2026 checklist: choose a China sourcing agent (France / Europe)

What this checklist is for

You are evaluating a China sourcing agent from France or Europe. This is a practical scorecard — not vendor hype. Read it alongside our pillar page: China sourcing agents in France — full guide.

Block A — Economics and neutrality

• How are you charged (retainer, time & materials, milestone, success fee)?
• Is any compensation paid by the factory? If yes, how much and in what form?
• Is the factory quote traceable (line items, approved revisions, change log)?
• Who contracts with the factory: you, the agent, or a third entity?

If transparency is refused, treat it as a material risk. See sourcing transparency and fees and risk models.

Block B — Field presence and execution

• Where are operational teams based (cities, offices, subcontracted inspectors)?
• How many visits/inspections are planned for a typical flow (sample, pre-production, inline, final, loading)?
• What is the response time if a critical defect appears on the line?
• Do you receive dated reports with photos, videos, and measurements — not only chat messages?

A fully remote agent may work for tiny, low-risk buys; it is rarely enough for recurring volume or sensitive categories. WEMADE runs Shanghai and Hangzhou hubs to keep operational pressure where production happens.

Block C — Quality and acceptance criteria

• How is the golden sample defined (dimensions, finishes, colors, packaging tolerances)?
• What inspection logic is used (AQL, 100% checks on critical attributes, special tests)? See AQL in China.
• If a lot is borderline or failed: rework, sorting, rerun, stop-ship — who decides and how fast?
• When should final payment happen relative to the inspection report?

Cross-check with quality control in China so your vocabulary matches your agent's process.

Block D — Product competence and references

• Has the agent delivered comparable categories, volumes, and compliance constraints?
• Can you speak with a reference client on a similar case (even anonymized)?
• How are IP, tooling, and molds handled when applicable?

Block E — Contract and exit

• Scope, deliverables, duration, termination, handover of files and supplier contacts.
• NDA / confidentiality and reasonable non-solicitation.
• Written transparency on any factory-side compensation.

Red flags

Heavy upfront deposits without written quality criteria; systematic refusal of visits or independent inspections; “too good” pricing with no line-item explanation; no paper trail; zero-defect promises with no method.

Next step

Book a free 20-minute import audit to validate feasibility, risks, and next steps with WEMADE.