China Sourcing Agent Fees: What Amazon Sellers Really Pay in 2025
Most China sourcing agents charge either 5–8% commission on FOB value for orders $5k+ or flat fees from $800 for smaller batches, but the real cost depends on what’s included versus what you’ll pay extra. We price transparently with itemized quotes that show exactly where your money goes, and we reply within one business day to any sourcing inquiry.
What Sourcing Agent Fees Cover (and What They Don’t)
Understanding what’s included in your agent’s base fee versus what costs extra prevents budget surprises and scope creep down the line.
Pricing shown are working ranges based on recent projects. Actual quotes vary by product, complexity, volume, and season.
What we include by default: supplier outreach and vetting, RFQ management across multiple factories, price negotiations, contract terms review, document translation (specs, certifications), timeline management, and quality gates before you pay any supplier deposits.
What’s separate unless bundled: third-party lab testing, factory audits requiring travel, inspection day fees, FBA prep tasks like labeling and bagging (labels per Amazon barcode & FNSKU labeling requirements), and domestic trucking to ports or warehouses.
Included vs Add-Ons
| Line item | Included by us? | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplier sourcing & RFQs | ✓ Included | N/A | Core service |
| Price negotiation | ✓ Included | N/A | Up to 3 rounds |
| Document translation | ✓ Included | N/A | Specs, certs, contracts |
| Timeline management | ✓ Included | N/A | Production tracking |
| Quality gates pre-deposit | ✓ Included | N/A | Basic spec review |
| AQL inspection days | Add-on | $280–$450/day | ISO 2859-1 standard |
| Lab testing (safety, compliance) | Add-on | $800–$3,200 | Varies by category |
| FBA prep (labeling, bagging) | Add-on | $0.15–$4.00/unit | Depends on complexity |
| Sample shipping (courier) | Add-on | $45–$180 | DHL/FedEx rates |
| Domestic trucking | Add-on | $180–$650 | Factory to port/warehouse |
Commission vs Flat Fee vs Hybrid
Your order size, product complexity, and relationship timeline determine which fee model makes most sense for both parties.
Pricing shown are working ranges based on recent projects. Actual quotes vary by product, complexity, volume, and season.
Fee Models Comparison
| Model | When it fits | Pros | Cons | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commission (5–8%) | Orders $10k+ FOB, standard products | Scales with value, agent invested in savings | Higher absolute cost on big orders | 5–8% of FOB |
| Flat ($800+) | Smaller batches, test orders, complex RFQs | Predictable cost, good for trials | May not scale for large orders | $800–$2,400 |
| Hybrid (reduced % + fixed) | Large orders, ongoing partnership | Lower % rate, covers base work | More complex billing | 2–4% + $600–$1,200 |
| Retainer for multi-RFQs | Category research, multiple suppliers | Covers exploratory work | Requires commitment upfront | $1,200–$3,500/month |
How to Compare Quotes Apples-to-Apples
- [ ] Confirm what’s included/excluded — Ask for line-by-line breakdown of base fee vs add-ons
- [ ] Identify minimums, breakpoints, and success criteria — Know fee thresholds and performance metrics
- [ ] Ask for change-order rules to prevent scope creep — Get written policies on spec changes, additional suppliers
- [ ] Request an itemized landed-cost view — See total FOB → door/fulfillment center breakdown
Is 5–10% Reasonable? Real-World Ranges
Higher purchase orders typically trend toward lower percentage fees because the absolute dollar value provides sufficient margin for agents. Complex categories requiring extensive customization, compliance testing, or multi-supplier coordination may warrant hybrid pricing that covers base work regardless of order size.
The 10%+ range usually signals either very small orders, highly specialized products requiring significant agent time investment, or agents who bundle services like quality control and logistics that others charge separately.
Pricing shown are working ranges based on recent projects. Actual quotes vary by product, complexity, volume, and season.
Illustrative Fee Ladder by PO Size
| PO size (FOB) | Typical model | Indicative fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5k–$10k | Flat | $800–$1,200 | Test orders, simple products |
| $10k–$30k | Commission | 5–7% ($500–$2,100) | Sweet spot for commission model |
| $30k–$75k | Commission/Hybrid | 4–6% ($1,200–$4,500) | Volume discounts apply |
| $75k+ | Hybrid/Cap | Negotiated | Custom terms, relationship pricing |
Sample Itemized Quote (Sanitized)
Here’s how costs break down for a real product category, showing our sourcing fee alongside related services you might need. Transport costs vary significantly by routing and timing—see our AGL vs forwarder comparison for freight forwarder vs Amazon Global Logistics trade-offs.
Pricing shown are working ranges based on recent projects. Actual quotes vary by product, complexity, volume, and season.
Example: Category X, 1,200 units, FOB $24,000
| Cost line | Qty/Rate | Est. total |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing agent fee (6%) | 6% of $24,000 FOB | $1,440 |
| AQL inspection (2 days) | 2 days × $350/day | $700 |
| Sample shipping (DHL) | 3 rounds × $65 avg | $195 |
| FBA prep (labeling, bagging) | 1,200 units × $0.85 | $1,020 |
| Domestic trucking | Factory → Shenzhen port | $420 |
| International freight | 40ft container (chosen via AGL or forwarder; lane-specific) | $3,200–$4,800 |
| Sourcing-related subtotal | $3,775 | |
| Total landed (mid-range freight) | $31,775 |
Note: International freight varies by season, port congestion, and routing. FOB (Incoterms 2020 overview) above excludes customs duties, destination handling, and final-mile delivery to Amazon fulfillment centers.
Negotiating Fees Without Burning Bridges
Smart negotiation focuses on value trades rather than just pushing for lower rates, which helps maintain good working relationships for future orders.
Trade scope for rate: Accept fewer supplier candidates or handle some coordination tasks yourself in exchange for a reduced percentage. For example, if you’re willing to review only 2-3 supplier options instead of 5-6, many agents will reduce their fee by 0.5–1%.
Bundle inspections or prep for better overall quote: Combining quality control, FBA prep, and logistics under one provider often yields 10–15% savings versus managing separate vendors, plus simplifies communication and timeline management.
Commit to multi-PO roadmaps for tiered pricing: Agents offer better rates when they see volume commitment over 6-12 months. A $50k total commitment might unlock hybrid pricing that saves $1,000+ compared to per-order commission rates.
Downloadable: Simple RFQ/RFP fields list — Use this template to gather product spec, MOQs, target FOB, compliance requirements, timeline, and inspection plan details for accurate quotes.
FAQs
Why do some China sourcing agents charge over 10% commission?
Sourcing agents may charge over 10% commission for small orders under $5,000 FOB, highly customized products, or full-service packages. These premium services often include quality control, compliance testing, and logistics management that other agents bill separately. Higher rates reflect the added time, expertise, and risk involved.
Can part of a sourcing agent’s fee be success-based?
Yes, some sourcing agents offer success-based fee structures tied to achieving target FOB prices or delivery timelines. However, most prefer flat fees or predictable commission models. Success-based agreements work best for long-term partnerships rather than one-time projects, as they require trust and ongoing collaboration.
Should I pay my sourcing agent in USD or RMB?
Paying in USD offers protection from currency fluctuations but may include a 2–3% markup. Paying in RMB can be cheaper but carries exchange rate risk. Most experienced China sourcing agents accept both currencies and will clearly outline currency conversion policies before payment.
How do I avoid double-paying for product inspections?
To avoid duplicate inspection costs, clarify whether your agent’s fee covers basic quality checks (such as reviewing samples and factory photos) or if full AQL inspections are billed separately. Many agents bundle light quality control into their base fee but charge extra for on-site inspections following Amazon FBA standards.
What is the minimum order or fee for a China sourcing agent?
Flat-fee sourcing services often start from $800–$1,000 USD, while commission-based agents usually require $5,000+ FOB orders to be cost-effective. Some agents accept smaller test orders but apply higher percentage rates to cover costs.
How are sample and courier shipping fees handled?
Most sourcing agents charge sample costs (typically $50–$300 per supplier) and courier fees (around $45–$180 per shipment) separately from their sourcing fees. Some include one free sample round for orders above a certain value, so always confirm terms in advance.
Ready for a Transparent Quote?
Share your product specification, target FOB price, and order quantity with us for an itemized quote that breaks down sourcing fees and related costs with no surprises. We reply within one business day to help you make informed sourcing decisions.
Get a Quote / Talk on WhatsApp — We’ll show you exactly what’s included in our 5–8% commission or flat fee options, plus provide realistic ranges for inspections, prep, and logistics to complete your landed cost picture.
Related Resources:
- FBA sourcing from China guide — Complete hub for Amazon sellers
- Sourcing agent vs Alibaba/1688 — When to use each approach
- FBA prep pricing in China — Labeling, bagging, and prep service costs
External References:
- Amazon barcode & FNSKU labeling requirements — Official FBA prep guidelines
- Amazon packaging/box weight rules — FBA prep standards
- Incoterms 2020 overview — Trade terms and responsibilities
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