Many business owners reach out to us with no idea of how much we can actually help. Our latest article explains exactly what we do (it’s probably much more than you think).
Setting up a business is an exciting time. You have spent months or even longer growing your idea from a seed to a sapling, documenting a clear plan and figuring out how to deliver the very best to your target audience.
In many cases, the next step is to start thinking about what you will need to source and where these products will come from. Whether you’re starting a retail business, manufacturing goods or setting up a venue, the reality is that at least some of your supplies will be based overseas.
The challenge comes from not just finding what you need but ensuring you have a reliable supplier who charges a fair price.
But where do you start? And how do you know you’re doing the right things when you have little awareness of industry benchmarks?
If you want to save time and money by getting things right the first time, your best option is to enlist the help of a sourcing agent.
We’re so glad you asked!
A sourcing agent is an expert who helps small to medium-sized businesses to find reliable manufacturers and suitable products in China and other countries.
The benefit of using a sourcing agent is that you get the insights of an industry expert without having to cover the full-time costs of an employee. Your sourcing agent can do the following for you:
We’re not talking about paying someone a few hundred dollars to scour the Alibaba website. Basically, this agent acts as your ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground. They usually have a physical presence in both countries, for example with offices in Sydney and a team that calls China home.
To get started, reach out to a few different sourcing agents to find one who can meet your specific needs. If you are looking to import from China, find someone who is well-connected in this part of the world.
When you’re ready to proceed, your experience will probably look something like this:
Your service may also include a product feasibility assessment and the monitoring of production so any issues can be rapidly resolved.
At Epic Sourcing, we have an epic network of over 1600 suppliers and manufacturers in China. Every provider is thoroughly vetted and we supply validation reports so you know exactly who you're working with.
We also ensure that our suppliers’ factory workers:
Now you know the answer to the question ‘How does sourcing agent work?’, here are five quick reasons to work with one instead of navigating the complex world (and it is literally a whole world) of sourcing products on your own:
Ok, that was six reasons but we can assure you there are many more!
When you’re ready to find out more about how a sourcing agent can work for your business, get in touch with Epic Sourcing.
