Exporting Your Goods
Dealing with Unsolicited Queries
Many companies being exporting because of an order or query from a foreign buyer. The following four questions and answers will help you decide how best to proceed if you do receive an unsolicited query:
What decisions do we need to make before responding to an unsolicited query?
If we are interested in the query, what is our first step?
What if the query is verbal?
What if the query is in a foreign language?
What decisions do we need to make before responding to an unsolicited query?
Just because you have received a query does not mean that it represents a good business opportunity. You will need to decide:
- What the costs would be to your company
- Whether or not you can fulfill the order in a timely manner
- Whether or not product modifications would be required
- What the impact on your domestic operations would be
- What the legal implications of the contract would be
- Whether or not the proposed transaction is worth the effort
If we are interested in the query, what is our first step?
Generally you would respond to a query or order with a price quotation, including details about the product and the terms of the sale. The potential buyer may then accept the quotation, negotiate with you, or reject the quotation outright.
What if the query is verbal?
You need to ask the caller for written confirmation of the request and note the date, name of contact, and details of the discussion.
What if the query is in a foreign language?
If no one on your staff can speak or read the language, you first need to determine if you want to invest in communications through an interpreter. If you choose to proceed, make sure that the request and your response are professionally translated and properly understood. You can get assistance from a certified translator by contacting the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia.