China sourcing agents: what they cost and when you need one

Bottom line up front: agents pay for themselves when your orders are under their minimum, your category is new to you, or you're splitting one order across factories.

What a sourcing agent actually does

Scope boundary: what's in the service (sourcing, QC, logistics) and what's not (product development, customs brokerage).

Three fee models: commission (3–10%), monthly retainer, hidden margin

How each model is priced, when it's honest, and the red flags of a "free" agent who takes a spread.

How to choose one (and interview questions)

What to ask in a first call, what answers should disqualify someone, and what to refuse to pay for up front.

When you should NOT use an agent

Order sizes and category types where direct factory relationships beat agent fees.

FAQ

Are sourcing agents worth it for first orders? Usually yes — see the decision logic in "When you should NOT use one".

What should I expect to pay? The 3–10% commission model, with retainer ranges, in the fee models section.

First: verify the agent itself with our supplier checklist →