In cross-border e-commerce, whether it is between merchants and manufacturers or between merchants and consumers, consultation on trade conditions is very necessary. The content of the consultation may involve price, specifications, quality, quantity, packaging, shipping and requesting samples. Consultation can be in the form of oral, written, email, etc. In order to better understand the situation of both parties to the transaction, both parties need to express the content of the project they want to consult to each other in a concise and standardized manner. Similarly, when responding to the other party’s consultation, polite and professional business English is also required. The following will introduce practical cross-border e-commerce sentences that may be used in the consultation process.
1.Would you tell us what quantity you require so that we can work out the offer? In order to facilitate our quotation, could you please talk about the quantity you need?
2.We want to know how many pieces you need so we can quote you a best price. I want to know how many pieces you need so we can quote you a best price.
3.Could you tell us how many containers you will buy a year? Could you tell us how many containers you will buy a year?
4.May I have an idea of your prices?
5.Can you give me an indication of price?
6.Please let us know your lowest possible prices for the relevant goods.
7.When can I have your firm CIF prices, Mr.Li?
8.Will you please tell the quantity you require so as to enable us to sort out the offers?
9.How long does it usually take you to make delivery?
10.How long does it usually take you to make delivery?
Scenario simulation
Dear Mr. smith ,
We were deeply impressed by your new energy-saving lamp exhibited in your stand at the trade fair on July 8th, 2013. So we would like to import large quantities of this kind of products from your company.
Would you please send us your price list and catalogue of your updated energy saving lamp, with your earliest delivery date , your terms of payment? It would help us the most if you could also supply some samples.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely.
Chuck Thomas
AE Company
Dear Mr. smith ,
We were deeply impressed by your new energy-saving lamp exhibited in your stand at the trade fair on July 8th, 2013. So we would like to import large quantities of this kind of products from your company.
Please send us a price list and catalog of the latest energy-saving lamps, as well as your earliest delivery date and payment terms. It would be most helpful if you could provide some samples.
Looking forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Chuck Thomas
AE Company