What an agent actually does
- Confirms the seller is a real factory or authorised distributor
- Negotiates price and MOQ in Chinese
- Pays the seller in CNY and collects the goods domestically
- Checks the goods before they leave China
- Consolidates multiple sellers into one international shipment
- Prepares export documents and coordinates freight
Typical fees
A common model is 5–10% of the goods value, with a minimum fee per order. Some agents charge a fixed service fee plus transparent freight; others make their margin on freight. Ask for the breakdown before you start.
Be cautious with “free sourcing” offers — the cost is usually recovered in the freight or the product price.
MOQ realities
1688 listings often show a low MOQ, but the real minimum can be higher once colour, size or packaging is customised. Confirm the MOQ for your exact configuration in writing.
For a first order, buying mixed SKUs from one seller is often the fastest way to test demand without committing to a full production run.
When a sourcing agent is worth it
If you are buying more than a few hundred dollars of goods, or more than one SKU, the time saved on supplier checks, payment, consolidation and freight usually exceeds the fee. If you are buying a single low-value item, a parcel forwarder may be simpler.
What to ask before you appoint an agent
- Is the fee based on goods value or total landed cost?
- Is freight quoted at cost, with the forwarder invoice shown?
- What happens if the goods are wrong or damaged?
- How are payments to sellers documented?
- Can I see the inspection report before the balance is released?
Takeaway
A good 1688 agent is transparent about the fee, pays sellers in CNY, checks the goods and consolidates. Expect 5–10% — and ask to see the freight invoice.