Direct buying requires you to manage supplier communication, payment and domestic logistics. An agent coordinates these tasks for a service charge. Compare the full delivered cost and how much coordination you can handle yourself.
Map the work before comparing the fee
A direct purchase means managing specifications, supplier messages, payment, domestic delivery, receiving and onward freight. An agent can coordinate agreed parts of that work. List which tasks you can handle and which need support, then compare offers with the same scope.
Separate a payment service from a buying service
If you already agreed the order with a supplier, you may need a narrower payment arrangement. That does not automatically include supplier negotiation, inspection, consolidation or freight. Confirm responsibilities for price changes, missing packages and discrepancies before selecting the service.
Compare complete delivered cost
Use the same product brief and quantities for both options. Include domestic delivery, service charges, warehouse handling, packing, international freight and import-cost treatment. A lower purchasing fee may cover less work; a higher fee should have a clear, relevant scope.