Inquiry Email Template
Subject: Inquiry for [Product Name] Pricing
Dear [Supplier’s Name],
I hope you are doing well!
My name is [Your Name], the founder of [Your Company Name], an e-commerce business based in the U.S. We are currently looking for a reliable supplier for [Product Name] and would appreciate more details about your products.
Could you kindly provide the following information?
- Pricing breakdown – Please share your price tiers for different order quantities, including variations in size, color, or model (if applicable). Also, kindly include packaging details in the quotation.
- MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) – What is your required MOQ?
- Stock availability – Do you have ready stock? If not, what is the estimated production time?
- Payment terms & methods – What payment options do you accept?
- Alibaba Trade Assurance – Do you support Trade Assurance transactions?
- Customization options – Do you offer customization? If yes, what options are available?
- Call/Meeting Availability – Would you be open to a call to discuss further details?
- Product catalog – If available, please share your product catalog or any additional materials that may help us in our decision-making process.
Thank you for your time! I look forward to your response and the possibility of working together.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Company Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Appendix: Common International Trade and B2B Communication Terms Glossary
International Trade Terms (Incoterms)
- FOB (Free On Board) – Goods are delivered onto the ship at the port of origin; the buyer takes responsibility from there.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) – The seller covers the cost, insurance, and freight to the destination port.
- EXW (Ex Works) – The buyer is responsible for picking up goods directly from the seller’s factory/warehouse.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) – The seller delivers the goods to the buyer’s location, covering all duties and taxes.
- DAP (Delivered at Place) – The seller delivers goods to a specified location, but the buyer is responsible for duties and taxes.
- CFR (Cost and Freight) – The seller pays for shipping but not for insurance. The buyer takes responsibility upon arrival.
- FCA (Free Carrier) – The seller delivers the goods to a designated carrier or location, and the buyer takes responsibility from there.
Payment Terms
- T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) – Bank wire transfer, commonly used in international trade.
- L/C (Letter of Credit) – A payment guarantee issued by the buyer’s bank to the seller.
- D/P (Documents Against Payment) – The buyer can receive shipping documents only after making payment.
- D/A (Documents Against Acceptance) – The buyer receives shipping documents and agrees to pay later.
- POD (Proof of Delivery) – A document confirming that the goods have been delivered.
- COD (Cash on Delivery) – Payment is made upon delivery of the goods.
Shipping & Logistics Terms
- ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) – The expected arrival time of a shipment.
- ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) – The expected departure time of a shipment.
- BL (Bill of Lading) – A shipping document that serves as a contract and receipt of goods.
- AWB (Air Waybill) – A transport document for air shipments.
- FTL (Full Truckload) – A shipment that fills an entire truck.
- LCL (Less than Container Load) – A shipment that shares a container with other shipments.
- FCL (Full Container Load) – A shipment that fills an entire shipping container.
Other Common B2B Terms
- MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) – The smallest quantity a supplier is willing to sell.
- P/O (Purchase Order) – A formal request to buy goods from a supplier.
- RFP (Request for Proposal) – A formal request for suppliers to submit detailed project proposals.
- RFQ (Request for Quotation) – A request for suppliers to provide price quotes for goods/services.
- PI (Proforma Invoice) – A preliminary invoice provided before shipment for payment arrangement.
- SO (Sales Order) – A confirmation from the supplier of an accepted purchase order.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) – A manufacturer that produces products based on the buyer’s specifications.
- ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) – A manufacturer that designs and produces products that can be rebranded by buyers.
- OEM/ODM – A supplier that offers both manufacturing and design services.
- NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) – A legal contract ensuring confidentiality of shared business information.
Conclusion
You’re Ready!
Importing from China may seem complex and full of challenges at first, but with experience, the process will become smoother and more manageable. From your first inquiry and supplier selection to final delivery and after-sales service, every successful order is a valuable step in your international trade journey.
Mastering each stage not only boosts your confidence but also opens doors to greater opportunities and higher profits. Remember, importing isn’t just about purchasing products—it’s about leveraging a global supply chain to take your business to new heights.
If you ever need assistance, Mangors Sourcing is here to help. From supplier vetting and contract negotiations to logistics and customs clearance, we provide full support to ensure your success in global trade. Let’s work together to help your business go further and grow stronger in the world of international trade!