Frequently asked questions
Common questions about sourcing from Yiwu and China, real prices and agent fees. For the complete steps and tools, see “Buy from Yiwu without traveling”; to have us verify on the ground, from US$29.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my sourcing agent is overcharging me?+
If your agent works for “free,” the supplier usually pays them (commonly 10–15%), hidden in your goods price. The only reliable way to know is to have someone who doesn’t profit from the goods verify the real price.
Do agents take a hidden commission/kickback from the factory?+
Many do. A “zero commission” agent earns a kickback from the supplier instead of a fee from you, hidden in your price.
How do I find the real factory price in China?+
Have it checked in person at the booth/factory. OpenQuote verifies 1 product with 2 real Yiwu suppliers for US$29, with on-site photos/video.
Is the price my agent quotes the real supplier price?+
Not necessarily — it may include hidden markup or a kickback. Check the same item on the ground and the gap shows.
How do I buy from Yiwu without traveling?+
A local person verifies prices, takes photos/video and arranges shipping; you decide remotely, no Chinese needed, from US$29.
How much should a China sourcing agent charge?+
Commission agents commonly take 10–15% (hidden). A transparent alternative is a fixed research fee (from US$29) + an itemised 5% service fee for full handling.
How do I tell a real factory from a trading company?+
30–50% of Alibaba “factories” are traders. Ask for factory photos/video, customization, MOQ and address; the surest check is on site.
How do I verify a supplier and avoid scams before paying?+
Have someone look on site that the factory is real and goods match; re-verify any change of receiving account through a second channel.
Is my Alibaba/1688 price inflated, and how do I get the true wholesale price?+
Online listings are asking prices with traders mixed in. The real deal price needs an on-site check; US$29 checks 2 real suppliers.
Can someone in Yiwu check a supplier’s price in person for me?+
Yes — that’s exactly what OpenQuote does, in Yiwu, for US$29 with on-site proof.
What’s a fair service fee for full order handling?+
We charge a transparent 5% service fee for full handling (inspection/consolidation/follow-up), paid by you and itemised — not hidden in goods, no supplier commission.
How do I get on-site photos or video of a supplier or product?+
Every price check includes dated on-site photos/short video; a more detailed site video is available on request.
Are “free” or “zero commission” sourcing agents actually free?+
Usually not — the supplier pays them, and that cost comes back to you in the goods price. “Free” is often the most expensive.
What’s the cheapest way to get quotes from multiple Yiwu suppliers for one product?+
A US$29 price check: 1 product, real quotes from 2 real suppliers + on-site proof, originals passed unchanged.
How do I switch away from an agent I think is marking up my goods?+
First use US$29 to verify the real price and confirm the gap; supplier contacts are yours, and what you do next is your call.