BuyCN Pro"Sourcing agent" gets thrown around a lot. Some are just people who forward your 1688 order and add a markup. Here's what the job looks like when it's done properly — this is my actual workflow.
1. Sourcing & quote (1–2 days)
You send a product photo or a link. I find the item across channels — 1688, Taobao, wholesale markets — compare sellers on price, ratings, and dispatch speed, and send you a firm quote. I reply within 24 hours; the full quote takes 1–2 days (48 hours for 6+ different items). Quotes are free.
2. Purchasing (≈3 days)
You approve and pay in full. I place the orders, in Chinese, with the sellers — including the back-and-forth most foreign buyers never see: confirming stock, specs, and packed dimensions.
3. QC (1–2 days)
Goods arrive to me first, not to you. I check quantity, appearance, basic function, and packaging against what you ordered — see my full QC checklist. If something's wrong, it gets held, returned, or replaced before it ever ships. QC photos available on request.
4. Consolidation & shipping
Items from different sellers are repacked into as few parcels as possible — this is where small-batch buyers save real money on freight (see how consolidation works). Then it ships after your confirmation. Delivery takes 7–15 days depending on the country and channel.
What it costs
My service fee is 15% of the goods value, with a minimum per order ($8 for 1–5 items, $15 for 6–15, $25 for 16+). International shipping is charged at cost — I don't mark it up. First orders carry a one-time handling fee ($10–$30 depending on item count), fully credited against the service fee when the order completes. Full details on the services page.
How to tell a real buyer from a reseller
Ask where they source. If the answer is only "1688," you're talking to a forwarder with a markup. A real buyer works multiple channels, does QC before shipping, and can explain their fee in one sentence. If they can't, walk away.
Frequently asked questions
How is a sourcing agent different from a freight forwarder?
A forwarder moves boxes. A sourcing agent finds the goods, negotiates with sellers, checks quality, and consolidates — the forwarder only enters at the shipping step.
Do I pay the agent or the sellers?
You pay the agent. I handle all seller payments in China, which also means the supplier risk sits with me, not you.
What do you want to import from China?
Message me with pictures or links. I'll reply within 24 hours — your firm quote follows in 1–2 days (48 hours for orders with 6+ different items).