1.) Why should I source and buy products from China?
China is an attractive, fast growing market with enormous potential. The business environment in China is becoming increasingly open and inviting to foreign companies due to improvements in regulation, growth rate, and infrastructure. Safety standards and quality control, for example, are rapidly improving and are on par with Western production standards. It provides low-cost yet high quality manufacturing services. China’s economic environment is very competitive, ensuring the best price for you. This will in turn help you to lower manufacturing costs and out-perform competitors in your home market. China is also an excellent environment for a company that wishes to develop new products and create new brands with high quality materials and affordable prices.

 

2.) Are there any risks involved in sourcing furniture from China?

The main risks involved in sourcing furniture from a foreign country such as China revolve around differences in culture, language and local practices. There are hundreds of Chinese manufacturing factories, but many provide a low level of service and product quality. We can help to alleviate such risks and ensure that you enjoy the full benefits of sourcing and buying your products in China by providing on-site assessment and in-depth local knowledge, ensuring that you work with only the best suppliers and factories. As your representatives on the ground in China, we can help you avoid the pitfalls faced by many overseas buyers in terms of being cheated and dealing with shady business practices.

3.) Do you manufacture furniture yourselves?
While we are not a manufacturer ourselves, we have do have ten years experience in the manufacturing industry and can use this experience to source suppliers in China who can make high-quality furniture for companies at a low cost. As a buying agent, our job is to research and negotiate with manufacturers in China on behalf of the buyer in order to ensure they get the best deal.

4.) What exactly is a buying agent?
A buying agent is a professional who represents the interests of the buyer in a business transaction and negotiates the best deal possible for the buyer. When negotiating with suppliers, the buying agent will been concerned only with the needs and preferences of their client.

A buying agent such as Freedom Sourcing Agents has extensive experience and knowledge of the manufacturing industry in China, reducing the risk of being cheated or charged unfair prices for supplies and manufacturing. Due to this in-depth knowledge, a buying agent will be able to provide access to suppliers and factories that may not be available to other companies and buyers as well as locating suppliers who will provide the best quality at the lowest price.

5.) Why do I need a buying agent?
Employing the services of a professional buying agent such as Freedom Sourcing Agents will provide you will numerous benefits. With ten years experience doing business in China we have an in-depth knowledge of the local business environment and market practices knowledge which we will use to your advantage. We can guarantee efficient and uncomplicated transactions for your company in China. Engaging in foreign trade and outsourcing is a complicated business, and professional advice will reduce the chance of something going wrong.

Our professional agents can help to overcome language barriers and communication issues with suppliers, provide knowledge of local factory quality and standards of service, and ensure the quality of your products and give on-site feedback. Communication with manufacturers is a vital part of the sourcing process, and a buying and sourcing agent like Freedom Sourcing Agent will facilitate the communication process by providing translation services, local knowledge and personal contact. Having an agent on the ground in China will ensure that you are able to find a high quality factory with a good reputation and excellent service.

6.) What can I expect from my buying agent?
Your sourcing agent is concerned only with your interests and your business. A buying agent like Freedom Sourcing Agent will perform in-depth research into potential manufacturers on your behalf to ensure that you are getting the best deal and the best quality. They will then advise on negotiations with manufacturers in order to produce a fair contract that is beneficial to you.

During the production process, your agent will provide on-site quality reports and a final audit before your products are shipped. Finally your agent will ensure that your products are shipped and arrive on time, helping to lower logistical costs and complications. Once your products arrive at their destination your agent will assist with the customs process, helping you to avoid problems and to lower to tariffs and duties you pay.

Throughout all these dealings your agent should maintain complete transparency in their dealings with the manufacturers and maintain high ethical standards.

7.) What countries do you offer buying services for?
We can offer our services internationally, to companies from all over the world such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and France.

8.) What kind of products can you source?
We can source all kinds of products for you, such as dining room, bedroom, bathroom, living room and study furniture. We can also be of assistance if you wish to have custom furniture made or wish to design your own furniture products, helping you to find a high quality, trustworthy manufacturer in China. Freedom Sourcing Agents is also happy to provide advice on marketing and branding your products. 

9.) What happens after I place an order?
After your order has been placed with the supplier, we will ensure that you are kept fully informed of the progress of your order. We will prepare documentation such as invoices, packing lists and sales contracts. Part of our service is to provide quality control, factory inspection and auditing to ensure that you products are made to highest standard possible. We will also take of export procedures for you and arrange the best shipping and packaging for your products.

10.) I do not speak Chinese. Can you still help me?
Of course. Our buying agents are able to speak both English and Chinese, and translation services can be arranged for you if necessary. Good communication is a very important part of doing business in China, so this is an area in which Freedom Sourcing Agents can be immensely helpful. 

11.) How long will it take for my furniture products to be made?
The length of time taken for items to be produced will depend on the volume and complexity of the product. However, all of the suppliers we find for are guaranteed to complete orders on schedule in the quickest time possible. Remember, speed of production needs to be balanced with the quality of the finished product!

12.) Can I order custom designed furniture?
Absolutely. We offer new product research and development services, and can place orders for the manufacture of customized furniture specific to your needs. We can offer advice on the branding and marketing of your products as well.