Tips to Handle Barriers During Trading Negotiations

One advantage to working in wholesale or retail is the ability to obtain information on vast resources for your business. Whether you sell gourmet foods or trendy clothing, furniture or books, there are literally thousands of distributors and manufacturers ready to talk with you. That Internet functionality makes it easier for vendors and exports to connect, it goes without saying, but it's not surprising to see the occasional lapse in follow-through on a business proposal because of communication barriers. If you are located in the US and your supplier is in China, for example, you may find it a challenge if there are language obstacles.

Unless the exporter you want to deal with has an English speaker or interpreter on staff, it could slow down trade negotiations for your business. You definitely do not want to delay shipment of a needed product, or find you've paid too much for shipping because you misinterpreted a few words over the phone, so how can you ensure the fairest trade without having to enroll in a foreign language immersion course?

If you communicate via e-mail or other text messaging, you have the advantage of a paper trail that you can consult later on for clarification. Online translators like Google translate may be useful, but if your manufacturer writes to you in English it is really a matter of studying all documents carefully and following-up on points of confusion. The key to a successful trade is not to rush matters, even if you are trying to make a delivery schedule. Better to have all issues hammered out before the trade is finalized than afterward, in the event you do not receive the right product.

For businesses new to global trade, you may wish to first seek products in countries where there is a reduced language barrier risk. If you are able to find what you need in Switzerland or the United Kingdom, you may find it easier to connect with traders. Cost, however, may become an issue that encourages you to look elsewhere for a better deal - if that happens, definitely be prepared before making contact.

Hiring a translator to work with your business is another option, provided you have it in your budget. This may put a distributor more at ease to conduct business in his/her native language as opposed to struggling with English. This may also put distributors more at ease with you, and help negotiations resolve in a timely fashion.

Communicate well when you trade globally, and your business will surely benefit. Know the language of business, even if you don't know that of the people you deal with.