Panda UnitedHands-on support from supplier search to shipment readiness
Choose a defined assignment or an ongoing local representation service. Every engagement starts with a written scope, deliverables, reporting method, responsibilities and exclusions.
Supplier sourcing & qualification
Requirements review; supplier search; initial screening; RFQ coordination; quotation comparison; sample coordination; shortlist and recommendation. Deliverable: sourcing report with comparison, evidence, open points and next-step recommendation.
Supplier verification
Registration and identity checks; commercial and manufacturing capability review; site visit when agreed; key equipment/process observations; certificate and reference plausibility checks. This is a risk assessment, not a financial, legal or certification audit.
Samples, production & order follow-up
Technical-question coordination; approval tracking; schedule and milestone follow-up; change and deviation logging; supplier action list; escalation; readiness confirmation before inspection or shipment.
Quality control
Inspection-plan preparation; incoming, during-production or pre-shipment checks where agreed; quantity, appearance, dimensions, functions, packaging and marking checks against approved criteria; photo evidence; non-conformity report and corrective-action follow-up.
Compliance-document coordination
Identify the expected document set with the importer; collect declarations, test reports, labels, manuals and supplier information; check names, models, standards, dates and ratings for consistency; maintain a gap list; coordinate clarifications or laboratory contact when requested.
Required boundary
Panda United does not issue product certification, act as a notified body or replace the European manufacturer/importer’s legal assessment.
Ongoing China desk
A recurring local point of contact for supplier communication, visits, order reviews, action tracking and management reporting. Suitable for companies with several suppliers or regular China purchasing activity.
Engagement formats
| Format | Best for | Commercial basis |
|---|---|---|
| Defined assignment | One supplier, problem, audit, sourcing or inspection. | Fixed fee plus agreed travel/testing costs. |
| Order follow-up | One purchase order from launch to shipment readiness. | Fixed fee or transparent order-related fee with minimum. |
| Monthly China desk | Several suppliers, recurring orders and ongoing representation. | Monthly retainer with agreed included activity and out-of-scope rates. |
Frequently asked questions
What does a China sourcing representative do?
A China sourcing representative works for the buyer on the ground: identifying and assessing suppliers, coordinating quotations and samples, following orders, checking evidence and escalating problems. The exact scope should be agreed in writing.
Can Panda United work with suppliers we already selected?
Yes. Panda United can act as your local interface for an existing supplier, including order milestones, factory visits, quality checks, corrective actions and documentation follow-up.
Do you receive commissions from Chinese factories?
Panda United’s default model is to work and invoice on the buyer’s side. Any supplier remuneration, referral arrangement or potential conflict of interest must be disclosed in writing.
Can you guarantee that a product is CE compliant?
No sourcing or inspection company should give that blanket guarantee. Panda United can collect and review documentation for consistency, identify gaps and coordinate clarifications or testing. Legal responsibility remains with the relevant manufacturer, importer or other economic operator.
Do you perform pre-shipment inspections?
Yes, subject to an agreed inspection plan, approved sample or specifications, sampling method and acceptance criteria. The report describes the checks performed and findings; it does not eliminate every possible defect.
Can you manage small orders?
Potentially. The right approach depends on product complexity, supplier location and the work required. Fixed minimum fees may make very small commodity orders uneconomic.
Which industries do you cover?
Panda United is best suited to manufactured products requiring structured supplier management, including furniture, outdoor-living products, metal fabrication, electrical equipment and appliances. Specialist testing is assigned to qualified third parties where necessary.
How do we start?
Send a short description of the product, supplier status, target market, timing and current concern. Panda United will propose an initial scope, deliverables, price and exclusions.
Need reliable follow-up in China?
Tell us what you are sourcing, where the project stands and what is currently difficult. We will confirm whether Panda United can help and propose a clearly defined next step.
Discuss your China needs