Compare your options
Choose how you source, with the facts side by side.
There is more than one good way to buy from India, China and Vietnam. These comparisons set agents, sourcing companies, inspection firms, in-house teams and B2B marketplaces against the same seven criteria, and say plainly when SourceSquid is not the right choice.
- 4
- fair comparisons
- 7
- criteria on every page
- 0
- competitor names
The comparisons
Four decisions buyers ask us about.
- 01 Sourcing agent, sourcing company or inspection company? ASourcing agentBSourcing companyCInspection company A sourcing agent introduces suppliers and is usually paid a commission.
- 02 In-house sourcing team or managed sourcing? AIn-house teamBManaged sourcing (SourceSquid) An in-house team gives you full control and knowledge that stays in the business, at the cost of fixed salaries, travel and time to build.
- 03 B2B marketplace or managed sourcing? AB2B marketplaceBManaged sourcing (SourceSquid) B2B marketplaces, such as Alibaba- or IndiaMART-style platforms, are the fastest way to see many suppliers and prices for standard products.
- 04 Freelance inspector, inspection firm or SourceSquid? AFreelance inspectorBThird-party inspection firmCSourceSquid A freelance inspector is flexible and often has the lowest day rate, but your checks depend on one person’s availability and method.
How we compare
Fair by design, useful either way.
We wrote these pages to help you choose, even when the answer is someone else.
- The same seven criteriaCost model, Accountability, Speed, Risk, Supplier relationships, Compliance evidence, Typical hidden costs.
- No competitor namesWe compare types of provider and channel, never named firms.
- Our prices, publishedEvery SourceSquid price shown is the one on our pricing page.
- When we are not the right choiceEach page says plainly when another option will serve you better.
Talk it through
Not sure which fits? Send us one part.
A principal returns how it is made, where it is made best and a realistic target price within 48 hours, and tells you which route makes sense. Free, with no obligation.