I never set out to become a sourcing agent.
Years ago, I was working as a merchandiser in the garment industry, acting as a bridge between clients and factories. My job was to communicate clients’ requirements clearly, ensure factories followed through, and keep production on track. I’d follow up regularly, flag any issues, suggest solutions, and always let the client make the final call.
In my spare time, I used to write a blog. Nothing fancy, just short posts about my work, some tips, and little things I’d learned along the way. I never expected anyone to actually read them.
But one day, I got an email. It was from someone who had never been to China but was planning a business trip. He told me (years later) that he had found my blog and felt I seemed like someone he could trust. So he reached out.
That’s how our collaboration started, and now, seven or eight years later, we’re still working together. He was the one who unknowingly started my journey as a sourcing agent.
Some time later, I decided to leave my full-time job. To my surprise, not long after, a client from my previous job contacted me and said:
You’re the most reliable person I’ve worked with across all the factories. I really hope you can join our company and work with us again.
His words meant a lot to me. Honestly, I was just trying to do my job well. I think clients were not in China, I tried to be their eyes and ears on the ground. I gave regular updates, followed up with factories, flagged up if any issues and tried to find solutions and let the clients decide and made sure the products were delivered as expected. I didn’t think of this as anything special — just what the job required.
Even though the job wasn’t always easy, I felt at peace with myself. I was doing the right thing.
Though I appreciated his offer, I had already made the decision to continue independently.
Now I continue to serve clients, I work for my clients to their needs. Every case is a little different, but my role often looks like this:
- Help source products or factories in China
- Communicate directly with suppliers and follow up on my clients behalf
- Coordinate production, check quality, and arrange shipping
- Provide regular updates
In short: the client shares what they need, I search and present options, they choose, and I take care of the rest, while keeping them updated every step of the way.
I understood what it felt like to be far away, unsure of what was happening with your order. I knew that clear, honest updates could make all the difference. I’m not just a messenger. I aim to be a partner.
Why I Keep Doing It
Over time, I’ve realized that many people out there do need help buying from China, and how hard it is to find someone truly reliable.
That’s why I take every project seriously. If I agree to help, I’ll do my best to deliver. That’s just who I am.
This work is meaningful to me. I get to help people solve problems, and grow their businesses, all while working honestly and efficiently, on my own terms. And yes, I earn from it too. It’s a job and a livelihood, but one I enjoy deeply.
So… why not keep doing what I love?
If you’re planning to source from China and are looking for someone reliable to help you — I’d love to hear your story too.
Just send me a message. Let’s see where the journey takes us.
