppliers, need someone at the factory during production, or can't work in Chinese. Either way, a third-party factory audit or inspection is cheap insurance.
Paying an agent's company account abroad? Wise Business sends money at the mid-market exchange rate with the fee shown up front.
See Wise BusinessWork out the full cost per unit, agent fee and shipping included, before you commit.
Open the free landed cost calculatorFrequently asked questions
How much does a China sourcing agent charge?
Many agents charge a commission of about 5 to 10% of the order value, lower on big orders and higher on small ones. Others charge a flat project fee or a mix of both. Always get the model in writing.
Are sourcing agents in China worth it?
They are worth it when you buy on 1688 or directly from factories, combine several suppliers, need someone on site or can't work in Chinese. For a simple product on Alibaba.com with Trade Assurance, you may not need one.
How do I know if a sourcing agent is legit?
Get the exact Chinese company name and look it up on gsxt.gov.cn, China's official business register. Check it is active, the business scope fits, and the name matches the contract and the bank account you pay.
What is an NNN agreement?
A non-disclosure, non-use and non-circumvention agreement. Unlike a simple NDA, it also stops the other side from using your design or going around you to your customers or suppliers. In China it should be written in Chinese under Chinese law.
What's the difference between a sourcing agent and a trading company?
A sourcing agent works for you and should show you the factory and its price. A trading company buys and resells, so its margin is built into the price and you usually don't get the factory relationship.
Tools we recommend
Some of these are affiliate links: if you sign up, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
General information as of October 6, 2026, not legal advice. Have a lawyer who works in China review any agent contract or NNN agreement. SuanSupply is not affiliated with any sourcing agent.