Frequently Asked Questions

99 Q&A about shoe sourcing services, pricing, quality control, production, logistics and more.

Part I: Cooperation Model

15 questions

1What exactly does your footwear sourcing agent do?

We connect you with reliable manufacturers from Jinjiang, Guangzhou, Wenzhou and other regions. We provide one-stop services including factory selection, price comparison, factory audit, order follow-up, quality inspection, shipment and after-sales support.

2What is the difference between a sourcing agent, a trading company and a freight forwarder?

Trading companies earn profits by reselling goods. Freight forwarders only handle logistics. As a sourcing agent, we focus purely on procurement services without marking up product prices.

3Can I use partial services only, such as inspection or factory hunting?

Yes. We offer separate services including factory sourcing, price comparison, sample follow-up, mass production inspection, shipment and after-sales support.

4Is a contract required for cooperation?

Yes. We sign formal contracts to define service scope, fees, quality standards and confidentiality clauses.

5What kind of clients do you serve?

Cross-border e-commerce sellers, overseas brands, wholesalers, supermarkets, Amazon sellers and OEM customers.

6Do you only supply shoes? Can I source bags and accessories together?

We mainly focus on footwear, and can provide one-stop container consolidation for insoles, shoe buckles, socks and other accessories.

7Can you cooperate with my designated factories?

Yes. We conduct factory audits, quality control, order follow-up and inspections for your selected suppliers.

8Can you provide market or price research without placing orders?

Yes. We offer reports on competitor pricing, factory capacity, MOQ and market trends.

9Will the sourcing agent favor factories?

We act solely for buyers' interests. Independent inspections are conducted and unqualified goods are rejected.

10Can you compare quotations from multiple factories?

Yes. We source at least three factories for each style to provide the optimal solution.

11Do you only supply products from Jinjiang?

Jinjiang is our main base for sports and casual shoes. We also work with Guangzhou, Wenzhou and Yiwu factories.

12What is the minimum requirement for new clients?

There is no strict threshold. Sample orders, small trials and bulk orders are all acceptable.

13Is on-site production follow-up available?

On-site inspectors can be arranged for bulk orders with real-time progress updates.

14Is client information confidential?

We sign NDAs. Client information and exclusive designs are strictly protected.

15Can overseas clients cooperate remotely?

Absolutely. Full-process online communication in English is available.

Part II: Pricing and Service Charges

14 questions

16How do you charge for sourcing services?

Three models: 1) 3-8% service fee on order value; 2) fixed service fee; 3) separate charges per service. All fees are transparent.

17Are service fees negotiable?

Tiered discounts apply for long-term bulk cooperation.

18Will you mark up factory prices?

Factory quotations go directly to clients. We only charge service fees.

19Can you help obtain lower factory prices?

With long-term manufacturer relationships, we negotiate better prices and terms.

20What pricing terms do you offer?

EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP and door-to-door all-in prices.

21Why do prices vary from different factories?

Differences in material grade, sole type, craftsmanship and eco-friendly materials.

22Who bears the sample fee?

Usually buyers. Sample fees can be refunded when MOQ is reached.

23Who pays for shipping costs?

Under FOB, buyers cover freight. Under DDP, we handle all logistics.

24Are there any hidden charges?

No. All fees are listed upfront with no surprises.

25How is currency exchange settled?

At real-time or agreed rates, available in RMB or USD.

26Can you negotiate credit terms?

For long-term quality clients, we can assist negotiating credit terms.

27Will consolidation reduce costs?

Consolidation shares freight costs and we coordinate container loading.

28How are mold fees calculated?

New mold fees paid by buyers, waived for large orders. Ownership agreed in advance.

29Can you work with limited budgets?

Yes. We match factories and materials to your budget.

Part III: Samples and Product Development

15 questions

30How long does it take to get samples?

In-stock: 3 days. Custom sports/casual: 21-30 days. Slippers: 14-30 days. Injection-molded: 14-30 days.

31Can you make samples from my designs?

Yes. Provide pictures, physical samples, sizes and material requirements.

32How many revisions are allowed?

1-2 minor revisions are usually free. Major changes may require extra fees.

33Can you provide swatches?

Yes. Swatches of fabrics, mesh and shoe soles are available.

34Will bulk goods differ from samples?

Mass production strictly follows confirmed samples to avoid inconsistency.

35Can you produce test samples?

Yes, via third-party testing or factory self-inspection.

36Can you develop new styles?

We assist with style development, last design, color matching and trend recommendations.

37Will exclusive designs be kept confidential?

NDAs ensure exclusive use of custom lasts for your brand only.

38Who pays for sample shipping?

Usually buyers. DHL, FedEx and SF Express options.

39Can you provide comparative samples?

Yes. We compare samples from multiple manufacturers.

40What is a pre-production sample?

It is produced before mass production. Shipment starts only after your confirmation.

41Can I add logos or custom branding?

Yes. Please provide vector logos for embroidery, printing and heat transfer.

42Can I customize packaging?

Yes. Shoe boxes, hang tags and care labels are all customizable.

43Can you use eco-friendly materials?

Yes. We cooperate with eco-friendly manufacturers and support GRS certification.

44Can bulk orders follow small-batch sampling?

Yes. Mass production starts once samples are approved.

Part IV: MOQ and Production Lead Time

15 questions

45What are the MOQs?

In-stock: 50 pairs. Custom sports/casual: 600 pairs/style/color. Injection-molded: 2400 pairs. Slippers: 2000 pairs.

46Are small trial orders acceptable?

Yes. Small-batch trials are supported for market testing.

47How long is mass production lead time?

Normally 40-60 days depending on shoe style.

48Can orders be produced urgently?

Yes. Priority arrangements can shorten lead time.

49What if production is delayed?

We provide advance warnings and assist in claiming compensation.

50Can goods be shipped in batches?

Yes, phased shipment is available per buyers' requirements.

51Will prices rise in peak seasons?

Prices are locked once orders are signed.

52What if materials are out of stock?

We prepare materials in advance and arrange alternatives.

53Will holidays affect lead time?

Schedules are planned ahead for Spring Festival and National Day.

54How early can capacity be reserved?

1-2 months in advance for peak seasons.

55Are repeat orders faster?

Yes. Mature lasts shorten lead time by 5-10 days.

56Can quantities be adjusted?

Adjustments allowed before mass production starts.

57Can production match sales rhythm?

Yes. Phased production and batch shipment available.

58Can size ratios be customized?

Yes, per your target market size distribution.

59Can factories handle large volumes?

We work with large-scale manufacturers handling tens of thousands of pairs.

Part V: Quality and Inspection

15 questions

60How do you control quality?

Whole-process control: pre-production sample, first-article inspection, mid-production patrol, final inspection.

61What standards do you follow?

Buyer-specified standards, AQL 2.5/4.0, EU/US supermarket standards and DIN wear standards.

62Can third-party inspections be arranged?

Yes. SGS, BV and other third-party inspections are available.

63What are common quality issues?

Degumming, color difference, loose threads, sole breakage, sizing errors and color migration.

64Who takes responsibility for defects?

Factories are liable for rework, reproduction and compensation.

65Can video inspections be done?

Yes. Full inspection photos and videos before delivery.

66How are unqualified products handled?

Rework, reproduction, replacement or discounted shipment per requirements.

67Can flex and wear tests be done?

Yes, via factory self-inspection or third-party testing.

68Do products meet EU/US eco-standards?

We ensure compliance with REACH, CE, azo-free and phthalate-free requirements.

69How do you control sizing accuracy?

Strict last verification and size sampling inspection for bulk goods.

70How do you control color difference?

Same-batch fabrics with unified dyeing and color swatch confirmation.

71How do you handle glue odor?

Eco-friendly glue with ventilation treatment to meet safety standards.

72What if goods differ from samples?

Shipment is rejected and factories must reproduce.

73What is the normal defective rate?

Less than 1% under our strict quality control.

74Can inspection reports be provided?

Yes. Reports with photos and videos issued for every shipment.

Part VI: Logistics, Customs and Tariffs

10 questions

75What shipping methods are available?

FCL/LCL sea freight, air freight, DHL, FedEx and UPS.

76Can DDP door-to-door be provided?

Yes. Including customs clearance, tariffs and last-mile delivery.

77What export documents are required?

Packing list, commercial invoice, contract, customs declaration and inspection certificates.

78How are tariffs calculated?

Based on HS codes of destination countries, including advance estimation of tariffs and VAT.

79Can you help under-declare to avoid tariffs?

We strictly reject under-declaration. Only legal customs clearance is adopted.

80Will goods be detained by customs?

Legitimate declaration and compliant materials minimize detention risks.

81Is tax-included export available?

DDP tax-inclusive shipping available for major EU and US destinations.

82Is consolidated shipment safe?

Yes. Independent packaging and clear shipping marks prevent mix-ups.

83Who handles logistics damage?

Freight forwarders or insurance companies compensate, with our assistance in claims.

84How long does delivery take?

Sea: 25-40 days. Air: 7-15 days. Express: 3-7 days.

Part VII: Payment, Risk and After-Sales

10 questions

85What payment methods are accepted?

T/T, L/C, Western Union and PayPal.

86What is the usual payment ratio?

30% deposit, balance before shipment. Flexible terms for long-term clients.

87What if factories fail after deposit?

Contracts protect buyer interests with deposit supervision.

88What if buyers reject goods after shipment?

Advance agreements minimize risks. Discounted sales or replacement available.

89What is the after-sales warranty?

30-90 day warranty for normal wear. Factories liable for degumming and sole breakage.

90How are after-sales issues handled?

We verify problems and coordinate rework, replacement or compensation.

91Can letters of credit be accepted?

Yes. Bank communication and document risk control assistance available.

92What if factories go bankrupt?

Alternative suppliers arranged and orders dispersed for risk prevention.

93How to avoid exchange rate risks?

Lock exchange rates or settle promptly. Fixed rates available for long-term cooperation.

94How to handle cross-border returns?

Strict quality control reduces return rates. Partial cost coverage negotiated.

Part VIII: Compliance, Copyright and Trends

5 questions

95Can you produce counterfeit shoes?

No. Counterfeit and infringing products are strictly prohibited.

96Can I produce OEM shoes with my brand?

Yes. Custom logos and packaging for legally registered brands.

97Which footwear has high export risks?

Counterfeit shoes, uncertified safety shoes, children's shoes without CE certification.

98What are trending niche products?

Padel shoes, outdoor hiking shoes, functional sports shoes, minimalist casual shoes and recycled footwear.

99What benefits for long-term cooperation?

Priority factory selection, lower fees, new style access, market trends and full-chain services.

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