How much do China sourcing agents charge?
Updated June 2026 · by OpenQuote, on the ground in Yiwu, China
Commission agents commonly take 10–15% of order value, hidden in your price; “free” agents earn supplier kickbacks; trading companies take a resale margin. All three hide your real cost. The transparent alternative: a fixed research fee (from US$29) + a visible 5% service fee for full handling.
Get the real price · US$29Three fee models — all cost you more
- Commission agent: 10–15% of order value, hidden in the goods price; it grows with every reorder.
- “Free” agent: paid by the supplier via a kickback that comes back to you in the price — and they’re incentivised toward pricier suppliers.
- Trading company: buys from the factory and resells with a margin; the “supplier price” already includes their profit.
Commission vs flat fee: the math
A commission is a percentage, so it scales: a US$10,000 order at 10–15% is US$1,000–US$1,500; across US$100,000 it’s US$10,000–US$15,000. A fixed/transparent fee doesn’t move with the price — so the person checking your price has no incentive to inflate it.
How OpenQuote charges
Research (price check / discovery) = a fixed fee: from US$29 / US$59 / US$99, not tied to order value. Full order handling = a transparent 5% service fee: paid by you, itemised, visible — never hidden in the goods price, and we take nothing from the supplier.
Frequently asked questions
What’s a normal agent fee?+
Commission agents commonly take 3–10% openly, but real cost often lands at 10–15% once hidden markup and supplier kickbacks are included.
Are “free” agents really free?+
Usually not — the supplier pays them, and that cost returns to you in the goods price. “Free” sourcing is often the most expensive.
Commission or flat fee — which is cheaper?+
On larger and repeat orders a transparent fixed/low fee is almost always cheaper than a 10–15% commission, and you can see it.
How does OpenQuote charge?+
Research is a fixed fee (from US$29); full handling is a transparent 5% service fee, paid by you and itemised; no supplier commission, no markup.