A verbal order refers to an intention to purchase reached by the buyer and seller through oral means such as telephone, face-to-face conversation, or instant messaging, rather than being confirmed in written form (such as a purchase contract or proforma invoice). It is typically used for urgent replenishment between long-term customers, small trial orders, or preliminary negotiations at trade shows. Precautions: Verbal orders have weak legal effect, are prone to disputes over details such as specifications, prices, and delivery dates, and are difficult to prove; in practice, they should be restated in writing as soon as possible (such as by email or PI) and confirmed by the other party, or it should be explicitly agreed that 'the formal contract shall prevail.' Compared with a 'written order,' a verbal order lacks traceable evidence; compared with an 'intention order,' a verbal order usually already includes specific transaction terms but has not yet been formally signed. Foreign trade practitioners should avoid arranging production or shipment based solely on a verbal order and are advised to adopt a 'verbal confirmation + written ratification' approach to control risks.
📝 Examples
1. The customer placed a verbal order by phone for 500 Bluetooth speakers. I immediately sent an email asking them to confirm the model, unit price, and delivery date, and noted, 'This email serves as the written record of the verbal order.' (Note: Convert the verbal order into a written record to avoid subsequent disputes.)
2. At the trade show, a long-term customer verbally ordered an additional two containers of stock. I recorded it on the spot and asked them to sign a simple confirmation form, then supplemented it with a formal contract after returning to the office. (Note: Fix the contents of the verbal order through a simple confirmation form to reduce performance risk.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner