How many years have you run your Yiwu sourcing service, and which product categories do you specialize in?

Key check: Prioritize teams with 3+ years of on-site Yiwu experience. Confirm deep expertise matching your goods (home goods, toys, jewelry, hardware, holiday gifts, etc.). Avoid general agents with no niche industry track record.

Which services are covered in your agency fee? Are there any undisclosed extra charges?

Key check: Request a full breakdown of included services: product sourcing, price negotiation, sample arrangement, full-cycle QC, cargo consolidation, warehousing and export paperwork. Confirm tiered commission rates (typically 1%–5% of order value) and zero hidden surcharges for follow-up photos, video updates or standard documentation.

What process do you use to vet suppliers and eliminate middlemen or untrustworthy manufacturers?

Key check: Ask about their supplier audit standards: factory on-site visits, business license validation and historical order performance reviews. Reputable agents maintain an established network of verified direct factories to cut out resellers and overpriced stalls.

What complete quality control protocols do you conduct for every order?

Key check: Confirm three-stage inspection coverage: pre-production raw material checks, mid-production random sampling and final pre-shipment inspection. Verify they supply photo/video inspection reports and coordinate factory rework for defective items before cargo loads.

Are you able to consolidate goods from multiple vendors? What are your warehousing policies?

Key check: Confirm mixed LCL/FCL consolidation support. Clarify the length of complimentary storage, over-storage surcharges and safety protocols to protect your inventory while waiting for shipment.

What communication channels and update frequency will you offer throughout the order lifecycle?

Key check: Confirm primary contact tools (WhatsApp, email, live video) and fixed update schedules (daily urgent briefings or weekly production summaries). Timely visual updates eliminate costly information gaps and miscommunication.

What payment terms do you provide, and how do you manage client funds?

Key check: Clarify standard deposit percentage, full payment timeline and fund distribution workflow to individual suppliers. Get written liability terms for production delays or supplier breaches caused after fund disbursement.

Can you prepare all official export documents and complete China export customs clearance?

Key check: Confirm they issue full compliant paperwork: commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin and other certification files. Proper document handling avoids customs holds and shipment delays.

What solutions will you provide if issues arise — such as production delays or defective finished goods?

Key check: Evaluate their after-problem accountability. Professional agents actively negotiate factory rework, adjusted lead times or partial compensation instead of passing all blame onto manufacturers.

Can you share testimonials or contact references from your past overseas importer clients?

Key check: Request real case studies or verifiable client referrals. You may cross-check with former partners to validate their service efficiency, transparency and reliability.