I am importing a great deal of general merchandise from China.  The
products cover a wide variety of product categories.  I would like to
develop a network of sales reps. to sell to wholesalers as well as
directly to major retail stores.  I have tried several rep. search
companies but have found it difficult to narrow my search criteria
enough.  I would like a source to locate reps. for specific products
and markets

Try the trade associations for the areas that fit your products.  One
good place to look for these (other than a simple google search for
something like "consumer electronics trade association") is the Thomas
Register (Thomasnet.com).

Once you've found the appropriate associations give them a call and
ask them if they have any referral sources for reps.

What you may find, however, is that unless the products you are
bringing in are unique and you have exclusive distribution rights, a
lot of reps won't want to work with you.  They make their money by
being the only way a buyer can get a particular line in their
territory. If anyone else can walk in and sell the same goods to an
account there is little incentive for a rep to sell your line.

It depends on the product but you have three choices:

1. Hire expats- expensive but they know their stuff
2. Train locals- could be expensive if you train aborad.  But, also
high turnover because of high demand
3. Hire locals from the industry- same risks as #2

My advice?  Try posting at international MBA school like Thunderbird
where you'll find skilled laborers with work authorization who want to
work in China.