How Overseas Buyers Work with Procurement Agents
Many overseas buyers feel a bit confused when they try to work with a procurement agent for the first time: What’s the process like? What needs to be done? What does the agent handle? A clear workflow helps build mutual trust. In this article, we will introduce the standard procedure we work with our clients, which may help you know what to expect.
Stage 1. Pre-Arrival Preparation
We understand a careful planning means a lot to a successful sourcing trip. We try to gather some details of the products you intend to purchase and prepare suppliers that may be suitable. We would also recommend some hotels to you, and help you arrange reliable airport pickup services if needed.
What’s more important is that we would engage in a deep communication with you to ensure you have an efficient trip.
Stage 2. Brief Face-to-Face Communication
We would arrange a brief face-to-face talk in our office after you arrive in China. During this session, we would provide a detailed overview of our service and gain a comprehensive understanding of your sourcing requirements, including the quality and budgets.
We will confirm the itinerary with you during the meeting to ensure the visit is a success.
Stage 3. Factory or Showroom Visit
This is the most essential part of the procurement journey. Our staff will accompany you to visit the shortlisted suppliers based on our preliminary discussions, being with you every step of the way and providing communication support to create an effective conversation.
During the visit, we’ll take detailed notes and pictures of the items you’re interested in. All the information will be organized later and delivered to you to help finalize your product selections and place the order with confidence.
Stage 4: Getting Your Order Started
We’ll get started with your order after you have picked the factory and decided on the items. Our team will go over all the important details of the products with you, like product specifications, quantity, price, packaging, and delivery schedule. And we put it together in a list to send to you for order confirmation.
Once everything is approved, we’ll place the order with the suppliers on your behalf, negotiating the best possible terms and protecting your interests.
Stage 5: Quality Control
We stay actively involved once the production begins, and check at key stages. Our staff in charge of quality inspection will examine the critical aspects like materials, color accuracy, dimensions, craftsmanship, and packaging. And we provide photos, videos, and the necessary test reports to help guarantee the products you receive are up to your expectations.
When you have approved the goods and set the balance, we’ll move on to arrange export customs clearance, booking cargo space, and container loading so that your shipment departs as scheduled. We will track your cargo’s journey and keep you informed.
Our service doesn’t end here. If any issue comes up after you get the goods, we’ll be here to try and resolve it for you quickly and effectively.
We’re committed to making your sourcing trip effective and pleasant from the very first preparation to the arrival of the goods. Wherever you are, you have a clear idea of the process of your order. Feel free to reach out for further assistance.
  
