China Sourcing FAQs – Your Questions, Answered
Navigating the world of procurement from China can be complex. We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about theprocurement process, working with a sourcing agent, and more. Can’t find your answer?
Your service sounds great, but how do you actually make money? What are your fees?
We believe in 100% transparency. Our business model is service-based, not reliant on hidden markups. We offer two clear fee structures: a fixed project fee or a percentage-based commission on the total order value. We provide a detailed quotation for our services upfront, so you know exactly what you’re paying for before we begin. Our sole focus is on securing the best price and quality for you, not on getting kickbacks from factories.
How are you different from a traditional trading company or just finding a supplier myself on Alibaba?
The key difference is alignment of interest. We act exclusively on your behalf as your sourcing agent. Unlike a trading company that may add a high margin, or Alibaba where you face risks of dealing with unverified sellers, we focus on risk mitigation and cost reduction. We provide on-the-ground verification, expert negotiation, and independent quality control. We save you time, reduce your risks, and often our service fee is covered by the cost savings we achieve for you.
Can you guarantee the protection of my intellectual property (IP)?
Absolutely. Protecting your IP is a top priority. We have a stringent process that includes signing Non-Disclosure, Non-Use, and Non-Circumvention (NNN) agreements with all potential suppliers before sharing any sensitive design information. We help you build a legal framework in China to protect your valuable assets.
What is your supplier vetting process? How do I know they are a reliable factory?
Our vetting process is multi-layered. It starts with screening for business licenses, export history, and certifications (like ISO 9001). We then conduct our own remote or on-site audits to assess their real production capacity, quality control systems, and social compliance. We provide you with a detailed audit report, complete with photos and videos, so you can make an informed decision.
I have a custom product design. Can you help me find a factory for OEM/ODM manufacturing?
Yes, this is our specialty. We excel at matching innovative product designs with capable OEM/ODM manufacturers. We’ll manage the entire journey from prototype development and tooling to mass production, ensuring the factory accurately executes your vision.
How do you manage communication with suppliers to avoid misunderstandings?
We bridge the language and cultural gap. Our bilingual project managers are experts in communicating technical specifications and commercial terms clearly and concisely. We document everything in writing and hold regular update meetings, ensuring you are always in the loop and that there are no “lost in translation” errors.
What specific quality control measures do you implement before shipment, and what is our recourse if we find significant quality issues upon delivery?
This is exactly the scenario our rigorous QC process is designed to prevent. We conduct pre-shipment inspections (PSI) before the final balance payment is made. If defects are found, we coordinate with the factory for rework or replacement at their cost. You approve the inspection report before the goods ever leave China, giving you maximum leverage and peace of mind.
Can you find a supplier who offers a lower MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)?
Yes, this is a common request and one of our value-adds. While every factory has its limits, we leverage our network and negotiation skills to find factories that are more flexible or to negotiate a lower MOQ for a trial order. We help startups and small businesses get their foot in the door.
Do you handle shipping, customs, and import duties?
We manage the entire logistics chain. We work with reliable freight forwarders to provide competitive quotes for air and sea freight. We ensure all shipping documents are correctly prepared for a smooth customs clearance process. While you are responsible for the final import duties in your country, we provide guidance to ensure there are no surprises.
If you would like to know more about us, please check out About Us!
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