Services buying guideLast updated October 2026

Sourcing Agents and Consulting

Someone on the ground who works for you.

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Price level
Mid-range
Top sources
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Sample boards of marble and granite varieties at a stone factory

Photo: USAID Afghanistan, Public domain

Overview

What it is

A sourcing agent works for you on the ground in a producing country: shortlisting quarries and factories, selecting blocks and slabs in person, negotiating, following production, arranging inspection and consolidating shipments from several suppliers.

Consultants add technical advice: which stone fits the specification, what testing is needed, and how to resolve disputes.

Pay
Commission on order value or a fixed fee
Services
Supplier search, slab selection, QC, consolidation
Risk
Conflicts of interest if paid by suppliers too

Applications

Best used for

  • First-time importersAvoid the classic mistakes.
  • Multi-supplier projectsOne point of contact and consolidation.
  • Remote slab selectionLive video selection.
  • Language barriersLocal negotiation.

Hubs

Where to find them

Where the providers cluster, near the quarries, factories and ports that generate the work.

Costs

How it's priced

  • Commonly a few percent of order value, or a fixed monthly or per-project fee.
  • Travel and inspection costs are usually extra.

Usually pays for itself on the first avoided mistake.

Before you order

Buying checklist

  1. 1Put the agent's pay in writing and ask whether they take commissions from suppliers.
  2. 2Get references from buyers in your country.
  3. 3Ask for live video slab selection.
  4. 4Keep contracts and payments direct with the supplier where you can.

Vendor Network

Ready to source sourcing agents and consulting?

Compare verified suppliers, or post an RFQ and let them come to you with quotes.

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Keep reading

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Freight Forwarding and Logistics

Forwarders book containers, clear customs, arrange haulage and insurance, and manage the paperwork from quarry to site.

  • First-time importers
  • Samples and small orders
  • Door-to-door delivery

Best to buy: Feb–May

Read guideSee freight vendors
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Pre-Shipment Inspection

An independent inspector checks sizes, finish, colour and packing at the factory, before you pay the balance.

  • First orders with a new supplier
  • High-value slabs
  • Large project tiles
Budget
Read guideSee inspection vendors
All 8 guides