Hi there, I had several times talking with sourcing guys in u.s. via phone, who are from different companies. Since I don't want to screw any chance up, I dare not ask them some questions. So I will highly appreciate it if you could share me some toughts on the following the questions that I wanted to ask.

1. For the first talk with a company after it asked for a quote, could I say "would you mind telling us your target price package for our reference?"
2. After I submitted the quotation sheet, can I say "we are wondering when we will be given a response, and what else we can provide to supplement to the quotation."
3. Without an appiontment, should I end up my conversation ASAP?
4. I shall be ok to discuss any tech questions with him/her, is that right?
5. For an FOB base, because they asked for a shipping solution, can I ask them "would you consider using your forwarder, or ours"

I value all your comments, no matter it is positive or negative.
Thanks

Replying to [suburban guy]:

I'm waiting for good replies from all of the people who is experienced and skilled with you.

Replying to [suburban guy]:

I don’t see anything wrong with that, maybe you can greet him first and ask how are you, but just keep this very short until you find him very comfortable having a casual talk. Then ask if him if he can spare a few minutes. Just be normal and go straight to the point. It will be alright.

I have 4 fresh graduates as my subordinate all of them can write good English with very few grammar mistakes whom has been working with me for about a year now, they are all purchaser but none of them dare to call up the European suppliers, I tried to force them but they seems to be very nervous and almost cried every time I tried to force them, well until now none of these for has called before, they just ask their senior to call on their behalf. Still don’t know what to do with them.

You seem to have more courage as you are going to call a customer instead, good luck

Replying to [suburban guy]:

Hi There!!

The first rule of the business is Let the buyer be casual in his or her attitude but SELLER HAS TO BE ALWAYS POLITE & FORMAL.

You can frame your questions as per below:

“Dear (Name of the person)

Trust you are doing very well.

In order to progress in positive direction towards the dealing between you (or your buyer) and my company I need certain details such as

1. Could you please advice us the target price which you are looking for?
2. Since our offer is valid for 15 days (put the validity period) how much time you will require to respond us.

Perseverance is the key of business success hence do not put an end to the conversation from your end.

You can ask the buyer whether he/she needs any technical help from your end which will help them to speed up their decision process.

If the customer is asking for FOB prices provide him the same. If possible try to provide the indicative freight from loading port to destination port which will give the buyer an idea about freight cost. Then the buyer will decide whether he will arrange for the freight forwarder or you (supplier) has to arrange for the same.

I hope I tried to answer all your queries if you need anything else do not hesitate to contact me.

Warm Regards,
Sameer

Replying to [Keat Ta Kia]:you are right,chinese alway be shy and not dare to open your mouthto speak english,on the contrary,foreigner will be open

Replying to [suburban guy]:
Yes, we are always afraid of talking with our freign clients on phone, because we are fear to make mistakes or be laughed at.

But we are sure we must try every opportunity to speak out, any day by day, you won't be afraid any more, instead, you can speak a mouth of smoothy English.

I have been always forcing myself to speak with foreigners even they are not my client, just for making progress in Oral English, so that we can communicate with the freigners smoothly, and can seize the chance to cooperate with them on the basis of mutual benefit.

Just try your best to ask anything you want to know, most of the freign clients are kind and accommodating.

Hope you do well in your business at last.

Replying to [suburban guy]:Thank you for your question and the one who answered it,because I learn a lot from all of you.

Replying to [suburban guy]: There's a lot of American traders who does not perform, so stay cool and work through the haystack, you will accumulate experience along the way.