Procurement Agency Guide

Today, sourcing agents play an increasingly important role in managing international supply chains. In this blog, I sort out 5 buyers’ most concerned and confused questions about sourcing agents and give you the most objective answers. Be sure to spend 2 minutes reading this before you work with a sourcing agent!

What is a sourcing agent？

A sourcing agent is a person or company that helps buyers find suppliers and source products as needed—like a real estate agent, they connect you with resources, negotiate deals, and handle the details to simplify the process and reduce risks.

Sourcing products from China may seem straightforward, but it’s actually complex and full of unexpected issues, from sampling to quality control and product delivery to your place. When problems pop up, it’s always a headache. That’s where sourcing agents step in to save you time and hassle, providing a more cost-effective, efficient experience.

What does a sourcing agent do?

Now in China, there are many buying agents available. Their services basically fall into 2 types.

One-stop sourcing services

Middle and large sourcing companies with experienced teams manage every step, including dealing with Chinese suppliers, price negotiation, sampling, quality inspections, logistics, customization, and new product development. 

Sourcing companies with at least 40 staff can handle such comprehensive service. For instance, JingSourcing has grown from a 40-person team in 2015 to 170+ to ensure top-quality service for every client order.

Especially when improving existing products or developing new items, sourcing companies must have a deep understanding of the product and rich customization experiences. If not, you might find the sample revised many times, yet still far from the result you want. Months can pass with little real progress on the project. This delays your schedule for the new product launch.