Start with the work you need done
A buying agent can help with specifications, supplier communication and purchasing. A freight forwarder focuses on moving goods. Providers may offer overlapping services, so the name alone does not establish what is included. Ask who places the order, pays the supplier and handles changes before comparing prices.
Already purchased or still choosing products?
If you have already paid a supplier, share the order details, collection address and packing information, then confirm whether receiving and transport are available for that order. If you still need help choosing variants or confirming availability, include those purchasing tasks in your request. Do not assume a shipping quote includes them.
Warehouse arrival is a handover, not dispatch
Before sending goods, confirm the receiving instructions and how each parcel will be matched to your order. Agree who checks quantity and visible condition, follows up on discrepancies and approves consolidation. Arrival at a warehouse alone does not confirm that inspection, packing or international dispatch has been completed.
Compare quotes for the same responsibilities
List purchasing, supplier-to-warehouse transport, basic inspection, packing and international delivery separately. At 1688 Premium the procurement fee is 9%; basic storage, inspection, eligible returns assistance and standard packing have no extra service charge. Ask for a separate quote for extra requirements, and confirm the shipping conditions on the shipping page.
Send your product links, order status and destination when requesting a quote. State whether the goods still need to be purchased or are already with a supplier or warehouse.
Inspection, returns and extra requirements
Basic inspection has no extra service charge. Share any specific inspection requirements before purchasing so the team can confirm the scope.
Eligible returns and exchanges depend on the supplier’s policy. Assistance has no extra service charge, but supplier acceptance is not guaranteed.
Assembly, wooden crating, other extra requirements and customer-requested alternative transport or delivery require a separate quote.
Inspection, returns and extra requirements