Hiring a sourcing agent should make buying from China easier.
But it can also create a difficult question:
Who is the agent really working for?
If an agent is paid by the buyer and also receives an undisclosed commission from the supplier, there can be a conflict of interest.
At Vonson Trade, we believe the answer should be simple.
The buyer pays the sourcing agent. The sourcing agent works for the buyer.
How Hidden Commissions Can Create Problems
Imagine a factory quotes:
$10 per unit
The sourcing agent tells you the price is:
$11 per unit
If the additional $1 is an undisclosed commission, you may never know the actual factory price.
The problem isn’t only the extra cost.
You also don’t know whether the agent is recommending that supplier because it’s the best option for you—or because the supplier pays the agent more.
A Transparent Alternative
A transparent sourcing model separates the two relationships.
The supplier provides its quotation.
The sourcing agent charges a clearly stated service fee.
The buyer can see the supplier information and understand what they’re paying for the sourcing service.
This makes the economics much easier to understand.
You Should Know Who Makes Your Product
Supplier identity matters.
Knowing the manufacturer allows you to understand:
- Who produces the goods
- Where they are manufactured
- What their capabilities are
- Whether they are a factory or trading company
- What their MOQ is
- What their production capacity is
- What their export experience looks like
We don’t believe that introducing a supplier should automatically mean hiding that supplier from the client.
The Client Pays the Supplier Directly
Vonson Trade generally does not buy products from the factory and resell them to clients.
Instead, the client pays the supplier directly according to the agreed commercial terms.
This creates greater visibility into the transaction and keeps the supplier relationship clear.
Transparency Doesn’t Mean Zero Risk
It’s important to be realistic.
Even with supplier verification, samples, inspections, and transparent pricing, international sourcing still carries risks.
Suppliers can experience production problems.
Shipping can be delayed.
Products can have defects.
Tariffs and import rules can change.
Markets can move.
No sourcing company can eliminate every risk.
The goal is to identify risks early, make them visible, and give the buyer better information for making decisions.
What Should a Sourcing Agent Tell You?
Before engaging an agent, ask:
How are you paid?
The answer should be clear.
Do you receive commissions from suppliers?
If yes, ask how those commissions affect the quotation and your relationship.
Will I know the supplier’s identity?
Understand whether you will have visibility into the manufacturer.
Who pays the factory?
Know whether you are purchasing directly or through the agent.
What exactly does your fee include?
Get the scope in writing.
What costs are separate?
Ask about samples, inspections, freight, customs, tariffs, testing, and other third-party expenses.
These questions can prevent misunderstandings later.
Our No-Kickback Commitment
Vonson Trade does not accept undisclosed supplier commissions, kickbacks, rebates, or referral payments for recommending suppliers.
Our clients pay us for our sourcing services.
Third-party costs are identified separately where applicable.
We believe a sourcing partner should have a straightforward financial relationship with the person they’re representing.
The Goal Is Better Buying Decisions
Transparency isn’t about promising that every supplier will be perfect.
It’s about making sure you have enough information to make a sensible decision.
You should know:
Who you’re buying from.
What the supplier charges.
What your sourcing partner charges.
What additional costs may apply.
What risks still exist.
That’s the foundation of how we approach China sourcing at Vonson Trade.
Ready to Source More Transparently?
If you’re considering importing a physical product from China, tell us what you’re looking for.
We’ll help you understand the sourcing process, potential supplier options, and the level of support your project may require.