Another question often asked by importers is whether they should deal directly with the manufacturer (actual producer of the products) or whether they should go through an agent or trading company. The pros and cons for the buyer are detailed below:

Factory

Pros: 

• Lower cost by going straight to the source
• Better chance of communicating your product requirements, especially if you have custom needs

Cons:

• Possible lack of exporting experience
• May insist on MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
• May not be able to handle the exporting paperwork and /or logistics

Trading Company

Pros: 

• Can handle a multitude of different products and requests
• Can usually avoid MOQ
• Can usually do quality inspection on your behalf
• Can arrange paperwork and/or logistics

Cons:

• Cost maybe be higher
• Not as familiar with specific product questions

Related Articles and Discussions

• Is it really cheaper to buy directly from the manufacturer or through an agent? [ 1 2 ]
• Who are the main players in the trade business?
• Finding suitable suppliers through discovery