How much does a sourcing agent in China charge?

By I&R Group, Jiaxing. Reviewed October 2, 2026.

Sourcing agents in China usually charge either a commission on the order value, commonly between 5% and 10%, or a fixed fee per project. Ask for the fee in writing before you order, and ask whether the agent also receives commissions from the factories it recommends, because that changes which factory you end up with.

• Commission on order value: simple, but it grows with the price you pay.
• Fixed fee per project: you know the cost upfront and the agent has no reason to push a more expensive factory.
• Hidden factory commissions: ask directly; a vague answer is a warning sign.
• At I&R Group you see the factory's own quote and pay one fee agreed in writing before you order.