Buy Agent China

Build your Own Supply Chain with Cost-Efficient, Cutting-Edge buy Solutions by BAC.

Complete Guide · 2025 For Global Buyers Beginner Friendly

Buy Agent China:
Your Eyes & Ears
on the Ground

Before you wire money to a factory you've never met, in a country whose language you don't speak, for a product you haven't held in your hands — read this. Everything you need to know about Buy Agent China, in plain English.

🔍 Supplier screening & verification

🤝 Price negotiation & sampling

✅ Quality inspection & QC

🚢 Shipping & logistics coordination

About Buy Agent China?

Imagine you’re trying to hire someone in a city you’ve never visited, in a job market you don’t understand, in a language you don’t speak. You’d want a trusted local contact who knows the landscape. That’s essentially what a Buy Agent China is — but for factories instead of job candidates.

Buy Agent China is based in Guangzhou, China who acts on your behalf to find suppliers, negotiate prices, manage quality, and coordinate logistics. We are your local representative in the world’s most complex manufacturing ecosystem — part detective, part negotiator, part quality inspector, and part logistics manager, all rolled into one service.

The role exists because sourcing from China without local knowledge is genuinely hard. Language barriers, time zones, cultural differences in business communication, and the challenge of verifying supplier credibility from the other side of the world — all of these create friction that costs importers money, time, and stress. A good Buy Agent China eliminates most of that friction.

I want to be honest with you about something, though: not all Buy Agent China are equal. Some are genuinely independent advocates for the buyer. Others are paid by factories to send them business — which means their “recommendation” is not neutral. Understanding how agents operate and how they’re paid is the most important thing you can know before hiring one. We’ll cover that in detail below.

What Does a Buy Agent China Actually Do?

The scope of a Buy Agent China’s work can vary significantly — some offer narrow services, others handle everything end-to-end. Here’s what a full-service Buy Agent China typically covers:

Supplier search and shortlisting — identifying factories that match your product specifications, volume requirements, and quality expectations
Factory verification — checking business licenses, production capacity, export history, and sometimes conducting site visits
Price negotiation — leveraging local market knowledge and relationships to get better pricing than buyers can typically achieve independently
Sample coordination — ordering, receiving, and reviewing product samples before you commit to bulk production
Quality inspection — conducting or arranging pre-shipment inspections (PSI) and in-process checks during production
Order management — tracking production timelines, communicating with factories, and escalating issues before they become shipment problems
Logistics coordination — arranging freight, customs documentation, and consolidation of multi-supplier orders
Problem resolution — handling defects, delays, and disputes directly with the factory, in Chinese, without you having to navigate it alone

Buy Agent China vs. Trading Company — What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion for first-time China importers — and it matters significantly for your pricing and control.

Buy Agent China

Works For You

Represents your interests, not the factory’s
Charges you a service fee (transparent)
You see actual factory prices
Direct factory access and relationships
Flexible — works across many factories
Better for custom, OEM, and higher-value sourcing

Trading Company

Works for Itself

Buys from factories and resells to you
Margin is built into the price — not disclosed
You never see factory pricing
Manages their own supplier relationships
Can offer lower MOQ by mixing factory stock
Better for simple, standard products at low volume

The key distinction: a Buy Agent China is paid by you to find the best factory for your needs. A trading company is paid by the margin between what they pay factories and what they charge you. Neither model is inherently bad — but knowing which one you’re dealing with is essential for understanding your true cost structure.

The hybrid risk: Some businesses present themselves as Buy Agent China but actually operate like trading companies — earning undisclosed factory commissions on top of your service fee. Ask directly: “Do you receive any commission or rebate from the factories you recommend to me?” A trustworthy agent will answer this question without hesitation.

How Much Does a Buy Agent China Charge?

Fee structures vary — and transparency about fees is one of the clearest signals of agent quality. Here are the three most common models:

📊 Commission Model 3–10% Percentage of order value. Most common for ongoing sourcing relationships. Watch for undisclosed factory commissions stacked on top.

💰 Flat Fee Model $200–$800 Per order or per product line. Predictable cost, good for smaller or one-off sourcing projects. Common for sourcing research only.

🔄 Hybrid Model Fee + % Upfront project fee plus a smaller ongoing commission. Often used by full-service agencies handling product development, QC, and shipping.

Are Buy Agent China worth it for small businesses? Yes — often more so than for large businesses. Small importers lack the buying power, local relationships, and language skills to match what a good agent brings. The agent fee is typically more than offset by better pricing, avoided quality disasters, and time saved. The math usually works out — especially on your first China order.

Hidden Fee Warning Signs

Some agents charge more than you think. Watch out for:

Factory commissions — undisclosed payments from factories for every order sent their way
Sample markups — charging you more for samples than they actually cost from the factory
QC fees on top of service fees — inspection costs should be disclosed upfront, not added later
Logistics markups — charging above-market rates for freight and pocketing the difference

The fix is simple: ask for a complete written fee schedule before you start. A transparent agent will provide one. An agent who can’t clearly explain how they make money is one you should avoid.

How to Find a Reliable Buy Agent China

Finding a Buy Agent China is easy. Finding a trustworthy one who’s genuinely aligned with your interests — that’s the hard part. Here’s how to approach it systematically.

Where to Look

Referrals from other importers — the most reliable source. Ask in importer communities, Reddit’s r/Business_China, or industry-specific Facebook groups where real buyers share real experiences
Trade shows — Canton Fair, Yiwu Fair, and industry-specific expos attract legitimate Buy Agent China. Meeting them in person accelerates trust-building significantly
Sourcing platforms — platforms that list vetted agents with verified reviews (look for agents with documented client histories, not just listings)
LinkedIn — search for sourcing consultants in specific Chinese cities; review their work history and look for verifiable client endorsements

What to Ask Before You Hire

1
“Do you receive commissions or rebates from factories you recommend?”
The answer should be a clear no. If it’s vague or deflected, that’s your answer. Agents who earn factory commissions have a financial incentive to recommend factories that pay the most, not factories that are best for you.
2
“Can you show me verified references from current clients?”
Ask for clients in a similar industry or product category to yours. Contact those clients directly — not through the agent. A single verifiable reference from a real buyer is worth more than ten polished testimonials on an agent’s website.
3
“Where are you physically based in China?”
An agent based in the city where your factories are located adds real value — they can visit facilities, attend production meetings, and resolve issues in person. An “agent” operating remotely from outside China is effectively doing what you could do yourself from home.
4
“Walk me through your QC process.”
A good agent should describe a structured quality inspection process — not just say “we check quality.” Ask specifically: do they use a written inspection checklist? Do they photograph defects? Do they provide a written PSI report? Vague answers reveal vague processes.
5
“What happens if a shipment arrives with quality issues?”
This question reveals character. A strong agent will describe a clear process for escalation and resolution. A weak one will pivot to explaining why problems rarely happen. Problems happen. What matters is how they’re handled.

What a Good Agent Should Provide

✓ Written service agreement with clear fee structure
✓ Factory shortlist with verified business licenses and export history
✓ Comparative quotation report (not just one option)
✓ Sample coordination with photo documentation
✓ Pre-shipment inspection report with photos and defect log
✓ Production status updates at key milestones
✓ Shipping documentation and freight coordination
✓ Post-shipment support for issues and defect claims

Red Flags — When to Walk Away

The Buy Agent China industry, like any industry, has its bad actors. Here are the warning signs that should make you stop, step back, and reconsider.

🚩 No physical presence in China. An agent who can’t visit your factory in person can’t do most of what makes an agent valuable.
🚩 Vague or verbal fee agreements. If the fee structure isn’t in writing before work starts, you have no protection against surprise charges.
🚩 Recommends only one or two factories. A legitimate agent should shortlist 5–8 options and explain the trade-offs. A single recommendation with no comparison suggests a fixed arrangement.
🚩 Refuses to disclose factory names until you pay. You should know where your goods are being made before you commit to production.
🚩 Promises unrealistically low prices. If the price seems impossibly cheap, there’s almost certainly a quality, compliance, or service compromise hidden somewhere.
🚩 No verifiable client references. Testimonials on a website are easy to fabricate. Verifiable clients who can be contacted independently are not.
🚩 Defensive when asked about factory commissions. Transparency here is non-negotiable. Evasion is a clear signal of a conflict of interest.

The scam to know: Some operations present as Buy Agent China, take your payment for “sample fees” or “sourcing research,” and then disappear — or deliver nothing of value. Always start with a small, clearly scoped project before committing significant money to any new agent relationship. Trust is built through demonstrated performance, not promises.

What Products Do Buy Agent China Handle Best?

A Buy Agent China adds the most value in categories where supplier variety is large, quality varies significantly between factories, and hands-on coordination makes a meaningful difference to the outcome. Here are the categories where working with an agent pays off most:

📱 Consumer Electronics Private label & OEM 🎒 Mobile Accessories High-volume, customizable 🏠 Home Goods Broad supplier networks 👗 Apparel & Fashion Compliance & sampling 🧸 Toys Safety certification focus 🎁 Custom Promotional Items Branded merchandise 🍳 Kitchenware Cost-sensitive retail ⚽ Sports & Outdoor Broad sourcing networks 📦 Packaging Products Fulfillment workflows 🔩 Industrial OEM Parts Technical buyer matching 🗂️ Office Supplies Wholesale & subscription 💄 Fashion Accessories Style-driven, high-volume

Do Buy Agent China Work with Amazon FBA Sellers?

Yes — and many agents have built specific expertise around Amazon sellers. FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon — where Amazon stores and ships your goods) has very specific requirements for labeling, packaging dimensions, barcode formats, and shipment documentation. A Buy Agent China who understands FBA prep can save you significant time and money by handling FNSKU labeling, poly bagging, carton preparation, and shipment creation in China — where labor costs are far lower than at a US 3PL (third-party logistics) warehouse.

If you’re an Amazon seller, ask any prospective agent specifically: “Have you worked with Amazon FBA sellers? Can you handle FBA prep in China?” Their answer will quickly reveal their familiarity with the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ+What does a Buy Agent China do?

A Buy Agent China finds suppliers, negotiates prices, manages quality, and coordinates logistics on behalf of international buyers. They serve as your local representative in China — bridging language barriers, verifying factory credibility, ordering and checking samples, conducting pre-shipment inspections, and managing the communication and problem-solving that would otherwise require you to be on the ground in China yourself.

FAQ+How is a Buy Agent China different from a trading company?

A Buy Agent China works for you — they find factories, negotiate on your behalf, and charge you a transparent fee. You see actual factory prices. A trading company buys from factories and resells to you at a markup — you never see the factory price. The agent model gives you more price transparency and factory control; the trading company model can offer lower MOQ and simpler communication. The key is knowing which one you’re dealing with at all times.

FAQ+How much does a Buy Agent China charge?

Most agents charge either a percentage commission (typically 3–10% of the order value), a flat fee per project ($200–$800 for research or one-off sourcing), or a hybrid of both. Some agents also earn undisclosed factory commissions — which is a conflict of interest you should ask about directly before hiring. A transparent agent will provide a complete written fee schedule before any work begins.

FAQ+Are Buy Agent China worth it for small businesses?

Yes — often especially so. Small businesses lack the buying power and local relationships that large importers use to get good factory deals. A good Buy Agent China levels that playing field. The agent fee is typically offset by better unit pricing through negotiation, avoided quality mistakes that would cost more to fix than the agent’s fee, and time saved that the business owner can redirect to selling. Start with a small trial project to confirm value before committing to an ongoing relationship.

FAQ+How do I find a reliable Buy Agent China in China?

The most reliable route is referrals from other importers in communities where real buyers share real experiences. Trade shows like the Canton Fair are also effective — meeting agents in person accelerates trust-building. When evaluating any agent, ask for verifiable client references in your product category and contact those clients directly. Require a clear written fee agreement, confirm they have physical presence in China, and ask directly whether they earn factory commissions.

FAQ+Should I use a Buy Agent China for OEM or ODM products?

Yes — OEM and ODM projects particularly benefit from agent support. OEM means you provide the design and the factory produces it to your spec; ODM means the factory designs it and you brand it. Both require hands-on coordination: supplier capability matching, design reviews, tooling oversight, sample iteration, and production monitoring. A Buy Agent China with experience in your product category significantly reduces the risk of misaligned expectations and costly revisions.

FAQ+Can a Buy Agent China inspect product quality before shipment?

Yes — quality inspection is one of a Buy Agent China’s most valuable services. A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) checks finished goods against your specification before they leave the factory, when your leverage is highest. A good agent either conducts inspections directly or works with a third-party inspection firm. Ask for a written inspection report with photographs as a standard deliverable — not just a verbal “all clear.”

FAQ+Do Buy Agent China help with shipping and customs?

Most full-service agents handle or coordinate shipping and customs documentation. This includes arranging freight (sea or air), preparing export documents (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin), and liaising with freight forwarders and customs brokers. Some agents have in-house logistics capability; others work with trusted freight partners. Confirm the scope of logistics services — and any associated fees — before work begins.

FAQ+How do I avoid hidden fees or supplier markups?

Ask directly and upfront: “Do you earn any commission or rebate from the factories you recommend?” and “What is your complete fee schedule, including any charges for QC, sampling, and logistics?” Require everything in writing before you start. Agents who are genuinely buyer-aligned will answer these questions readily. Vagueness or deflection is a strong signal to look elsewhere.

FAQ+What documents should a good Buy Agent China provide?

A full-service agent should provide: a written service agreement with fee schedule, a supplier shortlist with business license verification, comparative quotation reports, sample delivery confirmation with photos, a pre-shipment inspection report with defect photographs, production milestone updates, shipping documentation (packing list, commercial invoice, bill of lading), and any required certificates of origin or product compliance documentation.

FAQ+Can a Buy Agent China help with factory audits?

Yes. Factory audits — formal assessments of a factory’s capabilities, quality systems, and compliance practices — are a service many Buy Agent China offer or coordinate. For first-time orders with significant value, a factory audit provides documented verification of production capacity, equipment, quality management systems, and working conditions. Some agents conduct audits directly; others work with third-party audit firms like SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek.

FAQ+Do Buy Agent China work with Amazon FBA sellers?

Yes — many agents have developed specific expertise for Amazon sellers. This includes FBA prep services (FNSKU labeling, poly bagging, carton preparation, shipment plan creation), compliance with Amazon’s packaging and labeling requirements, and coordination of inventory shipments directly to Amazon fulfillment centers. If you sell on Amazon, look specifically for an agent with documented FBA experience and ask to see examples of FBA-ready shipments they’ve prepared.

FAQ+What are the biggest risks when using a Buy Agent China?

The biggest risks are: undisclosed factory commissions creating a conflict of interest, sample quality that doesn’t match mass production quality, agents without real on-the-ground presence who can’t actually visit factories or resolve issues, and scam operations that take upfront fees and deliver nothing. All are manageable with upfront due diligence: verify physical presence in China, require written fee agreements, ask for client references and contact them independently, and always start with a small trial project.

FAQ+How do I compare multiple Buy Agent China?

Evaluate at least three agents across these dimensions: physical location in China (near your sourcing category), fee transparency (full written schedule), conflict of interest disclosure (no factory commissions), verifiable client references in your category, documented QC process, and responsiveness and communication clarity. Give each a small paid trial project before committing. Performance on a small project is the most reliable predictor of performance on a large one.

FAQ+What industries need Buy Agent China the most?

Buy Agent China add the most value in categories where supplier variety is large, quality varies significantly between factories, and hands-on coordination makes a meaningful difference. This includes consumer electronics and accessories, apparel and fashion, toys and children’s products (high compliance requirements), home goods, OEM and custom manufactured products, promotional items with branding requirements, and any category where language, cultural, and time-zone barriers create real friction without local representation.

The Buy Agent China Workflow — How It Works

Here’s a typical end-to-end Buy Agent China Workflow when working with a Buy Agent China. Understanding the sequence helps you know what to expect at each stage — and where to ask the right questions.

Stage	What Happens	Agent’s Role
1. Brief	You share product specs, target price, MOQ, and compliance needs	Reviews requirements, confirms feasibility, provides initial market feedback
2. Supplier Search	Agent identifies and shortlists 5–8 candidate factories	Verifies business licenses, checks export records, contacts factories
3. Quotation	Comparative RFQ sent to shortlisted factories	Collects, translates, and compares quotes; recommends top 3 options
4. Sampling	Samples ordered from preferred factory; sent to you for review	Coordinates sample production, inspects quality, photographs and ships samples
5. Negotiation	Price, MOQ, lead time, packaging, and terms negotiated	Negotiates in Chinese with local market knowledge; confirms agreement in writing
6. Production	Order placed; production begins at factory	Tracks production milestones, communicates updates, resolves issues early
7. QC / Inspection	Quality check before shipment approved	Conducts or arranges PSI; provides inspection report with photos
8. Logistics	Goods shipped to your destination	Arranges freight, prepares export docs, coordinates customs clearance

How to Compare Multiple Buy Agent China

Don’t hire the first agent you find. Compare at least three before making a decision. Here’s what to evaluate:

Evaluation Factor	What to Look For	Red Flag
Physical location	Based in or near your sourcing city	Outside China
Fee transparency	Full written fee schedule provided upfront	Verbal only / vague
Conflict of interest	No factory commissions; buyer-only representation	Refuses to confirm
Client references	3+ verifiable references in your product category	Website testimonials only
QC process	Documented inspection process; written reports with photos	Vague “we check quality”
Category expertise	Experience sourcing your specific product type	Generalist only, no specialism
Communication style	Responsive, clear, proactive	Slow or evasive responses
Trial project	Willing to start with a small, defined project	Requires large upfront commitment

Start small: The best way to evaluate any Buy Agent China is to give them a small, well-defined project — one product, one factory comparison, one sample coordination. Their performance on a $300 trial project tells you far more than any pitch deck or testimonial. If they do a great job on the small thing, trust them with the bigger things. If they don’t, you’ve learned cheaply.

Where to Source in China — The Complete Regional Map

China is not one sourcing market — it’s eight distinct regional ecosystems, each with its own strengths, specialties, and buyer profiles. Knowing which region fits your product is half the battle. Here’s your field guide.

The world’s densest supplier ecosystem. If you need speed, variety, and a complete supply chain within 50km, PRD is the answer. From semiconductor components to finished consumer goods, everything is here — and it ships fast.

Core City 🔌 Shenzhen Electronics, IoT, drones, wearables, hardware startups

Core City ⚙️ Dongguan Components, plastics, precision mass manufacturing

Core City 👗 Guangzhou Apparel, automotive parts, cosmetics, Canton Fair hub

Core City 🛋️ Foshan Furniture, appliances, ceramics, lighting

Specialist Pocket 🧸 Shantou (Chenghai) Toys — China’s largest toy manufacturing cluster

Specialist Pocket 💡 Zhongshan (Guzhen) Lighting — global hub, 6,000+ factories

Specialist Pocket 🔋 Huizhou Batteries, electronics overflow from Shenzhen

👉 Use case: Consumer brands, Amazon sellers, hardware startups, anyone who needs fast turnaround and complete supply chain access in one region.

China’s strongest infrastructure and most advanced manufacturing base. If PRD is fast and varied, the Yangtze River Delta is deep and sophisticated. This is where global multinationals build their China supply chains — and for good reason.

Core City 🏙️ Shanghai HQs, sourcing offices, premium goods, logistics gateway

Core City 🔬 Suzhou Semiconductors, precision electronics, medical devices, EMS

Core City 🛒 Hangzhou E-commerce ecosystem, textiles, tech manufacturing

Core City ⚓ Ningbo Hardware, tools, plastics, export manufacturing

Specialist Pocket ⚡ Wuxi Chips, IoT, industrial equipment, solar

Specialist Pocket 🧵 Shaoxing Textiles — massive fabric and yarn markets

Specialist Pocket 👚 Jiaxing Fast fashion manufacturing and apparel export

👉 Use case: Mid-to-high quality brands, regulated products requiring CE/FDA compliance, buyers prioritizing documentation and quality management systems.

The world’s best destination for low-commitment, high-variety sourcing. If you’re testing SKUs, building a catalog, or launching a private-label brand without factory-scale risk, Zhejiang’s wholesale cluster is where you start.

Core City 🏪 Yiwu World’s largest small commodity market — 75,000+ booths, 1,900+ categories

Core City 👟 Wenzhou Shoes, leather goods, apparel accessories

Core City 🔧 Taizhou (Zhejiang) Plastic goods, small appliances, hardware components

👉 Use case: Startups, dropshippers, variety retailers, Amazon sellers testing new product lines with minimal capital commitment.

Fujian is China’s footwear and sportswear province. Global brands including Nike, Adidas, and New Balance have sourced from here for decades. The factory base is experienced with international standards, certifications, and private-label production at scale.

Core City 🏃 Quanzhou Sportswear, sneakers, athletic footwear — China’s sports goods capital

Core City 🚢 Xiamen Apparel, OEM export factories, port logistics

Core City 🏕️ Fuzhou Textiles, outdoor gear, apparel manufacturing

👉 Use case: Apparel brands, footwear labels, sportswear startups, private-label shoe and clothing importers.

North China’s industrial heartland. Proximity to raw materials, a large engineering talent base, and deep automotive and heavy manufacturing roots make the Bohai Rim the go-to region for B2B industrial buyers.

Core City 🛸 Beijing Aerospace, R&D, high-tech, government procurement

Core City 🚗 Tianjin Automotive, heavy industry, port logistics hub

Core City 🌊 Qingdao Appliances, shipbuilding, rubber, machinery export

Core City 💊 Shijiazhuang Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, industrial inputs

👉 Use case: B2B buyers, industrial equipment importers, infrastructure project procurement, automotive supply chain sourcing.

As coastal labor costs have risen, global manufacturers have moved production inland. Central and Western China now offers competitive pricing on large-scale manufacturing runs, with expanding infrastructure and logistics catching up fast.

Core City 🖥️ Chongqing Electronics assembly, automotive manufacturing, laptop production

Core City 🌿 Chengdu Electronics, green tech, IT services, emerging tech hub

Core City 🔭 Wuhan Machinery, automotive components, optics manufacturing

👉 Use case: Volume buyers shifting production from coastal China for cost savings, large-scale electronics assembly, automotive supply chains.

Shandong is China’s chemical and heavy-materials province. Strong port infrastructure, proximity to raw material sources, and an established heavy industry base make it the right destination for industrial input buyers.

Core City 🔧 Qingdao Appliances, rubber goods, machinery, major export port

Core City 🧬 Yantai Biotech, tire manufacturing, food processing

Core City ⚗️ Weifang Chemicals, industrial raw materials, kite manufacturing

👉 Use case: Chemical sourcing, industrial raw inputs, rubber and tire buyers, food processing equipment importers.

These cities aren’t famous for general manufacturing — they’re world-class at one specific thing. If your product matches their specialty, there’s nowhere better on earth to source it.

🛋️ Foshan (Lecong) Furniture capital — entire supply chain in one district

💡 Zhongshan (Guzhen) Lighting global hub — 6,000+ factories, 70% of China’s decorative lighting exports

🧸 Shantou (Chenghai) Toys — China’s largest toy manufacturing and export cluster

🧵 Shaoxing Textiles & fabrics — massive yarn, fabric, and home textile markets

🔩 Linyi Hardware & building materials — one of China’s largest wholesale distribution hubs

🎒 Baigou (Hebei) Bags & luggage — China’s bags manufacturing and wholesale capital

🪑 Haining Leather & upholstery — premium hides, leather goods, and sofa fabrics

Quick Reference: Match Your Product to the Right Region

Your Product	Best Region	Key City	Buyer Profile
Consumer electronics & gadgets	Pearl River Delta	Shenzhen	Amazon sellers, hardware startups
Mass-market consumer goods	Pearl River Delta	Dongguan / Guangzhou	Retail importers, brand owners
Small commodity / mixed SKUs	Zhejiang Wholesale	Yiwu	Startups, dropshippers
Footwear & sportswear	Fujian Corridor	Quanzhou	Apparel brands, footwear labels
Precision electronics / medical	Yangtze River Delta	Suzhou	Regulated industries, OEM buyers
Furniture & lighting	PRD (Foshan / Guzhen)	Foshan / Zhongshan	Interior brands, hospitality
Textiles & fabrics	Yangtze Delta / Zhejiang	Shaoxing / Jiaxing	Fashion brands, textile buyers
Industrial machinery & parts	Bohai Rim	Tianjin / Qingdao	B2B, infrastructure buyers
Chemicals & raw materials	Shandong	Weifang / Yantai	Industrial input buyers
Large-scale volume at low cost	Central & Western China	Chongqing / Chengdu	Volume buyers shifting from coast

Buy Agent China

Buy Agent China:
Your Eyes & Ears
on the Ground