What is a sourcing agent?

A sourcing agent is a licensed intermediary who identifies, inspects and negotiates with suppliers on behalf of a buyer. For international trade between North America and West Africa, a sourcing agent verifies units, handles export documentation, arranges shipping and manages customs clearance so the buyer never has to travel or transact directly with an unknown seller.

How much do sourcing agents charge?

Rates typically fall into three structures: a flat per-unit brokerage fee ($350–$1,500 depending on unit type), a commission of 3–8% of the landed value, or a retainer plus success fee for multi-unit fleet sourcing. Vehicles and light equipment sit at the flat-fee end; industrial and mining machinery, where negotiation savings are larger, are usually commission-based.

Do sourcing agents save money compared to buying direct?

In almost every real case, yes. Verified supplier access, pre-shipment inspection, and consolidated shipping typically save 8–20% of the total landed cost — well above the agent fee — and eliminate the risk of paying for a unit that never arrives or arrives in worse condition than the listing.

Resources

Guides for African importers.

Practical articles on sourcing, inspection, shipping and customs — written by our brokerage team.

Buying Guide

Sourcing agent fees & service costs, explained

Flat fee vs commission — what sourcing agents actually charge to broker vehicles and heavy equipment from North America to West Africa, and why the fee pays for itself.

Read the guide