Inquiry is a relatively simple process, but sellers need to identify key issues to increase the response rate of the other party. Generally speaking, the content of supplier inquiry mainly includes the following points:
(1) Minimum order quantity.
Sellers must first understand the minimum order quantity that the supplier can accept. The minimum order quantity varies depending on the product and supplier. Generally speaking, the minimum order quantity is negotiable.
(2) Sample pricing.
Some suppliers may use the retail price as the sample price, some suppliers may use a discount price as the sample price, and some suppliers may even provide samples for free.
(3) Product pricing.
Product pricing is directly related to profit issues, so it is very important.
(4) Product turnover time.
Sellers need to know how long the product turnover cycle is, such as how long it takes from the order to the delivery to the seller’s warehouse, so that they can strictly control the store operation process.
(5) Payment method.
Inventory cost is one of the main costs that sellers need to control. Some suppliers will require sellers to pay all the order fees in the early stage, so it is necessary to confirm the payment terms in the later stage.
(6) Pay attention to the communication method with suppliers.
Sending emails to suppliers may not always get a reply, because many suppliers have received repeated inquiry emails, so suppliers will not reply to all emails one by one. So, how to avoid emails being ignored? When contacting suppliers for the first time, sellers should pay attention to the following points:
① Use private email. Suppliers receive a large number of emails every day. If you want to get their replies, ordinary email methods are definitely not suitable. Sellers can use their own private email to send, thereby increasing the probability of suppliers replying.
② The first email is clear and concise. The first email does not need to be elaborate. It can simply express the purpose of the email and focus on the things that the supplier cares about.
③ Avoid making too many requests. In the first email communication, both parties are unfamiliar with each other. It is best for sellers to only ask about the things they want to know most.