How To Find A Reliable China Sourcing Agents

China’s often referred to as the “world’s factory”, and that’s not by accident. It manufactures and sells more goods than any other country in the world, and it’s not even close. But, to be fair, China’s also the world’s most populated country. However, that’s not the main reason they’re at the top of the manufacturing food chain.

Why Is China Known As World’s Factory?

The reason why China is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of both consumer and industrial products is mainly due to its low labor costs. Almost every major company in the world outsources its products from China. It’s just business 101. If you want something done cheap – you go to China. You’ll either set up shop down there, or you’ll start importing the finished products.

However, there is a slight issue with this approach. China is notorious for its mediocre-quality products, as well as the language barrier many have to face. Therefore, many are faced with an almost insurmountable obstacle – how do you find a reliable supplier or business partner.

How To Find A Reliable Supplier In China?

Well, the easiest way would be by hiring a sourcing agent and having them handle the business for you. If you’re not familiar with the practice, just think of a sourcing agent as a business scout. Someone that knows the market you’re trying to tap into. Someone that knows the business practices and the customs of the country you’re looking to outsource from. In this case – China.

But, this method is not without its hardships. Before we can find a reliable supplier or a partner, we must first find out how to find a reliable China sourcing agent. Luckily, you won’t have to find that out on your own because you have us. On that note, here’s how to find reliable a China sourcing agent.

How To Find A Reliable China Sourcing Agent?

Whenever you’re trying to make sure you end up with someone that offers the reliable services you require, you have to do thorough research. In this case, you’ll have to consider quite a few factors, jump through a few hoops, and keep a few things in the back of your head. Here’s how you do it in this instance.

1. Do A Google Search

The best and most efficient way to find a reliable China sourcing agent is through a Google search. This will be your starting point. You probably won’t get far with just a simple search, but this will definitely point you in the right direction.

The problem with a simple Google search is that you will have to look for reliable agents in the sea of not-so-reliable ones. And, considering how many people there are in China, finding a reliable sourcing agent by just randomly picking one out is definitely not the way.

But, it’s a start. From that point on, you’ll do the following.

2. Look For Experience

The easiest way to weed out the bad seeds is by looking at their resume. You can find out a lot about a person just by looking at their resume, and the thing that usually stands out is years of experience. Just like you’d do for any other potential employee, look for sourcing agents with at least five years of experience in the field. Now, if you want the absolute best and most experienced sourcing agents, you’ll probably want to look for agents with at least ten years of experience, according to JustChinaIt.

To be fair, experience isn’t the determining factor, and we are sure that there are some brilliant, up-and-coming sourcing agents, nor are we saying that you shouldn’t give an inexperienced sourcing agent a chance, but you have to remember that if you choose potential over experience – you might end up with close to nothing. It’s a high-risk, high reward situation, so you’ll have to be the one that makes this call.

3. Consider Agencies

Arguably the best way to make sure you end up hiring a reliable sourcing agent is by looking in the right place. In this case, the right place would be a sourcing agency. Sourcing agencies hire and handle a large number of agents, and if you get in touch with a reputable agency, chances are, you’re going to end up with a reputable agent, as well.

But that’s not all there is to it. Sourcing agencies have the ability to allocate a lot more resources into your business or even put a whole team of sourcing agents on your project in order to find you a suitable business opportunity in China. A solo rider can’t do that. So, that’s another thing to keep in mind.

4. Check For References

If you have the means, try and look for a China sourcing agent that comes with stellar references. We understand that this might be tough, but it is possible. You probably know a few guys in your line of work, and they know some people, too. So, all you have to do is ask them for references, and if they don’t have any, they can ask further. Sooner than later, you’ll definitely get in touch with someone that outsources from China, and if anyone could give you a good reference – it’s them.

5. Inquire About The Area Of Expertise

Arguably the most important thing to look for in a reliable sourcing agent is the expertise in the field you’re interested in. What we mean by this is, you could stumble upon an agent with stellar references and years of experience, but if they’re mainly operating in tech and you’re looking for someone in fashion – it’s probably not going to work out.

6. Check For Licence

Finally, you have to ask about a license. China has very strict laws, and under those laws, one can only practice certain types of businesses with proper certification and licensing. So, if you want to be absolutely certain you’re dealing with a reputable, reliable agent – ask them about their license. If they have it, you’re probably in the clear.

Conclusion

Finding a reliable sourcing agent is paramount if you’re intent on working with a Chinese manufacturer, and we truly hope we’ve been able to help you learn how you can find one.