China Sourcing Agent FAQ: Fees, MOQ, Payment and Shipping
Answers to the questions clients ask us most often about costs, minimum orders, payment, shipping and quality control.
Get a quoteFees and costs
How much do the services cost?
The commission starts at 10% of the goods value and decreases for larger or more complex orders. The bigger the order, the better the supplier price and the shipping savings. For a longer look at how agents charge and how to compare offers, read how much a China sourcing agent costs.
Are there hidden fees?
No. Some services are charged separately, and you see the price before you agree:
- Factory search and a sample ($100–300)
- Inspections
- Certificates
- Logistics
- Branding and custom product development
How can I make my order more cost-effective?
- Order larger quantities, which lowers product and shipping costs
- Use cheaper shipping such as sea freight
- Plan ahead for seasonal demand
Orders and minimums
What are the terms and the minimum order?
- Minimum order value: $2,000
- Bulk orders only: at least 50 units per item
- Exceptions: 10–20 different items from one supplier that total 50+ units, expensive goods and electronics
What products can I source?
We source many categories, including apparel and footwear, lithium batteries, drone components, optical fibre, cosmetics, supplements, packaging, furniture and electronics. Send us your product and we will tell you if we can do it.
Do you do dropshipping?
No. We work with bulk orders only.
Where do you find products?
We use 1688, which lists many of the same items as Alibaba at factory prices, as well as Alibaba and our own base of checked factories.
Can you find a factory and order a sample?
Yes. We charge $100–300, depending on complexity. It covers the search, sample production and timeline management.
Can you help develop a new product?
Yes. We connect you with a suitable factory and manage production so that your requirements are met.
What if I need to cancel or change an order?
Changes and cancellations depend on the stage of the order and on what the factory has already started. Tell your manager as early as possible and we will say what is still possible.
Payment
How does payment work?
Ready-stock goods are paid 100% upfront. Production and customisation are paid 30% upfront and 70% when the goods are ready.
Payment methods:
- Wise, Payoneer or bank transfer
- USDT
- USD or EUR to a European account, which adds 20% to the invoice
Shipping and quality
How does shipping work?
- Air: 7–15 days
- Sea: up to 45 days
- Rail: up to 45 days
The price depends on destination, volume and weight. We offer LCL, FCL and DDP. The step-by-step guide explains these terms.
How do you check the quality of the goods?
We check samples and inspect the batch at the factory before shipment, with photos and video. If there are defects, we settle them with the factory while the goods are still in China.
What support do I get after I place an order?
A manager follows the order through production, shipment and any questions after delivery.
What happens if production or shipping is delayed?
We watch all timelines and tell you about any likely delay. We also work to reduce it and find a fast solution.
Can you help with certificates?
We help prepare the documents for FDA, CPC, ISO and CE when your product and market need them. We do not issue certificates ourselves.
Question not on the list?
Write to us on Telegram or send a request and a manager will answer.