Chapter 1: Inquiry Communication
When starting communication with Chinese suppliers, inquiry is the most common task for buyers. Importers and Chinese sales staff will spend a lot of time and energy on inquiries and quotations. Buyers often want the salesperson to list the unit price, delivery period and tax rate based on the list they give the salesperson. It’s simple and efficient.
But in fact, in many inquiry processes, sales will ask many questions about purchasing: How big is your purchasing volume? Did you use it yourself? Is the delivery time urgent? …
Many buyers do not understand why there are so many irrelevant questions. In fact, this is because the salesperson wants to find out the situation of the importer, weigh the profit of the order based on the customer’s urgency for the product, the purchase volume, etc., and then customize a perfect quotation plan.
Then importers can prepare in the following aspects:
Provide detailed requirements:
Clearly outline your product specifications, including materials, dimensions, quantities and any special requirements. Providing detailed information up front helps the supplier understand exactly what you need.
Ask relevant questions:
Prepare a series of relevant questions to ask the supplier about its products, manufacturing capabilities, delivery times and pricing. Asking specific questions can demonstrate your seriousness and help you gather the information you need to make an informed decision.
Request Samples:
Request samples of the products you are interested in to evaluate quality, workmanship and suitability for your market. Clearly communicate your sample requirements, including any customization or branding specifications.
Establish expectations:
Clearly communicate your expectations for pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules. Be transparent about your budget constraints and timeline requirements to avoid misunderstandings later.
Chapter 2: Communication during Order Execution
After sending the purchase contract to the supplier, it does not mean that you can wait for the product to be shipped on time. The situation is often unexpected. Sometimes, even suppliers want to deliver goods on time to promote long-term stable and friendly cooperation.
But there are always interferences from other factors that can cause accidents. For example, the supplier’s factory schedule, customer priority, raw material problems, production equipment problems and even power outages, natural disasters, illness of the person in charge, etc. will all affect the final delivery time. Many sellers tend to work hard to fix the problem in the early stages and do not tell buyers immediately. Often when it is clear that the problem cannot be solved when the delivery date is approaching, they are forced to tell the buyer that the goods cannot be delivered on time.
When a problem occurs, some salespeople will make up various reasons to let buyers understand. It may be that there is a problem in some link such as the raw material manufacturer, customs, logistics and transportation… As a buyer, you must prevent the occurrence of these problems as much as possible.
Here’s how to maintain effective communication during this stage:
1. Confirm order details:
Review and confirm all order details with suppliers before production begins, including product specifications, quantities, pricing and delivery terms. Keeping these details in writing helps prevent discrepancies and misunderstandings.
2.Maintain regular contact:
Keep communication channels open with suppliers throughout the production process. Request regular updates on order status, including production progress, quality inspections, and shipping arrangements.
3.Solve problems promptly:
If any problems or concerns arise during the production process, please resolve them with the supplier immediately. Clearly communicate your expectations for a solution and work together to find a solution that meets the needs of both parties.
4.Adjustments and changes:
If there are any changes or modifications to the order requirements, please communicate them clearly to the supplier promptly. Discuss any potential impacts on pricing, delivery times, or production schedules and reach a mutual agreement before proceeding.
Chapter 3: Communication after problems arise
Despite careful planning and execution, problems can arise during the procurement process.
If you encounter any problems with a product or delivery, please notify the supplier immediately and maintain calm communication. Avoid pointing fingers or confrontation and focus on finding constructive solutions to problems.
You can clearly communicate your expectations for remediation to resolve the problem, whether that’s replacement, repair, or compensation. Work with the vendor to develop an action plan and develop a timeline for resolution.
In addition to this, keep detailed records of all communications with suppliers, including emails, phone calls and written correspondence. This documentation serves as evidence in the event of disputes or disagreements and helps ensure accountability.
By following these guidelines for effective communication with Chinese suppliers throughout the import process, importers have a better chance of building strong relationships, reducing risk and ensuring the success of their business.