The Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring a China Sourcing Agent

Locating the right China sourcing company to work with can save you time, money, and headaches down the road when it comes to shipping your products to market in the United States. You can do plenty of research on your own, but you’ll want to take extra precautions to vet the companies that you look at so that you choose the one that’s going to be the best fit for your business. Start by doing these seven things before hiring any China sourcing agent . . .

DO Your Research

It is important to do your research before hiring a China sourcing agent. You need to make sure that they have the skills and resources needed to get the job done, as well as how much it will cost. You also want to be certain that they are trustworthy so that you don’t end up with false products or an empty warehouse.

DON’T Skip the Reference Check

Reference checking is the most important part of hiring a China sourcing company. It will take time, but it is worth it. There are many reasons why you should do this. First, you will find out if they are the right fit for your company. Second, you can find out if they have experience with other companies who have had similar needs to yours. Third, you can see what their past clients have said about them.

DO Consider Their Industry Expertise

It is important to consider their industry expertise when evaluating their China sourcing company. For example, if you need help with electronics manufacturing, then you would want to work with an agent that specializes in electronics manufacturing.

DON’T Overlook Cost

Don’t overlook the cost! China sourcing companies are not cheap and generally do not offer volume discounts. If you’re looking to purchase in higher volumes, then you’ll want to work with a company that specializes in manufacturing for high-volume buyers. The good news is, these companies usually have better prices than other suppliers because they work exclusively with big brands. 

A china sourcing agent can help you find the best China supplier for your needs.

DO Assess Cultural Fit

Find out if the China sourcing company is committed to your culture, not just theirs. It’s important to find out how much the China sourcing agent invests in your success.

DON’T Forget about Communication

Communication is important for any business, but it’s especially critical when working with a China sourcing company. You need to be able to communicate your needs, your budget, and any changes that need to be made quickly in order to avoid delays or mistakes. If you don’t speak Chinese or have someone who can, you may want to find an agent that can help with language barriers.

DO Consider Long-Term Value

Assessing the China sourcing company or China sourcing agent based on short-term costs is not going to help you make the best decision. If you decide to sign with the first person that comes along, you might find yourself in a bad situation down the road. Once your relationship has been established, it can be hard to break away from that company. Evaluate your options carefully when choosing your China sourcing company or China sourcing agent.