Nowadays, a large number of organizations opt for sourcing operations to reduce their production costs. It also helps business firms to lower the prices of their products and services and thereby, intriguing potential customers. However, the sourcing scenario is not so easy as it may seem. To combat the adverse forces, companies take help from professional sourcing agents. There are various types of sourcing agents available in the market. Before hiring them, organizations have to probe into their professionalism and domain expertise. It will give them an idea of whether the shortlisted sourcing agents fit their job role. Sourcing agents have to possess some qualities like trustworthiness, accountability, quality-focused, etc. They should also maintain cordial relationships with both buyers and suppliers.





Characteristics of a good sourcing agent

The necessary characteristics of a good sourcing agent are listed as follows:

Trustworthiness: It is the first and foremost quality, a sourcing agent must possess. If you are a business owner, will you hire sourcing agents who are not trustworthy in their approach? The answer is no. Considering the upsurge of sourcing operations, many sourcing agents ask for hidden commission. If this is the case, you must not go with these agents.

Besides this, you have to take note of whether your sourcing agent is giving misleading information about suppliers. Professional sourcing agents have tie-ups with reputed suppliers across the globe. Sourcing agents must not hide any supplier information from the buyers. This information comes in the form of employee strength, market performance, registration information, reputation, real business type, product original price, etc.

Quality-focused: This is another quality that sourcing consultants must possess. A sourcing agent should adopt every method so that business firms get in touch with reputed suppliers. Companies are not aware of the economic and political scenario of the sourcing destination. Before hiring a procurement agency, companies must check their official registration details, business type, year of establishment, production capacity, and technical standards.

Accountability: The role of sourcing agents do not end with the transfer. It is his full responsibility to follow up with the production and shipment of goods. If there are problems relating to trouble-shooting, the issue should be resolved by sourcing agents. They must coordinate with suppliers in this regard. A sourcing agent also arranges the returns and refunds that adhere to the terms of the agreement.

Friendly nature: In simplistic terms, sourcing agents must maintain friendly terms with both buyers and suppliers. His approach will be driven by buyers’ interests. When organizations opt for cross-border sourcing, sourcing agents act as bilingual experts. It is the duty of sourcing agents not to hide any information about the suppliers to the buyers. At the same time, they make companies aware of the political and economic scenario of their chosen procurement destination. They should work with buyers to enhance their business ties with the suppliers.

If companies aim success in their sourcing operations, assistance from sourcing agents is a must. With the help of sourcing consultants, companies can formulate their effective sourcing strategies. Seek help from sourcing agents if you want your organization to make footprints in the global arena.