A Good China Agent Ensures a Good Transaction

Exporting products from China can be a highly lucrative business, but it’s also very complicated, full of potential problems. Although some importers negotiate deals without outside help, the transaction can be time-consuming and risky. For those reasons, many buyers use an international trade company – such as Sino-Trade Rescue (STR), GlobalSource or TradeKey – to help with the export components of the transaction

These companies provide experienced China agents who can lend assistance to buyers in all facets of the import export trade business, helping to manage the process from sourcing to final delivery. Although their expertise lies in Chinese export licensing, protocols and policies, the companies can also provide consulting help with importing issues.

A qualified sourcing agent in China is an invaluable part of any trade. Finding companies that manufacture the desired product is obviously important but getting verified and detailed information about these companies is even more important.

Not all China manufacturers are reputable and not all of them will provide the best price or quality. Some may even try to scam prospective buyers. Any reputable international trade company will investigate a manufacturer before recommending it as a partner. Here are some of the steps that are generally taken to ensure a quality transaction:

Obtaining References

The China agent working for you will obtain references (and contact information) from the manufacturer. These should be buyers who have completed successful transactions with the manufacturer. The agent will then contact the references to confirm that the manufacturer is legitimate and reputable.

Some firms, like Sino-Trade Rescue, will do a comprehensive background assessment of the supplier, checking business and tax records, and making sure the manufacturer is properly licensed.

Third-party verification

The international trade company will send an agent to visit the supplier in person, taking photographs, gathering information and compiling a detailed China Supplier Verification report. Hiring a China sourcing agent to undertake this task is a worthwhile investment that can stave off many potential problems.

Product documentation

With any import export trade transaction, it’s essential that the manufacturer provide documents that ensure adequate quality control and safety standards. A China agent, familiar with this type of documentation, knows exactly what to ask for and what the paperwork should cover. Any reputable manufacturer will be happy to comply with this request.


Agencies may provide information and point you in the right direction, but Sino-Trade Rescue (STR) agents are International Trade Consultants. They manage all aspects of a China export transaction. STR specializes in "rescuing" import export transactions that have encountered problems in their latter stages.