Guides to sourcing from China
Plain-English guides for buyers: what sourcing agents cost, how to place a small first order, how to audit a factory, how AQL inspections work, and who does what between your agent and your freight forwarder.
By the Sino Vorex team · Updated
How much does a China sourcing agent cost?
Most China sourcing agents charge a commission of roughly 5–10% of the order value, a flat fee per project, or a monthly retainer. Factory audits and inspections are usually priced per person-day on site. The total cost matters less than what is included and whether the agent is paid only by you.
Sourcing from China as a small business: low MOQs and first orders
Small businesses can source from China by choosing products that use standard materials, accepting stock designs or simple customisation for a first order, negotiating a trial order above the factory's real break-even point, and paying for a pre-shipment inspection before the balance.
Factory audit checklist for China suppliers
A factory audit in China checks five things: that the company is legally registered as described, that it makes your product on site, that it has the capacity for your order, that it controls quality, and that its track record and certificates can be verified. Use the checklist below before paying a deposit.
Pre-shipment inspection and AQL explained
A pre-shipment inspection checks a random sample of finished, packed goods before you pay the balance. The sample size and pass/fail limits come from ISO 2859-1 (AQL). For example, a lot of 3,000 units at General Inspection Level II means inspecting 125 units; at AQL 2.5 the lot passes with up to 7 major defects.
Freight forwarder vs sourcing agent: who does what?
A sourcing agent works on the buying side: finding suppliers, checking factories and goods, and managing production. A freight forwarder works on the shipping side: booking transport, preparing transport documents and arranging customs clearance. Most importers need both, and the handover between them happens at the factory or the port.