China Sourcing Agents vs Direct Suppliers (What is Better?)

Introduction

When sourcing from China, you have two main paths: work with a sourcing agent or go directly to a supplier. Both can work — but the right choice depends on your business stage, budget, and growth goals.

In this guide, we’ll compare China sourcing agents vs direct suppliers so you can decide what’s best for your ecommerce brand.

What Is a Sourcing Agent?

A sourcing agent is a middleman who helps you find the right factory, negotiate pricing, manage quality control, and handle logistics. They usually work on commission or flat fee.

See vetted options inside our Premium China Sourcing Agents List.

What Is a Direct Supplier?

A direct supplier is a manufacturer or wholesaler who sells to you without intermediaries. You manage communication, terms, and logistics yourself — often via Alibaba or 1688.

Start here: Ultimate Dropshipping & Wholesale Supplier List.

Pros of Using a Sourcing Agent

• Language & culture barrier removed
• Access to factories not listed publicly
• Custom product development & bundling help
• More hands-off process

Cons of Using a Sourcing Agent

• Added cost (commission or monthly fee)
• Quality depends on the agent’s experience & ethics
• Less control if communication goes through them

Pros of Working Directly with Suppliers

• Lower prices (no middleman fees)
• Direct communication = faster decisions
• Great if you’re experienced or speak Mandarin

Cons of Working Directly

• Harder to vet factories
• Language and cultural barriers
• Time-consuming, especially if you’re scaling

When Should You Use a Sourcing Agent?

• You’re scaling past 20+ orders/day
• You want to brand, bundle, or customize products
• You don’t want to manage 5+ factory conversations manually

When Should You Go Direct?

• You’re just testing a new product
• You’re comfortable with DIY negotiation and vetting
• You want to learn the process hands-on

Final Thoughts

There’s no “best” option — only what fits your current strategy. Sourcing agents are great for scale and branding. Direct suppliers work well for lean testing and early-stage stores.

Need reliable options now? Browse our Sourcing Agents List or Wholesale Supplier List and start sourcing smarter today.