The conflict of interest nobody talks about
In China sourcing, the standard model is: the agent quotes you a fee of around 5% — and separately receives a commission from the factory, commonly in the range of 15–20% of order value, invisible to you. In that model the agent earns more when your unit price is higher, which is exactly backwards.
That is why buyers on public forums keep asking the same question: “how do I find an agent who is not just chasing commission?”
We earn only one way: a disclosed service fee, paid by you. We do not earn from suppliers, not in cash, not in kind.
Six rules we hold ourselves to
- We are paid by the buyer only. We accept no fee, kickback, rebate, gift, meal, travel or entertainment from any supplier, agent or factory. Any breach entitles the client to terminate immediately and reclaim all fees paid.
- We show you the real numbers. The factory's original quotation is shared with you (redacted if commercially sensitive); our fee is a separate, visible line item.
- We never handle your money. No deposits, no “we'll pay the factory for you”, no advances. Funds flow between you and the factory, or through your platform.
- We do not guarantee quality. Inspection is sampling-based and we report what we find, with evidence. If we cannot see it, we say so.
- We recommend at least three options and explain the differences — including when the cheapest option is the right one.
- We do not serve your competitors. Within the same product line we work exclusively, and we say so in the contract.
What you can demand from us
- Written confirmation of these rules as part of the service agreement.
- Copies of original supplier quotations and the redaction logic.
- Sampling sheets, photo IDs, calibration data and raw notes on request.
- Our source of income declared in writing — a single, disclosed fee.
- The right to terminate if any rule is breached.
If a sourcing agent cannot put these commitments in writing, treat that as your answer.