The global economy has made importing and exporting goods and services much easier than it was a few decades ago, but there are still challenges associated with finding the right trade partner or supplier to bring your products to market. This is when a sourcing agent comes into the play. A good sourcing agent can help your importing business successful. If you’re just starting out, you might not know what to look for in a sourcing agent, or where to even begin your search. Here are some tips that can help you find the right china sourcing agent Australia for your business.
Know What You’re Looking For
Before you even think about finding a sourcing agent, it’s important to understand what exactly you need from one. This way, you’ll have a better idea of how much time and effort you should put into your search. Ask yourself: How many suppliers do I need? What type of products do I need sourced? What price range am I looking in? And what will my current financial constraints be when working with an agent? These are all things to take into consideration before your search even begins.
Do Your Research
With any business decision, it’s important to do your homework. In addition to asking around and networking with other companies that have used sourcing agents in the past, you should be sure to speak with more than one firm before making a decision. Many sourcing firms will offer free consultation calls so you can get a feel for what they’re like over the phone and figure out if they’re a good fit for your company.
Talk To Peers
Looking for an agent is hard, especially because many of us aren’t exactly sure what we’re looking for. A good place to start your search is by talking to friends who are sourcing agents and other small business owners about their experiences. Chances are, you can get a lot of insider info from some personal introductions and phone calls. What kind of personality do they have? Do they charge fees up front or upon completion? What’s their overall process like?
Ask Questions
Get to know your product sourcing agent by asking all of your questions. A sourcing agent is a new contact, and it’s important that you feel comfortable about what you’re getting into. It doesn’t hurt to take an extra day or two (or even a week) before making a decision. And don’t be afraid to ask for references from other clients. You want someone who will be available when you need them, so make sure they have experience with small businesses like yours!
Reputation of the Sourcing Agent
The best sourcing agents have been in business for a long time and have earned positive reviews from their clients. Don’t be afraid to do some digging into whether or not your potential agent is one of these, search through LinkedIn, ask around, and check out Yelp. You should also read any reviews you can find of your candidate before approaching them to make sure they seem like a good fit.
The author is a reputed sourcing agent committed to offering fully customised sourcing solutions to reduce costs and minimise hassle. Visit https://www.epicsourcing.com.au for more details.