Do I need to speak Chinese when visiting suppliers or trade shows?

Technical meaning matters as much as words

A conversation about materials, performance, drawings or manufacturing needs more than a literal translation. The person supporting the discussion should understand what the client is trying to achieve and which details affect the product.

Terms such as “same as the sample” or “standard quality” can leave too much open to interpretation. Specific dimensions, materials, finishes and checking criteria create a more useful discussion.

Make the meeting easier to follow

• Share a short written brief and identified drawings
• Use reference images with clear notes about the required features
• Separate confirmed specifications from items still under discussion
• Record quantities, commercial assumptions and proposed changes
• Summarise decisions and assign the next actions

Continue the communication afterwards

Supplier questions often emerge when the manufacturing team reviews the drawings or begins sampling. A well-supported meeting should lead into a record that can be used for those later discussions.

You can remain involved directly. The support team helps clarify language and technical points, rather than taking control of the client’s decisions or restricting access to the supplier.

How TL supports this

TL’s Australian support stays connected with our Shanghai sourcing team. We can help explain requirements, clarify supplier responses, support appropriate commercial discussions and follow up actions after the visit. The scope is about understanding and executing the sourcing brief, not only translating words at the meeting.