Sourcing Agent Cost Guide (PDF)
What a China sourcing agent really costs — the three fee models, what a transparent 5–8% commission covers, the hidden markups that eat your margin, and the 5 questions to ask before you hire.
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Built from 12 years of real order files, not marketing fluff. Download this guide and compare any quote you receive.
The 3 Fee Models
Transparent commission vs. flat per-order fee vs. hidden factory markup — and which one you can actually trust.
What 5–8% Covers
The exact services usually inside the commission — and the test fees, freight and duties that are not.
Hidden Costs & 5 Questions
The markups and fees that quietly eat your margin, plus the 5 questions that flush them out of a quote.
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Sourcing agent cost FAQ
How much does a China sourcing agent cost?
Most transparent sourcing agents charge a commission of 5-8% of the factory order value. Some charge a flat per-order fee of roughly $150-800, and some hide their cost as a markup on the factory price (often +10-30%). Always ask for the factory price and the fee shown separately.
Is 5-8% commission normal?
Yes. A transparent 5-8% commission is the common range for a full-service sourcing agent that finds factories, negotiates, inspects, follows up production and coordinates shipping. Some do it cheaper but include less; some charge more but add extra services.
What is NOT included in the 5-8%?
Third-party lab test fees, freight and customs duties, the product cost itself, and in rare cases a special inspection add-on. Confirm the full fee schedule in writing before you commit, and clarify who pays bank transfer charges.
How do I avoid hidden fees when hiring an agent?
Ask five things: what's your commission as a %, will you share the factory's original quote, what exactly is included, what's NOT included, and can you give two client references. A transparent agent answers all five clearly.
Do sourcing agents charge before I order?
Some charge a small deposit or retainer before starting, while others are paid at the end. Avoid paying the full commission before the job is done — a common fair structure is a small onboarding or first-order deposit, with the balance on completion.
How do I compare quotes from different agents?
Compare on the same basis: commission % (and whether it caps), what's included (QC, inspection, logistics), what's not, the factory price, and references. Use the comparison table and checklist inside the guide so every quote is apples-to-apples.