Finding the right product is easy. Finding the right person to help you buy it from China—without headaches—is the real challenge?

Finding a supplier is just one step. Turning that supplier into a trusted partner who delivers the right goods, on time, every time—that’s the hard part.

A good sourcing agent is not just a middleman. They are your partner in quality, communication, and logistics.

I’ve worked with many Filipino e-commerce entrepreneurs trying to scale their business with Chinese suppliers. What I’ve seen is: a good sourcing agent can make or break your product launch. Let me share what I’ve learned—and help you choose wisely.

What does a sourcing agent do exactly?

Many people think sourcing agents just help you find cheaper suppliers. That’s only a small part of the job.

A professional sourcing agent helps with supplier research, factory communication, quality inspection, logistics, and even compliance support.

Their real job is more than just finding factories

Let’s break it down.

Many agents also provide customized packaging, product photography, labeling, and bundling—especially for e-commerce and Amazon FBA sellers.

A good sourcing agent doesn’t just go “Let me ask the factory.” They understand the product. They solve the problem.

If you’re sourcing something like perfume bottles, they should know PET or glass is better than metal to avoid chemical reactions. They shouldn’t just offer shiny metal bottles because they look good.

Why work with a sourcing agent in China instead of sourcing alone?

Alibaba gives you access to thousands of suppliers—but no guarantee of what you’ll get.

Working with a sourcing agent saves you from trial and error by adding professional experience and localized knowledge into your supply chain.

Risks when sourcing alone

Quality control is a big deal. Many sourcing agents offer pre-production, during-production, and pre-shipment inspections to catch issues before they escalate¹.

The good agents also help new sellers or startups, often with low or no MOQ requirements—making it easier to test new product ideas².

A sourcing agent—especially one who understands your destination country—is a huge asset. They don’t just source; they guide you around the landmines.

How to evaluate a good sourcing agent?

It’s not just about how many factories they know—it’s about how well they understand your product and market.

Ask if they’ve sourced this type of product before. A good agent will give you multiple supplier options and offer insights—not just a quote.

My checklist before working with any agent:

1. Category experience
   I ask: “Have you sourced this kind of product before?” If they have, things move faster and smoother. They know the details.

2. Are they solving or forwarding?
   I avoid agents who always say “I’ll ask the factory.” They should know enough to answer basic questions themselves.

3. Do they understand export compliance?
   Exporting to the Philippines is not like exporting to the US or Europe. For example, the customs process in Davao is different from Manila. A qualified agent should know that.

4. Sensitive goods knowledge
   If I’m shipping battery products, they must help prepare the MSDS, UN38.3, and dangerous goods certificate. If they don’t even mention these, that’s a red flag.

5. Quotation format
   I expect multiple options with specs, photos, MOQ, and pros and cons—not just one Excel with a price.

6. Response speed
   I pay attention to how quickly they reply. Some agents respond in 2–3 hours, even after office hours. Some disappear for days. That’s a sign of how the rest of the project will go.

7. Transparent pricing
   Most sourcing agents charge around 5–10% of the order value. Good ones explain clearly what’s included. Bigger orders usually mean lower commission³.

My experience working with sourcing agents

Over the years, I’ve worked with sourcing agents for all kinds of consumer goods—from beauty products, to fitness equipment, to small industrial machines.

The best agents are not the ones with the biggest brand. They’re the ones who show up, solve problems, and understand your market.

My key lessons

• Choose people, not company names.
  I’ve worked with well-known sourcing companies, but if the individual project manager is slow or careless, it’s still a bad experience.

• Focus on outcome, not promises.
  Some agents make amazing promises. But what matters is the supplier they recommend, the quality of options, and how they handle problems.

• Structure payments wisely.
  I often suggest: pay a small portion upfront, then balance after the work is delivered. This keeps everyone responsible.

• Ask about packaging, export limitations, labeling.
  I once had a client ship aluminum spray cans, not knowing it was restricted. We had to rework the entire shipment.

Be careful with risky shipments

For some product types, shipping is not simple:

• Forbidden items: Vape, certain spray cans, lithium batteries without proper docs can’t be shipped.
• Battery products: You need MSDS, UN38.3, and dangerous goods certification. They must go in DG containers with legal clearance.
• Avoid under-declaration and “冲货”: Many agents in the market still take risks to save costs. These shortcuts are not worth it.

Top 10 sourcing agents in China

Let me share 10 agents I’ve either worked with or researched deeply. They all bring different strengths—from furniture to e-commerce, industrial goods to Amazon FBA prep.

These agents help with consumer products, private label, and global sourcing—many also support Philippines import requirements.

These agents understand that local product knowledge, transparent processes, and strong communication are key. Avoid those without credentials or with vague pricing.

Conclusion

Don’t just find a sourcing agent—find one who understands your product, your country, and your risk tolerance.