Be specific:“Delivery before March 25”, “Quantity 500 pcs”, “Logo size 5×3 cm”.
Write short sentences. Use bullet points, not long paragraphs.
Reply fast — speed = respect in China
Suppliers expect replies within hours, not days.
If busy, send a short message:“Received, will confirm details by tomorrow noon.”Slow replies make them think you’re uninterested or unreliable.
Put everything in writing Verbal promises (WeChat calls, voice messages) mean nothing long-term.
Confirm every agreement in text: price, MOQ, lead time, payment, specs.
Example:“To confirm: Unit price $2.8, MOQ 1000, delivery 25 days after deposit.”This avoids misunderstandings and protects both sides.
Organize info with files + visuals Chinese factories rely heavily on visuals.
Send: ◦ Clear product images / drawings ◦ Labeled PDF specs ◦ Packaging design ◦ Color codes (Pantone if possible)Don’t describe colors as “light blue” — show a sample.
Address them politely & formally
Use: Manager + surnameManager Wang, Manager Li, Director Zhang
Avoid confrontation — save “face” Chinese business hates public conflict.
Don’t accuse: “You made a mistake!”
Say gently:“We found some issues, let’s check together to improve.”
Criticize privately, never in a group.
Be reasonable & consistent
Don’t constantly change specs, quantity, or deadlines.
Don’t negotiate price down 10 times.
If you must change, explain why and compensate if needed.Suppliers trust buyers who are stable.
Use the right communication tools Most common in China:
WeChat (primary: text, voice, files, video calls)
Email (for formal contracts & official documents)
WhatsApp / Telegram (less common, slower response) Use WeChat for daily communication; email for formal records.
Ask smart questions, not vague ones Bad:“How is production?”
Good:“Has mass production started? Can you share progress photos today?”
Bad:“Is quality okay?”Good:“Have you done pre-production sample? Can you send for approval?”
When there’s a problem: solve, don’t blame Structure your message like this:
State fact
Show photo/proof
Propose solution
Emphasize long-term cooperation Example:“We found 5% of the products have printing issues (photo attached).Could you help rework or replace them?We hope to keep long-term cooperation and solve this together.”
Understand Chinese working time
Work: Mon–Fri, 9:00–18:00 China time
Many work half-day on Saturday
Avoid expecting replies late at night or during Chinese holidays:Spring Festival, National Day, Mid-Autumn Festival.