FAQs · Yiwu, China
Frequently asked questions
How we work, how we charge, how quality is checked and how your goods reach you. If your question is not here, ask us directly — a person answers, not a form robot.
- 25questions answered below
- 7offices worldwide
- 10+years in Yiwu, China
- 09285183Neshat Trade Ltd, company no.
01 · Getting started
Before the first order
What does a purchasing agent actually do for me?
We act between you and the factories: sourcing and shortlisting suppliers, collecting quotes, negotiating, following production, inspecting the goods, consolidating the shipment and preparing the export documents. You keep the decisions and the supplier relationship; we do the chasing.
What do you need from me to start?
A product description, photo or link, the quantity you expect, your destination market and any quality or packaging requirements. If you already have a sample or a target price, that shortens the process.
Can I start with a small order?
Yes. Many clients test with one product and a limited quantity, then scale to full containers once the supplier and the sample have proved themselves.
Do I need a company in China, or speak Chinese?
No. You buy as an overseas buyer and we handle the factories, the language and the follow-up on your behalf.
Can you work with suppliers I already use?
Yes. We can manage your existing suppliers — following orders, checking quality, consolidating shipments and preparing documents — or benchmark them against alternatives before you commit to a larger volume.
02 · Prices & commission
How we charge
How do you charge for your work?
A flat commission on the order: 7% for private clients, 5% for entrepreneurs, and bespoke terms for partner arrangements. The rate is agreed in writing before we start sourcing.
What is included in the commission?
Sourcing and supplier shortlisting, quote collection, negotiation, sample follow-up, order follow-up, inspection coordination, consolidation of your suppliers into one shipment, and preparation of the export documents.
Are there any other costs?
Costs we do not control — freight, insurance, laboratory tests or third-party inspection fees you request, and bank charges — are billed at cost and itemised separately. The commission itself does not move once agreed.
Do you add a markup to the factory price?
No. The factory price is the price we negotiate for you, and our commission is shown separately on the order. You can see what the supplier is paid.
What currency do I pay in, and on what terms?
Currency and payment arrangements are confirmed in writing for each order, before production starts, so there is no ambiguity later.
03 · Samples & quality
Checking before it ships
How do samples work?
We collect samples from the shortlisted suppliers and tell you the sample cost and lead time with each quotation. In most cases the sample you approve becomes the reference for every later check.
How do you check quality?
Goods are inspected against the sample you approved — during production where possible, and always before shipment — and you receive photos plus a written report you can act on or forward. The full process is set out on our quality control page.
What happens if the goods fail inspection?
The shipment is held and does not leave the factory. You receive the report and photos, the supplier is required to rework or replace the affected quantity, and the goods are re-inspected before release.
Can I use my own inspection company?
Yes. If you or your buyer nominate an agency, we schedule the inspection, prepare the goods for it and attend on your side.
Do you handle private label and packaging?
Yes. Your artwork, labels, barcodes and carton markings are checked against the factory’s output before the run is packed.
04 · Shipping & documents
Getting the goods to you
Can you combine several suppliers into one shipment?
Yes. Consolidation is part of the service — your suppliers’ goods are collected, checked and loaded together so you receive one shipment instead of five.
Can I use my own freight forwarder?
Yes. We can work with the forwarder you already use, or arrange shipping ourselves and quote you the options.
Which documents will I receive?
The commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and the shipping documents your broker or bank requires — plus certificates or test reports where the product or your market calls for them.
Who clears customs in my country?
Import clearance is handled by your broker or your own company as importer of record. We prepare the export side and hand you the documents they will ask for.
How long does shipping take?
It depends on the route, the mode (sea, air or express) and the sailing schedule. We quote realistic transit options with every shipment and update you if a schedule moves.
05 · Working with us
Day to day
How long does an order take?
It depends on the product and the factory’s lead time. You get a realistic schedule with every quotation and updates as production moves, so you can plan your own delivery window.
What if there is a problem after delivery?
Contact us with photos of the affected goods. We go back to the supplier with the evidence and work the claim with you — that is part of why we keep the supplier relationship rather than leaving you to argue on your own.
Will I always speak to the same person?
Yes. You have one main contact who owns your order file from the first brief to the final documents, with the buying, quality and shipping desks working behind them.
Do you only work with large importers?
No. We work with private clients placing their first order, growing businesses buying by the container, and established firms running supplier programmes.
How do I get a quote?
Send the product, the quantity and your destination through the contact form or by email. You get supplier options, a landed cost and a timeline — free.
Still unanswered?
Ask us directly
Tell us what you are buying and what you are unsure about. You will get a straight answer, including when the answer is that we are not the right fit.
- Product questions
- Commission and quotes
- Quality and inspection
- Shipping and documents
- Existing suppliers
Send your question → or email zeng@neshat.ltd
Ready when you are
Send the product, the quantity and your destination. You get supplier options, a landed cost and a timeline — free.
