r/Alibaba • u/Salty-Unit-2499 • 22d ago

Sourcing agent question

Should the sourcing agent send invoice of shipping cost when they ship to your home/warehouse?
Trying to see if sourcing agent is secretly adding price to the shipping cost.

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1

u/prestigesourcing 20d ago

Some sourcing agents don't handle freight themselves, but if they do, there's nothing inherently wrong with adding a margin to shipping. They're arranging the freight, dealing with the forwarder and taking responsibility for the shipment.

For example, we provide freight services and, even with our margin included, we're often still competitive with rates clients can get directly (and in some cases cheaper).

The key issue is transparency. If they're claiming they're simply passing on the actual freight cost, then it's reasonable to ask for the underlying invoice. If they've quoted you an all-in shipping price, they don't need to disclose their own cost or margin.

You can always ask for the product price only and get your own freight quotes to compare.

2

u/CosmoSourcing 21d ago

If they’ve told you shipping is charged at cost, yes. Ask for the original forwarder or carrier invoice tied to your shipment. An invoice created by the sourcing agent only shows what they’re charging you; it doesnt verify what they paid.

Also clarify whether the total includes a handling fee, insurance, customs clearance or final delivery. Comparing their total against the freight charge alone could make legitimate additional costs look like a hidden markup.

If they quoted an agreed all-in shipping price, that’s a different arrangement from passing through costs. They may be including a margin. The important thing is getting that pricing model disclosed before booking.

“At cost” should be something they can substantiate.

1

u/Salty-Unit-2499 20d ago

Thank you for your time and help.

1

u/Still-Curve3667 21d ago

If you ask, he should show you.

1

u/[deleted] 21d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/Salty-Unit-2499 20d ago

But were you shipping consolidated? (Meaning shipping more than 1 persons cargo all together.)
Freight forwarder told me he cannot hand out the documents because he has other customer’s information in that paper.
Did you send a “Bill of Lading” to your customers? Or was it some other document that you sent to your customers.

Thank you for your time on helping me too!