Live Chat refers to instant messaging tools embedded by foreign trade enterprises on websites, independent sites, or B2B platforms (such as Alibaba International Station) to conduct real-time text, voice, or video communication with visitors or potential customers. Use cases include: pre-sales product inquiries, quotation and price negotiation, order follow-up, after-sales issue handling, etc. Precautions: pay attention to time zone differences and arrange multilingual customer service; chat records should be saved as evidence; avoid over-promising or disclosing trade secrets. Compared with email, Live Chat responds more immediately and can improve conversion rates; compared with phone calls, it is lower in cost and can serve multiple people simultaneously. However, note that some customers may only use it for initial inquiries, so they need to be guided to formal emails or contracts.
📝 Examples
1. A customer asked in the website Live Chat: "What is the MOQ for this product?" The customer service representative replied in real time: "500 pieces, but 300 pieces can be accepted for first cooperation." (Demonstrates pre-sales inquiry and flexible price negotiation)
2. Through Live Chat, after the customer confirmed the order details, the customer service representative said: "I will send the PI to your email. Please check it and arrange the deposit." (Demonstrates guiding online chat to the formal order process)
💡 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