Talking to a 1688 seller without shared language

Machine translation handles prices and quantities well and destroys nuance. Write so the important parts cannot be mistranslated.

Write for translation, not for style

• One question per line. Two questions in one sentence gets one answer.
• Numbers as digits, with units: 200 pieces, 15 days, 12.5 CNY.
• Short sentences. No idioms, no sarcasm, no abbreviations.
• Repeat the product link every time — sellers handle dozens of chats.

The message that works

Product link. Quantity and colour mix. Target price. Delivery date needed. Then ask for total cost including domestic shipping. That structure gets a quotable answer rather than a catalogue.

The four questions worth asking

1. What is the real minimum for this colour and size mix?
2. What is the production and dispatch time from payment?
3. Can you send a sample, and what does it cost including domestic freight?
4. What happens if the goods are wrong — replacement, refund, or discount?

What translation reliably mangles

Conditions. Words like unless, except, and before get dropped or inverted, and the resulting answer can read as agreement when it is a refusal. For anything conditional, ask again in a separate short message and confirm with yes or no.

Common questions

Should I use the platform chat or WeChat?

Platform chat, because the record is what a dispute is decided on.

Is a slow reply a bad sign?

Not necessarily — many sellers answer in batches. A vague answer is the worrying sign.

Can I ask for an English-speaking contact?

Sellers with export experience have one. Domestic-only sellers usually do not.