What a China Sourcing Agent Really Costs
Commission, flat fees, hidden markups and warehouse charges — how sourcing agents are paid and what a fair price looks like.
Asking an agent "what do you charge?" gets you an answer about their commission. The number that matters is your total landed cost per unit. Here's how the pieces fit together.
Common fee models
| Model | Typical range | Works best for |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of order value | 5–10% (higher on small orders) | Repeat orders, larger volumes |
| Flat fee per supplier search | $20–100 per product | Finding and comparing suppliers before you buy |
| Monthly retainer | $300+ per month | Brands with ongoing orders and QC |
| "Free" sourcing | 0% stated | Be careful — usually paid through markup |
Where the hidden costs live
- Price markup. An agent quotes you ¥30 while paying the factory ¥26. Ask for the supplier's original listing or invoice.
- Exchange rate spread. Compare their RMB/USD rate against the mid-market rate on the day.
- Warehouse fees. Storage is often free for 30–90 days, then charged per cubic metre.
- Repacking and labelling. FBA labels, polybags and bundling are usually billed per unit.
- Freight margin. Agents often resell freight at a profit. That's fine if it's disclosed and competitive.
Questions to ask before hiring one
- Will you show me the original supplier link or invoice?
- What exactly does your fee cover — search, negotiation, QC, consolidation?
- How do you inspect goods, and do I get photos of my actual units?
- What happens if goods arrive defective?
- Which freight options do you offer and can I bring my own forwarder?
A fair benchmark
For a small business importing $1,000–5,000 at a time, a transparent agent charging 5–8% plus actual costs, with photo QC included, is a reasonable deal. If someone charges nothing, you are paying somewhere else.
Want a second pair of eyes on your suppliers?
We search 1688 and Alibaba in Chinese, compare 3–5 suppliers, check their business licences and store records, and estimate your landed cost — all in one clear report.
See how it works
We search 1688 and Alibaba in Chinese, compare 3–5 suppliers, check their business licences and store records, and estimate your landed cost — all in one clear report.
See how it works
More guides
- How to Buy from 1688 When You Don't Live in China
- Shipping from China: Express, Air, Sea and Rail Compared
- How to Verify a Chinese Supplier Before You Pay
- Alibaba vs 1688 vs AliExpress: Which One Should You Use?
- How to Calculate Landed Cost for Imported Products
- Negotiating with Chinese Suppliers Without Burning the Relationship
- How to Inspect Quality on a Chinese Order Before You Pay the Balance
- Incoterms for Small Importers: FOB, CIF, and DDP Explained Simply