For years, I've watched Australian businesses get burned the same way. They find a sourcing agent, get quoted a nice-sounding "5% commission", and assume they've found a cost-effective solution. Then the invoices start rolling in — and that 5% has quietly ballooned to something much, much
For years, I've watched Australian businesses get burned the same way. They find a sourcing agent, get quoted a nice-sounding "5% commission", and assume they've found a cost-effective solution. Then the invoices start rolling in — and that 5% has quietly ballooned to something much, much higher once you factor in factory kickbacks, handling fees, inspection charges, and all the other line items nobody mentioned upfront.
If you've ever wondered how much a sourcing agent actually costs in Australia, this guide is for you. I'm going to break down every pricing model in the market, explain what's typically included (and what's not), flag the hidden costs you need to watch for, and show you how transparent, flat-fee sourcing compares to commission-based models. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what fair looks like — and what a red flag smells like.
Let's get into it.
Before we talk dollars, it's worth understanding what you're paying for. A sourcing agent acts as your representative on the ground in Asia — typically China or Vietnam — to help you find verified manufacturers, negotiate pricing, manage quality control, coordinate sampling, and handle the logistics of getting products from factory floor to Australian shores.
For Aussie businesses importing from China or Vietnam, a good sourcing agent is the difference between a smooth supply chain and a nightmare of delayed shipments, substandard products, and communication breakdowns. The right agent has factory relationships, speaks the language, knows the market, and protects your interests throughout the entire process.
The wrong one? They might be working for the manufacturer just as much as they're working for you.
Which brings us to the pricing question.
The most common model — and the most problematic. Commission-based sourcing agents charge a percentage of your total order value. On paper, this sounds simple: the agent quotes 5–10%, you pay that on top of your manufacturing cost, done.
In reality, the risks are significant.
Most commission-based agents earn additional income from the factories they recommend — a practice known as "factory kickbacks." Manufacturers will sometimes inflate their quoted price to the sourcing agent, who then marks it up further before presenting it to you. According to industry data, advertised commissions of 5–10% can effectively translate to actual costs of 20–25% when factory-side arrangements are factored in.
The core problem: a commission-based agent has a financial incentive to recommend the factories that pay them the most, not necessarily the ones best suited to your product.
Typical commission rates:
These figures don't include additional charges for inspections, sampling, document handling, or communication services — all of which can be itemised separately.
A flat fee model means you pay a fixed amount for a defined scope of work — regardless of what your order ends up costing. This is widely considered the most transparent and business-friendly structure because your sourcing costs are predictable, and your agent has no incentive to steer you towards more expensive factories.
Flat fees vary considerably depending on the complexity of your project:
In Australia, Epic Sourcing's transparent pricing operates on this model — flat fees per project tier, with a clearly stated order managing fee that never changes based on who's manufacturing.
For businesses with ongoing importing needs, a monthly retainer model can be the most cost-effective option. Rather than engaging an agent project-by-project, you pay a set monthly fee for continuous support — supplier management, order tracking, QC coordination, freight management, and strategic supply chain input.
This works particularly well for businesses placing multiple orders per year or managing several product lines simultaneously.
Some agents and agencies also offer hourly consulting or one-off services — useful if you only need help with a specific problem: negotiating a contract, getting a supplier verified, or troubleshooting a QC issue. Rates typically range from $80 to $150 per hour AUD for experienced consultants.
One of the biggest gotchas in sourcing agent pricing is the gap between what's "included" in the fee and what gets charged separately. Here's what to ask about upfront:
Usually included in packaged fees:
Often charged separately:
Always ask for a fully itemised scope before signing anything. A reputable agent will hand you a clear document outlining exactly what their fee covers and what falls outside it.
Let me give you the actual numbers for each type of sourcing engagement, based on what legitimate agencies charge in the Australian market in 2026.
If you're looking to source and rebrand an existing factory product — your logo, your packaging, their product — you're looking at the most accessible end of the market. This is commonly called a "Hot Source" or similar entry-level service.
Typical cost: $2,000–$3,000 AUD one-time sourcing fee + 10–15% order managing fee
What you get: Supplier finding, basic verification, sample creation, branded packaging coordination, order tracking
Best for: eCommerce businesses testing a new product line without heavy customisation
At Epic Sourcing, the Hot Source service starts at $2,499 AUD — no minimum order required.
Want to put your own spin on an existing product — different dimensions, materials, colours, or features? This is the mid-tier of sourcing, requiring more factory coordination and a higher level of customisation work.
Typical cost: $4,000–$7,000 AUD + 10–12% order managing fee
What you get: Custom specifications, design support, manufacturer matching, QC coordination, contract negotiation, ongoing order management
Best for: Brands differentiating themselves from generic importers
The Out Source service at Epic Sourcing sits at $4,999 AUD, with a 12% order managing fee and no minimums.
If you're developing a product from scratch — your IP, your design, your manufacturer — expect to invest significantly more. This is complex work that involves prototyping, IP consultation, capability analysis, and multiple production runs before you get to market.
Typical cost: $8,000–$15,000+ AUD
What you get: Full product development from concept through to production, IP consultancy, weekly project management, QC visits, shipping coordination
Best for: Brands building proprietary products with long-term competitive protection
At Epic Sourcing, Secret Source starts from $8,980 AUD — comprehensive end-to-end development with a 10% order managing fee.
For businesses with established products and ongoing importing needs, a monthly supply chain management engagement is often the smarter investment — especially compared to re-engaging a project agent every quarter.
Typical cost: $1,500–$2,500 AUD per month
What you get: Dedicated account manager, full order coordination, supplier management, QC oversight, freight and logistics coordination, strategic supply chain input
Best for: Businesses importing regularly and wanting a professional, in-house-style operation without the headcount
Epic Sourcing's Interim SCM service is priced at $1,799 AUD per month — month-to-month with no lock-in, and zero order commissions.
Not every engagement requires a full sourcing project. Sometimes you just need to verify a supplier before making a significant order, or track down who's actually manufacturing a competing product.
Even with the most transparent agency, there are costs outside the sourcing fee that every importer needs to budget for. These aren't necessarily tricks — they're just real costs of importing — but you need to understand them.
1. Sample costs — Most suppliers charge for samples, typically $50–$500 AUD depending on product complexity. Some agencies will negotiate free or reduced-price samples; others won't.
2. Shipping and freight — Getting products from factory to Australia is a significant cost, and it varies based on volume, urgency, and mode (sea vs. air). Budget this separately from your sourcing fee.
3. Import duties and GST — Australia applies GST to most imports and customs duties depending on the product category and country of origin. Factor in 10% GST plus applicable duty rates.
4. DAFF biosecurity — If you're importing any product that touches biosecurity risk categories (timber, plant material, certain textiles), DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) inspections add time and cost to your arrival process.
5. Compliance and certification — Products sold in Australia often require specific safety certifications, labelling standards, or testing (ACCC requirements, electrical safety, etc.). This is separate from your sourcing fee and can add $500–$5,000+ AUD depending on the product.
Here's the honest answer: flat fee wins, almost every time.
With commission-based pricing, your agent's incentive and your interest are misaligned. They earn more when your order costs more. With flat-fee pricing, the agent's income is fixed — their only incentive is delivering a successful outcome so you come back.
For the agent to justify a commission model to you, they need to convince you they'll save you more than they cost. That's a reasonable argument — but it requires total transparency about where their income is coming from, including factory-side arrangements. Most commission agents aren't that transparent.
The clearest sign of a trustworthy sourcing partner is published pricing — a pricing page you can read before making a single call, with clear scope inclusions and a stated order managing fee that doesn't change based on which factory you use.
For most Australian businesses importing regularly from Asia, the answer is yes — by a wide margin.
A skilled sourcing agent brings:
Compare the cost of a professional sourcing engagement to the cost of one bad batch of products, a delayed container, or a supplier dispute — and the numbers make sense fast.
The key is choosing the right partner. Look for published pricing, a clear service scope, an Australian-based team that speaks your language, and ground-level presence in Asia. And if a sourcing agent can't (or won't) tell you exactly how they get paid? Walk away.
We've helped hundreds of Australian businesses get their products made in China and Vietnam — at prices that actually make sense, with a fee structure you can read before we ever chat.
Whether you're sourcing your first product or managing a multi-category import operation, Epic Sourcing has a solution that fits. No minimums. No hidden fees. No kickbacks.
Give us a bell on 1800 00 EPIC or book a free discovery call — and let's work out exactly what it'll cost to source your products the right way.
Want to go deeper? Grab our free ebook on importing from China — packed with practical advice for Australian importers.
