Trading across languages and borders

Use multilingual listings to start a conversation, then confirm the details required for the destination market.

Separate the listing language from the seller’s languages

An advertisement can have several language versions while its seller speaks only one or two languages. Check the “Seller speaks” information before choosing how to communicate. Use short, specific questions and keep product references, quantities and units consistent.

Sellers choose the original language of their lot and can add translated titles and descriptions. The seller should review every version; an automatic translation is a draft that may need correction, especially for technical terms and product condition.

Prepare information for the destination

Before agreeing an international shipment, establish the destination, intended use and the business responsible for each part of the operation. Ask which product documents, labels or handling information are available. Requirements vary with the goods and countries; do not assume that a product suitable for one market is automatically suitable for another.

Discuss customs and tax questions with the relevant professionals before quoting an all-inclusive delivered price. Do not use a translated listing as a substitute for required product or shipping documents.

Keep one agreed commercial record

Use an identifiable inventory and quotation for the final agreement. If documents exist in several languages, clarify with the other party which version is used for the agreement and how differences will be resolved.

Check dates, decimal separators, currencies, quantities and delivery addresses together. Publishing multiple languages can improve access to information, but the seller remains responsible for the accuracy of the submitted content.

Before moving forward

Check the languages the seller actually speaks.
Review translated numbers, units and product terminology.
Confirm destination and required documents before shipment.
Agree which inventory and quotation versions apply.
Keep the final conditions together with the conversation.