You’ve just received your first international inquiry — exciting, right? But if you're new to global trade, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the steps between “hello” and “payment.” Don’t worry — we’re here to walk you through the entire process with clarity, confidence, and real-world examples from companies like Zhengzhou Rongsheng Refractory Co., Ltd.
Most buyers expect a reply within 24 hours. A delay can cost you the deal — especially in fast-moving industries like refractory materials. Use templates for common questions (like MOQ, lead time, certifications), but personalize each message. For example, when a European buyer asked about ISO 9001 compliance for high-alumina bricks, Rongsheng didn’t just say “yes” — they shared their certificate and explained how it reduced risk for the buyer.
International buyers don’t just buy products — they buy trust. That’s why certified processes matter. According to a 2023 survey by Alibaba, 78% of B2B buyers prefer suppliers who follow standardized procedures. This includes clear contracts, proper Incoterms, and documented quality checks. At Rongsheng, every export order goes through a 5-point checklist: product specs, packaging validation, lab test reports, customs documentation, and shipment tracking.
Pro Tip: Always include a short FAQ section in your email replies — this reduces back-and-forth and shows you understand their concerns.
Buyers want transparency. If you can’t provide live tracking or explain delays calmly, you’ll lose credibility. In one case, Rongsheng had a container delay due to port congestion in Rotterdam. Instead of hiding it, they sent an update with alternative timelines and offered a small discount — and the client stayed loyal.
After payment, don’t go silent. Send a thank-you note, ask for feedback, and offer post-sale support. One U.S. customer said: “They followed up after delivery — not just to check satisfaction, but to see if we needed more material next quarter.” That’s how you turn one-time buyers into repeat clients.
“We used to think exporting was just about pricing. Now we know — it’s about process, communication, and consistency.” — Li Wei, Export Manager at Rongsheng
Now that you’ve seen the full cycle, take a moment to reflect: What’s your biggest challenge in handling international orders today?
Is it responding fast enough? Managing documents? Or building trust across borders?
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