China Sourcing, 1688 & Shipping FAQ

What is a China sourcing agent?

A sourcing agent helps overseas buyers communicate with suppliers, check costs, arrange payment, receive goods, inspect, consolidate, and ship from China.

Do I need one?

If you cannot easily pay suppliers, speak Chinese, verify details, or manage multi-supplier shipments, an agent can reduce friction and mistakes.

Can you buy from 1688?

We can first review the product links and clarify supplier terms. The legal buyer, payment route and receiving arrangement must be confirmed before purchase.

What is your minimum order value?

Order feasibility depends on supplier MOQ, product risk and responsible service scope. Any fee or minimum must be confirmed in writing.

How do I pay?

Do not send funds until the contracting, invoicing, receiving and supplier-payment entities and refund terms are confirmed in writing.

Do you inspect every product?

No inspection scope should be assumed. Define product risk, sample/check method, responsible provider and acceptance criteria before ordering.

Can you ship to Amazon FBA?

FBA preparation and shipping depend on product, destination, seller requirements and a confirmed responsible provider.

Can I use my own forwarder?

A forwarder handover can be planned after the receiving entity, carton data, documents and responsibility split are confirmed.

How long does sourcing take?

Supplier confirmation timing depends on the supplier and the reviewed request. Purchase, domestic delivery, checking, and international transit depend on suppliers and route.

Can you take over from my current agent?

A transition can only be assessed after inventory ownership, supplier records, access, receiving location and responsibility are verified.

What if products arrive damaged?

We document visible issues and help communicate with suppliers while goods are still in China, where resolution is easier.

Can you source from photos only?

Yes. Photos, specs, target price, quantity, and destination help us search more accurately.

Can you source products outside the categories shown?

Yes. The categories shown are examples, not limits. If the product is legal and a suitable supply chain can be identified, send the specifications, quantity, destination and compliance requirements for review.

FAQ for sourcing from China with CSAH