Introduction
Hiring a sourcing agent can streamline your entire ecommerce operation — but only if you ask the right questions first. Don’t get blinded by fast replies or cheap rates.
Here are the top 5 questions to ask a sourcing agent before hiring — and why each one matters.
1. “What Products and Niches Do You Specialize In?”
Not all agents are equal. Some are great with fashion; others with tech or kitchen tools. You want someone who already works with your type of product.
Why it matters: They’ll source faster, negotiate better, and spot red flags you won’t see.
2. “Do You Work With Factories Directly or Through Brokers?”
Agents who work directly with manufacturers offer better pricing, control, and quality. Those who go through brokers add cost and potential confusion.
Look for: Direct relationships and factory visits.
3. “Can You Help With Branding, Inserts, and Custom Packaging?”
Branding is key in 2025. If your agent can manage labels, inserts, boxes, and custom bundles — you can stand out while others drop-ship generics.
Tip: Ask for photos or past branding work they’ve done.
4. “What’s Your Typical Turnaround Time From Order to Shipment?”
You want reliability — not vague timelines. Good agents give specific average lead times, not just “it depends.” This is critical when scaling.
Follow-up: Ask about their Chinese New Year and holiday planning process too.
5. “How Do You Handle Returns, Damaged Items, or Supplier Errors?”
Things go wrong. Great agents have clear, written processes for solving issues quickly. Bad ones blame the factory or disappear when problems come.
Pro tip: Ask for a recent example and how they handled it.
Bonus: Use a Pre-Vetted Agent List
Want to skip risky hires? Use our Premium Sourcing Agents List to connect with trusted agents used by ecommerce sellers worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Ask better questions, get better results. A sourcing agent isn’t just a vendor — they’re a growth partner. Use these questions to find someone who’s ready to help you win.
Start with confidence: hire smarter using our verified sourcing agents and get it right from day one.
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