BorderFlow Trade
How BorderFlow Sourcing Works
Buyers send us a product, a place and a task. We match an approved local helper, agree a written brief before any work starts, and send back photos, videos and a report. Helpers never pay to join.
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What is the BorderFlow sourcing service model?
BorderFlow connects overseas buyers with independent local helpers in Asia. A buyer submits an inquiry (product, city, task, target date). BorderFlow automatically matches it against every listed helper, using the city, product experience, languages, task type and availability each helper submitted when applying. The matched helper receives a written brief, completes the field task and returns photos, video and a structured report. Buyers can add escrow so funds are held until they approve. Helpers are shown by anonymous ID, never by name.
- parties: buyer, BorderFlow, local helper
- 3
- upfront fees for helpers
- 0
- we contact the matched helper
- 1st minute
Who does what
Buyer
Sends the inquiry, approves the brief, receives the report, and releases payment (through escrow if used).
BorderFlow
Matches inquiries to helpers, prepares the brief and checklist, reviews reports, and holds escrow funds when requested.
Local helper
An independent individual or small team who carries out the field task as written and reports it factually.
For buyers: five steps from inquiry to report
-
1
Send your inquiry
Tell us the product, the city or region, the task and the target date. WhatsApp, WeChat or the contact form all work.
-
2
We match a helper
Every inbound inquiry is matched against all listed helpers. We choose the best fit for the city, the product and the task.
-
3
Approve the written brief
Before any work starts you see the scope, deliverables, deadline and fee. Nothing begins until it is agreed.
-
4
Field work and report
The helper visits, checks and documents against the checklist, then returns photos, video and a written report.
-
5
Pay with protection
Use escrow if you wish: funds are held until you approve the result, then released.
For local helpers: how joining works
-
1
Apply with complete details
Submit your city, task types, product categories, languages and monthly capacity on the partner form. This data is how we match, so it matters.
-
2
Get approved and listed
Approved helpers appear under an anonymous ID such as LH-SZ-001. Your name, email, phone, employer and website are not published.
-
3
Wait for a matched inquiry
Assignments come from buyer inquiries, so volume varies by city and season. When a matched inquiry arrives, we contact you in the first minute.
-
4
Review the brief and agreement
The agreement and fee are settled when you are matched with a specific inquiry, never in advance. You can review them first. If both sides do not agree, there is no agreement and no task.
-
5
Deliver and get paid
Complete the task as written, send the report, and receive payment under the agreed terms.
What local helpers do, and what they do not
Typical tasks
- ✓ Supplier research and price comparison
- ✓ Supplier, factory and warehouse visits
- ✓ Product, packaging and visible-condition checks
- ✓ Photo and video documentation against a checklist
- ✓ Sample coordination and pickup
- ✓ Production and order follow-up
- ✓ Meeting and trade-show representation
Not included
- ✗ Certified third-party inspection or AQL certification, unless the helper’s qualifications for that exact scope are confirmed in writing
- ✗ Engineering, design or technical sign-off
- ✗ Legal or product-compliance sign-off
- ✗ Independently certifying product quality
Helpers are independent contractors who follow a written checklist and report what they see. They are not licensed inspectors. Skills, experience and capacity shown on listings are self-reported.
What does it cost?
Published buyer prices on our Trade page are below. Helper fees are set per assignment in the written brief, and no helper pays anything upfront.
$280
flat per factory inspection
24-hour report
12–18%
of FOB order value
full sourcing and trade management
1–2%
of transaction value
escrow payment protection
Frequently asked questions
For local helpers
Are there paid assignments available right now?
Assignments come from buyer inquiries, so the number varies by city and season, and a listing does not guarantee a fixed volume of work. When a matched inquiry reaches our pipeline, we contact you straight away. If there is no open assignment in your city when you apply, we will tell you that rather than promise one.
How does matching work?
Every inbound inquiry is matched automatically against all listed helpers, using the city, product experience, languages, task type and availability from each application. That is why complete and accurate details on the partner form are important to our model.
Is there any upfront fee?
No. There is no registration fee, deposit, paid training or purchase requirement. We do not charge helpers upfront.
When do I see the agreement, fee and payment terms?
When you are matched with a specific inquiry, not before. The written brief and agreement set out the scope, deliverables, deadline, fee, payment process and expense reimbursement for that assignment. You can review them before accepting. If both sides do not agree, there is no agreement and no task.
How and when do helpers get paid?
During our pilot stage, escrow and helper payouts are handled through BorderFlow’s Hong Kong bank account. The payment amount, currency, timing and expense reimbursement for each assignment are written into the brief and agreement you review before accepting, and payout follows those terms. Payout is made within 5 business days after the buyer approves the result, or after the 3-business-day approval window passes without a dispute. The payout currency, and any bank or conversion fees, are stated in the brief before you accept. If a task is disputed, the undisputed part is paid on time and the rest once the dispute is resolved.
I am entry-level or have no inspector certification. Can I join?
Yes. For entry-level helpers we prepare a checklist for the task, so the work is clearly scoped, such as factual visits, photo documentation and basic checks. Helpers are never asked to certify product quality.
Are local helpers licensed inspectors?
No. They are independent contractors who follow a written checklist. Any professional qualification is relied on only for a specific scope and only when confirmed in writing.
Can I take on sample receiving, consolidation or forwarder handover?
These tasks involve handling goods, so we do not offer them by default. For any such task, we agree who is responsible for what and how handover is documented in the written brief before you accept.
Can a company or team apply, or only individuals?
Both. Listings are labelled as an individual or a team.
Will my name or contact details be published?
No. Helpers are listed under an anonymous ID. We do not publish names, emails, phone numbers, employers or websites.
I have a full-time job. Can I still be a helper?
Yes. State your realistic monthly capacity when you apply, and dates are coordinated with you in advance for each task.
Which regions do you cover?
Helpers are currently listed in mainland China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Yiwu and Shenyang). We are opening Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan, and recruiting in more cities.
For buyers
What is a BorderFlow local helper?
An independent person or small team in Asia who carries out a scoped field task for you, such as a supplier visit, a product check or sample pickup, and reports it with photos, video and a written report.
How much does it cost?
Our Trade page lists flat inspections from $280 with a 24-hour report, full sourcing and trade management at 12–18% of FOB order value, and escrow at 1–2% of transaction value. The fee for a specific task is confirmed in the written brief before work starts.
Can my payment be protected?
Yes. With escrow, funds are held until you approve the result and are then released to the supplier or helper under the agreed milestones. During our pilot stage, escrow is handled through BorderFlow’s Hong Kong bank account.
Can I choose a helper?
We match every inquiry for you. You can browse the approved helpers by anonymous ID, city and language on the Asia Local Helpers page, and tell us which one fits.
Ready to start?
Buyers: send the product, city, task and target date. Helpers: submit your details so we can match you.
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