How to message a Chinese supplier in Mandarin

Why does a message in Mandarin get a different reply?

Many sales staff at Chinese factories and on 1688 work in Chinese all day. An English message often goes to whoever handles export inquiries, gets run through a translation app, or waits until someone has time. A short, clear message in Chinese can be read and answered straight away by the person who knows the product.

It also shows that you know the basics: the words for MOQ, samples and lead time are the same ones the supplier uses with domestic buyers. You don't need to be fluent. You need clear, simple sentences, and the phrases on this page are written that way.

How do you start: a 3-line intro

Open with 您好 (nín hǎo), the polite form of hello. Then say who you are, what you want and what you are attaching. Three lines is enough:

Replace the parts in square brackets. Keep the brackets out of the final message.

How do you ask about MOQ and price tiers?

起订量 (qǐdìngliàng) means minimum order quantity. 阶梯报价 (jiētī bàojià) means a price for each quantity level, which is the easiest way to see how the unit price changes as you order more.

Domestic prices on 1688 are often quoted with or without a Chinese VAT invoice: 含税 (hánshuì) means tax included, 不含税 (bù hánshuì) means without. For export buyers, ask what the price covers so you compare like with like. Our guide to what MOQ means explains why minimums exist and how they are set.

How do you ask for samples and the sample cost?

打样 (dǎyàng) means making a sample to your spec. 样品费 (yàngpǐnfèi) is the sample fee. Many suppliers charge for custom samples, and some refund it when you place the bulk order, so it is worth asking.

How do you ask about lead time and payment?

大货 (dàhuò) is the bulk order, as opposed to the sample. 货期 (huòqī) is the lead time. 付款方式 (fùkuǎn fāngshì) is how and when you pay.

A 30% deposit with the balance before shipping is a common structure, not a rule. Before paying anything, read our checklist on how to verify a Chinese supplier, and see what Alibaba Trade Assurance covers.

How do you politely ask if they are a factory?

Asking directly is normal and not rude. Plenty of good suppliers are trading companies, so ask to understand who you are dealing with, not to catch anyone out.

Our guide to telling a factory from a trading company shows what to look for in the answer.

How do you read common replies, including a polite no?

"Let me check" usually means a real answer is coming, often after the supplier talks to the workshop. A polite no on quantity is not the end: ask whether a stock design, fewer colors or a higher unit price would work. Our guide to ordering small from Chinese manufacturers has the wording.

WeChat vs Alibaba chat: what is the etiquette?

• Alibaba.com chat: most suppliers here expect English, but a Chinese line next to the English often gets a quicker, more precise answer. Keeping the conversation on the platform also keeps a record.
• 1688 chat (旺旺, Wàngwàng): sellers write in Chinese and are used to short questions about price, stock and shipping. Ask one thing at a time.
• WeChat (微信, Wēixìn): suppliers often suggest moving here. Introduce yourself in the first message when you add someone, and keep messages short. Voice messages are common, but text is easier to translate and keep.
• Timing: China is on one time zone (UTC+8). Messages sent during Chinese working hours get faster replies. Factories slow down or close around Chinese New Year, so plan around it (see our Chinese New Year 2027 guide).

Worked example: a full quote request for 500 tote bags

Here is a complete message you can copy and adapt. The product details are an example; change them to yours.

您好！我是[公司名]的[名字]，我们在美国开网店，卖帆布包。
我们想定做一款帆布托特包，规格如下：
材质：12安帆布
尺寸：38 x 42厘米，提手长60厘米
印刷：单面丝印，一色logo
数量：500个
请问：
1. 单价多少？请按500个和1000个分别报价。
2. 样品费多少？多久能做好？
3. 大货货期多久？
4. 包装方式和每箱数量？
谢谢！

Send it with a photo or sketch and your logo file. If you want the same request in a formal layout, our RFQ guide has a full bilingual template.

Skip the translating: let us reach out for you

If you would rather not write to factories yourself, send us what you want made. We reach out to Chinese suppliers in Mandarin and email you what they told us. Asking is free.

Frequently asked questions

General information as of October 15, 2026. Example messages and quantities are illustrative. Suppliers' answers, prices and terms vary; confirm everything in writing before you pay.