1. Language 

The Souring Agents or Purchasing Agents usually report to you via Emails and formed reports for all in-process work or after every shipment. So it is important that they know your language, or at least know English, to explain and describe what are happening in your business. 

2. Knowledge of Products 

It is important that they are experts, or at least know much of your industry, so that they can understand the production and quality specifications to do some trouble-shooting work for the production, quality, packaging and shipment of your products. So some sourcing agents also play a role as an engineer. 

3. Integrity: Honest, Patient and Responsible 

Just as the clerk working in your office, a person should be patient enough for all his work. Some China Sourcing Agents and Purchasing Agents company employs all its staff with strictly examine on personnel integrity.