Sourcing glossary
Sourcing agent
Also known as: Buying agent, Purchasing agent, 采购代理, 소싱 에이전트
A person or company in China paid by the buyer to find suppliers, negotiate, place and follow up orders, check quality and arrange shipping on the buyer's behalf.
A sourcing agent works for you, while a trading company sells to you — and that difference should show in how they are paid. Agents typically charge a commission on the order value, a fixed service fee, or both. The main risk is hidden kickbacks from suppliers, so ask for supplier names, original invoices and the right to contact factories directly.
Agree in writing what is included: supplier search, samples, QC visits, consolidation of goods from several suppliers and export paperwork. Read Yiwu sourcing agent fees for how fee models compare.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
Yiwu
How to Buy from the Yiwu Market Without Visiting
How overseas buyers source from Yiwu remotely: agents, video-call booth tours, the Chinagoods platform, consolidation warehouses, payment, QC and the main risks.
Updated 2026-09-10 · 6 min read
Yiwu
Yiwu International Trade City: A Buyer's Guide to the Districts
What each district of Yiwu International Trade City sells, opening hours, the Chinese New Year closure, how to get there and how buying works.
Updated 2026-09-03 · 6 min read
Platforms
How to Buy from 1688.com Outside China: A Step-by-Step Guide
How overseas buyers buy on 1688.com: account and payment options, Chinese and image search, shipping to a China forwarder, agents, and supplier checks.
Updated 2026-09-01 · 6 min read
Part of Yiwu Market.