SuanSupplyTemplates on this page
- First inquiry and request for quotation
- Requesting samples
- Negotiating price and MOQ
- Following up when a supplier doesn't reply
- Confirming order details before paying the deposit
Tips before you send
- Ask for everything in one message. Suppliers reply faster and more completely when they don't have to guess what you need.
- Be specific. Materials, sizes, colors and packaging written out clearly prevent the most common sample and production problems.
- Use simple, clear language. Short sentences and lists translate well, whether the supplier reads English or you send Chinese.
- Get important details in writing. Prices, specs and dates agreed by voice message or phone are the most common source of disputes.
1. First inquiry and request for quotation
Your first message to a new supplier. Asking for everything at once gets you a complete, comparable quote instead of a quick number.
Hello, My name is [Your name] from [Company], a [type of business, e.g. Amazon seller or online store] based in [country]. We are interested in your [product name] (listing: [link]). Could you please quote for the following: - Quantity: [500 / 1,000 / 3,000] units - Specifications: [material, size, color] - Packaging: [e.g. individual polybag, retail box] - Price terms: FOB [port] Please also let us know your MOQ, production lead time, sample cost and sample lead time, and carton size and weight. We are looking for a long-term supplier and look forward to your reply. Best regards, [Your name]
您好，
我是【公司名称】的【姓名】，我们是位于【国家】的【业务类型，例如亚马逊卖家／网店】。我们对贵司的【产品名称】很感兴趣（链接：【链接】）。
请按以下要求报价：
- 数量：【500／1000／3000】件
- 规格：【材质、尺寸、颜色】
- 包装：【例如单个OPP袋、彩盒】
- 价格条款：FOB【港口】
另外，请告知最小起订量、生产交期、样品费和打样时间，以及外箱尺寸和重量。
我们希望找到长期合作的供应商，期待您的回复。
此致
【姓名】2. Requesting samples
Always test samples before a bulk order, and confirm in writing that production will match them.
Hello [supplier name], Thank you for your quotation. Before placing an order, we would like to order [1 to 3] samples of [product or model] in [color or specification]. Please confirm the sample cost, the shipping cost to [country] by [DHL / FedEx / UPS], and how long the samples will take to prepare. If we place a bulk order, can the sample cost be refunded? Please also confirm the samples will be the same quality as mass production. Thank you, [Your name]
【联系人】您好，
感谢您的报价。下单之前，我们想先订购【1至3】个【产品／型号】样品，颜色／规格为【……】。
请确认样品费、通过【DHL／FedEx／UPS】寄到【国家】的运费，以及打样需要多长时间。如果我们下大货订单，样品费可以退还吗？
另外，请确认样品与大货的质量一致。
谢谢！
【姓名】3. Negotiating price and MOQ
Give the supplier a reason and a way to say yes: a larger order, simpler options, or a trial order with future reorders.
Hello [supplier name], Thank you for the details. Your price of [$X] at [quantity] units is higher than our target of [$Y]. Is there any flexibility on price if we order [larger quantity], or if we simplify the [packaging / color options]? Your MOQ of [X] units is also more than we need for a first order. Would you accept [smaller quantity] as a trial order, even at a slightly higher unit price? If the first order goes well, we plan to reorder regularly. Best regards, [Your name]
【联系人】您好，
感谢提供详细信息。按【数量】件计算，您的报价【$X】高于我们的目标价【$Y】。如果我们把数量增加到【更大数量】，或者简化【包装／颜色选择】，价格是否还有调整空间？
另外，您的起订量【X】件对我们的第一单来说有点多。能否接受【较小数量】作为试单？单价稍高一些也可以。如果第一单顺利，我们计划长期返单。
谢谢！
【姓名】4. Following up when a supplier doesn't reply
Keep it short and polite, and make it easy for them to say no. A clear no is more useful than silence.
Hello [supplier name], I'm following up on my message from [date] about [product]. Could you let me know if you are able to quote for this order? If this product isn't a good fit for your factory, please let me know. Thank you for your time. Best regards, [Your name]
【联系人】您好，
我想跟进一下【日期】关于【产品】的询盘。请问您是否可以为这个订单报价？
如果这款产品不适合贵厂生产，也请告诉我一声。谢谢您抽出时间。
此致
【姓名】5. Confirming order details before paying the deposit
Put every detail in one written message before you pay. It's your best protection if anything goes wrong later.
Hello [supplier name], To confirm our order before we pay the deposit: - Product: [model, specifications, color] - Quantity: [X] units - Unit price: [$X] (FOB [port]) - Packaging: [details], with [labels / barcodes] - Delivery: goods ready by [date] - Payment: [30%] deposit, [70%] balance before shipment Please confirm everything above is correct, and send a proforma invoice. Thank you, [Your name]
【联系人】您好，
在支付定金之前，我想再确认一下订单细节：
- 产品：【型号、规格、颜色】
- 数量：【X】件
- 单价：【$X】（FOB【港口】）
- 包装：【详情】，并贴【标签／条码】
- 交期：【日期】前完成生产
- 付款方式：【30%】定金，出货前付【70%】尾款
请确认以上信息无误，并发给我形式发票（PI）。
谢谢！
【姓名】Need more than five messages?
Our Supplier Message Builder has 13 ready-to-send messages for every stage of an order, plus 30+ problem and change phrases, all in English and Chinese. Fill in your details once and every message updates. For quotes, our Bilingual RFQ Builder turns a simple English form into a professional request in Chinese.
Frequently asked questions
Should I write to Alibaba suppliers in English or Chinese?
Most Alibaba suppliers have English-speaking sales staff, so English works. Writing in Chinese, or sending both versions, reduces misunderstandings about specifications and often gets faster, more detailed replies, especially on 1688 or when messaging factory staff directly.
How do I ask an Alibaba supplier for a quote?
Send one message with everything the supplier needs: quantity tiers, specifications, packaging and price terms such as FOB. Ask for the MOQ, lead time, sample cost and carton size and weight in the same message, so you can compare quotes fairly.
Can I negotiate the MOQ on Alibaba?
Often, yes. Suppliers are more flexible on MOQ for a trial order, a slightly higher unit price, or simpler options like a stock color. Explaining that you plan to reorder helps.
What should I confirm before paying a deposit?
Product specifications, quantity, unit price and price terms, packaging and labeling, the production deadline, and the payment schedule. Get them confirmed in writing and ask for a proforma invoice before you pay.
SuanSupply is not affiliated with Alibaba or 1688. Templates are general examples; adapt them to your product and order.