Six China Sourcing and OEM Agencies Compared: From 1688 Purchasing to Custom Containers, Packaging, and Beauty Devices

Choosing a China sourcing agent requires different checks for regular purchases from 1688 or Taobao and for custom containers, inserts, printed boxes, or beauty devices.

The GAMU Editorial Team compares six providers, including GAMU, by monthly fees, purchasing, and OEM charges, minimum order quantities (MOQs), inspection and coordination scope.

This comparison was researched and compiled by the GAMU Editorial Team using information published on the providers’ official websites as of October 2026.

Check each provider’s official website for its latest plans, optional fees, and applicable conditions.

Four checks when choosing a China sourcing and OEM agency

1. Compare monthly fees with charges per order

A paid membership may reduce purchasing fees for a business ordering every month. A service with no monthly fee may suit irregular purchasing or individual projects.

Compare the monthly charge, purchasing, warehouse handling, inspection, packaging, and freight for the same proposed order.

2. Define what basic inspection includes

Quantity and color checks, unpacked visual inspection, AQL sampling, and checking every unit’s dimensions or operation are different tasks.

Ask about consolidation and carton reinforcement fees, per-unit inspection charges, and reporting. Share the required checks and acceptance criteria before comparing quotations.

3. Match the product with the markets and factory network

Purchasing general merchandise through Yiwu markets differs from coordinating containers, printed packaging, or beauty devices with factories in and around Guangzhou.

Look beyond an office address: confirm the relevant factories and where samples, inspection, and consolidation will be handled.

4. Check who coordinates multiple factories

A container, insert, and box can each meet its own drawing yet fail to fit together.

Establish who manages shared drawings, physical fit checks, color proofs, revisions, and the production schedules of all participating factories.

The six China sourcing and OEM providers in detail

GAMU (Gamu Technology)

Based in Guangzhou, China, GAMU is a sourcing, development, and manufacturing partner working with cooperating factories.

It handles general purchasing from 1688, Taobao and Alibaba URLs, or reference images, as well as containers, thermoformed inserts, printed boxes, beauty devices, and skincare OEM.

General purchasing and coordinated packaging procurement use a flat service fee of $45 USD (¥300 RMB) when product value is below $100 USD (¥700 RMB), or 12% of product value at or above that threshold.

At exactly $100 USD, the service fee is $12 USD; at exactly ¥700 RMB, it is ¥84 RMB. Freight, duties and taxes are excluded from the fee base.

Optional 100% piece-by-piece inspection is an additional service at $0.60 USD (¥4 RMB) per unit for the agreed checkpoints; reporting and specialist tests are confirmed in advance.

Inspection items and acceptance criteria are confirmed prior to ordering.

For extensive OEM work involving a new mould or circuit-board/hardware modifications, initial development support is quoted in advance.

That development-support fee is fully waived for repeat orders with the same specifications.

Yiwu Passport

Yiwu Passport is a candidate for recurring ecommerce sourcing and products differentiated through labels, logos, and packaging.

It lists a Yiwu operation, Hong Kong headquarters, and a Tokyo office. FREE has no monthly fee and charges 5% for purchasing.

THE CKB

THE CKB suits consideration by businesses seeking online management of sourcing, inspection, and logistics, with ecommerce integrations.

The table uses its B2B plans for inventory purchasing.

Samples and detailed inspection have separate charges. D2C terms should be reviewed separately from B2B.

Official sources: B2B charges, plans and integrations, and company information.

CiLEL

CiLEL combines a Japanese contact operation in Fukui with service delivery in Nantong.

It is a candidate for businesses seeking support with purchasing, inspection, fulfilment work, and ecommerce sales.

PM’s 0% offer specifies GMO Aozora Net Bank transfers for all payments, so payment arrangements should be checked when joining. Inspection charges vary for each product category and plan.

Official sources: pricing, services and payment conditions, and company information.

Makoto

Makoto is a candidate for small purchases and shipping for stocked or dropshipping operations through its Makoto Mall system, supported by its Qingdao warehouse.

Purchasing charges are CNY 13 for the first item of a SKU, then 5% of the product value for subsequent items of that same SKU.

Official sources: fees and inspection scope, purchasing conditions and company, and warehouse information.

China Import Agency HAM

HAM is a candidate for discussing apparel, electronics, and general-merchandise OEM/ODM through a Tokyo-based company.

It offers monthly-fee-free OEM/ODM and Free plans, a Standard plan at JPY 27,500 including tax, and a Premium plan by consultation. Samples and small batches can be discussed.

Official sources: fees and development work, service overview, and company information.

Choosing by purchasing purpose and product

For a small trial order, compare SKU charges, fixed fees, warehouse handling, and inspection as well as the monthly fee.

Makoto’s SKU-based fees, CiLEL General’s order-sheet rule and THE CKB’s free B2B plan can produce different totals depending on how an order is organised.

Prepare one brief containing product URLs or images, specifications, quantities, sales destinations, required checks, and the target schedule.

You can share it with GAMU through the contact form.

Frequently asked questions