An English email template for asking a store about stock and shipping
You have chosen a product, but are unsure how to ask the overseas store about it in English. Your first message can be short. This guide gives you a template to adapt and explains what to check when the seller replies. You can use it to make your own enquiries before deciding whether you need help.
On this page
Identify the product and keep the first questions focused
Gather the product-page URL, quantity and any colour, model or size that the page does not identify. You do not need to translate the whole description if the link identifies the item. If you send a store homepage instead, include the product name or model.
Stating “Model A, blue, quantity two” at enquiry stage helps avoid a reply for a different variation. Include the destination country, area and postcode for a shipping quote. Focus on stock, shipping availability, cost, included taxes and expected dispatch. Omit questions already answered on the product page.
Copy and adapt this pre-purchase email
Replace details in brackets before sending. Add the product link, specifications, quantity and destination, and remove questions already answered on the product page.
Subject: Availability and shipping to [country] Hello, I am interested in [product URL], [colour/model], quantity [quantity]. Is it in stock? Can you ship to [city, country, postcode]? Please confirm the price, shipping cost, included taxes or fees, and estimated dispatch date. Could you share your return policy? This is an enquiry, not an order. Thank you, [Name]
Before sending, check the URL, specifications, quantity and destination. If you need the item for a particular date, ask about estimated arrival as well as dispatch. You can request a link to the seller's return-policy page to review its conditions.
Check the breakdown, not just whether delivery is possible
“Yes, we can ship” does not give you the total. Check that the item, variation, quantity and currency match your request. Look for separate goods and shipping amounts and any taxes or clearance fees payable separately. Missing shipping is unconfirmed, not free. Ask:
Does the quoted shipping cover delivery to [country], and are import taxes included?
This establishes the destination covered by the quote and asks whether import taxes are included. Organize the answer so the same tax already collected by the seller is not added again elsewhere. For returns, check the reporting deadline, return address and who pays return shipping. Decide whether to buy after the conditions are clear.
If the exchange becomes difficult, bring the reply with you
If you understand the reply, you can proceed with your own purchase. If questions multiply or terms remain vague, ask PORTLETTER. Start with the product URL, necessary specifications, quantity and reply email. Include answers already received to reduce repeated questions. You need not research shipping costs or HS codes before contacting us.
We handle email checks, terms negotiation and an estimate. An enquiry is not an order. After your explicit email agreement to the quote and terms, our agency contract forms when we confirm funds received within the deadline, and ordering begins. This is separate from the supplier's sale contract. We do not advance product costs or extra expenses. See our transaction terms for details.