Question 1

How much does a traditional sourcing agent in India cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary, but most India sourcing agents work on one of two models. Some charge a monthly retainer (typically $500 to $3,000+ depending on scope and seniority). Others take a commission of 5–10% on each order value. A few combine both, charging a smaller retainer plus a reduced commission. You may also encounter per-project flat fees for one-off sourcing tasks. These costs add up quickly, especially on large or recurring orders.

Question 2

What exactly does a sourcing agent do compared to a concierge like Sauda?

Accepted Answer

A traditional sourcing agent identifies suppliers, negotiates prices, may visit factories, manages samples, and sometimes oversees quality control and shipping. A free concierge like Sauda handles the early, high-effort stages: finding relevant factories, verifying each one through GST filings and returns, calling them directly, negotiating on your behalf, and delivering the cheapest verified live quotes within 24 hours. The key difference is cost. Sauda is free for buyers, while an agent charges retainers or commissions.

Question 3

Is Sauda really free? How does it make money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sauda is completely free for buyers. It earns from the supplier side, so there is no retainer, no commission on your order, and no hidden fee. You send your sourcing requirement on WhatsApp, and Sauda finds, verifies, calls, and negotiates with Indian factories on your behalf. You receive the cheapest verified quotes within 24 hours without paying anything.

Question 4

How does Sauda verify suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Sauda checks each supplier's GST filings and GST returns before presenting a quote. This confirms that the factory is a real, tax-compliant business rather than a broker or shell entity. It is a practical layer of due diligence that most buyers cannot easily do on their own, especially when evaluating multiple suppliers at once.

Question 5

When is a paid sourcing agent still worth hiring?

Accepted Answer

A hands-on sourcing agent is worth the cost when you need services beyond finding and quoting. If you require regular factory audits, on-the-ground quality inspections during production, help managing logistics and customs, or a local representative who visits your supplier weekly, a paid agent adds real value. For the initial stages of finding verified suppliers and getting competitive pricing, a free concierge like Sauda can save you thousands of dollars and hours of effort. Many buyers use Sauda first to shortlist suppliers and negotiate pricing, then bring in a paid agent only if ongoing physical oversight is needed.

Question 6

Can I use Sauda alongside platforms like IndiaMART or TradeIndia?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Platforms like IndiaMART, TradeIndia, and JustDial are large supplier directories where you can browse listings and contact factories yourself. They are useful for initial research. Sauda complements them by doing the legwork for you: it finds suppliers, verifies their GST compliance, calls them, negotiates, and returns quotes within 24 hours. If you have already found a few suppliers on IndiaMART, you can still message Sauda on WhatsApp with your requirement to see if it can surface better-verified options or lower prices.

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