A product sourcing agent helps a buyer identify, evaluate and coordinate suppliers for specified products. The agent may operate in the supplier market and assist with communication, samples, negotiation, inspections and logistics preparation.
Which services can a sourcing agent provide?
- Supplier discovery and initial screening
- Request-for-quotation coordination
- Sample and specification follow-up
- Commercial negotiation support
- Factory visits and inspection coordination
- Production and shipment communication
Sourcing agent vs. trading company
An agent is generally expected to act for the buyer under an agreed fee or commission. A trading company may buy and resell goods as the contracting supplier. The buyer should know who earns margin, issues the invoice and holds responsibility.
How is the agent paid?
Models include fixed project fees, retainers, disclosed commissions or percentages of order value. Supplier-paid compensation can create conflicts and should be disclosed.
What should a buyer verify?
Check legal identity, local presence, category experience, references, conflicts, data handling and the evidence behind supplier claims. A factory introduction is not a completed qualification.
What belongs in the agreement?
Define scope, deliverables, fees, confidentiality, non-circumvention, conflicts, supplier communications, record ownership and liability. State that supplier payments require separate buyer approval.
