How Much Does a China Sourcing Agent Charge? Fee Models Compared
Most China sourcing agents charge in one of four ways: a percentage of the order, a fixed fee per task, a markup hidden in the product price, or a retainer. The percentage model is the most common for small and mid-size orders. Published percentage fees usually sit between about 5% and 10% of the goods value, often with a minimum fee per order. Richitoo charges 3% of the goods value, minimum US$49, and quotes one all-in price delivered to your door.
1. Percentage of the order (commission)
The agent takes a share of the goods value, usually falling as the order grows. Published examples include a tiered scale from 10% on small orders down to 6% above US$20,000 with a flat fee under US$1,000, and a flat 5% with a US$100 minimum for buyers who bring their own suppliers.
Watch for: what the percentage includes. Supplier search, negotiation, follow-up and basic quality checks may be included, while inspection reports, samples, warehousing and shipping are often charged on top.
2. Fixed fee per task
Some agents price each job separately: a supplier search, a factory audit, a pre-shipment inspection. Third-party inspections and audits are commonly listed from around US$300 each.
Good for: buyers who already have suppliers and only need one service. Watch for: several small fees adding up across one order.
3. Markup in the product price (“free sourcing”)
The agent quotes you a unit price that already includes its margin and says the service is free. This is common with dropshipping agents.
Watch for: you cannot see the factory price, so you cannot tell how large the margin is or compare it with another agent.
4. Retainer or monthly fee
Larger importers sometimes pay a monthly fee for a dedicated team. It rarely fits a business placing a few orders a year.
What the fee does not show: the landed cost
A low service fee means little if freight, customs clearance and extra charges arrive later as separate bills. Compare agents on the total cost delivered to your door, not on the headline percentage.
How Richitoo charges
- Service fee: 3% of the goods value, minimum US$49.
- One all-in price: goods, service fee, international freight and customs clearance on one quote, delivered to your door.
- Duties: import duties and local taxes are estimated and listed separately on your quote. Fully duty-paid (DDP) delivery is available on request.
- Extras only if you ask: samples and third-party inspection reports are quoted separately.
- Quotes are free. You pay the 3% service fee only after you approve the quote and place the order. We buy only after your payment is verified and never advance funds.
Worked example
| Goods value | Service fee at 3% | What you pay for the service |
|---|---|---|
| US$1,000 | US$30 | US$49 (minimum) |
| US$2,000 | US$60 | US$60 |
| US$10,000 | US$300 | US$300 |
Freight and customs clearance are added as one door-to-door line in the same quote. Try the price calculator for a rough all-in range, or send your product for an exact quote.
Questions to ask any sourcing agent about fees
- Is the fee a percentage of the goods value, and is there a minimum per order?
- Which services are included, and which are charged separately?
- Will I see the factory price, or only your price?
- Is freight to my door included in the quote, and who handles customs clearance?
- When do I pay the fee: before the quote, after approval, or after delivery?
Sources for published fee examples (checked 2026-10-28): Leeline Sourcing pricing, Jingsourcing pricing, NicheDropshipping.
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