Sourcing Agents: What Do They Do & How to Find Them
If you are in the process of developing a new product, it’s likely that you’re going to need the services of a manufacturing company at some point down the road. Finding the right manufacturing partner doesn’t just happen overnight; it requires research and the proper know-how, especially for those doing it for the first time.
The task of finding a dependable manufacturing company for a new product may become even trickier when venturing overseas. Due to a lack of experience, you may not have the connections or contacts to get the right partner to create MANUFACTURE your goods. That is where sourcing agents come in. Sourcing agents have the right skills and experience to help connect you with the best manufacturing partner to create your product. Read on to learn more about sourcing agents, their area of specialization, and where to find them.
Understanding Sourcing Agents
Whether you need to create a sustainable supply chain locally or internationally, every manufacturing project needs someone to develop the product concept and negotiate favorable terms on their behalf. That someone is a sourcing agent.
A sourcing agent will oversee and help manage the actual production process. This person is on hand to help sort out issues related to quality control while ensuring that the final products are shipped to you on time. Not everyone venturing into the world of manufacturing has the time, skills, or experience necessary to be able to do this on their own.
Similarly, it can be a significant financial hurdle to overcome if you’re trying to navigate it all yourself. Utilizing in-house resources to source and manufacture could strip you of your resources pretty quickly, not to mention the wasted expenses you may incur from common mistakes and figuring things out on the job. A sourcing agent is here to help you bypass all of that. Sourcing agents’ roles are intended to help companies save time, money, effort, and manpower as they secure a reliable manufacturer for a product. The sourcing agent will efficiently locate a great factory, help out with production negotiations, and be on hand to help with shortcomings that come up.
How to Find a Great Sourcing Agent
The secret to a seamless product manufacturing process is to choose a good sourcing agent. There is no one correct way to tell if a sourcing agent is transparent or not. Nonetheless, several steps can lead you to the right candidate. One of them is to use referrals from other companies who have used the same channel to get to manufacturers. Aside from that, make sure you have a list of questions prepared ahead of time. Ask things like who undertakes the control and quality inspections, find out information about material sourcing, and even request testimonials or a track record of their previous successes. Evaluating a potential sourcing agent means learning all about product quality and delivery time so you feel adequately prepared when it’s time to make a decision.
Strive to Find the Right Sourcing Agent
The success of your new product is tied to the people you partner with. Sourcing agents can be an invaluable addition to your team as they can help connect you to the right factory that will create your product. Take time to vet the right candidate for the position to avoid being exploited or ending up with low-quality products that will flop when introduced to the market. Speak with us here at East West Basics for dependable sourcing agent services. We have a wealth of experience in sourcing and manufacturing, WITH 3 regional offices and a team of over 50 members on the ground” in China. NEW SENTENCE along with close working relationships with over 500 companies that will easily meet your manufacturing needs.