First Encounter: A Help-Seeking Email from Russia
One afternoon in 2021, while I was organizing my company’s client files, I suddenly received
an email from Russia. The sender, Ivan, wrote in the email:
"Hello, I have found a printer in a second-hand market in Shenzhen at a very reasonable
price, but I am in Moscow and I don't know how to ship it back. Also, due to international
payment restrictions, I cannot directly pay the seller. Can you help me resolve these
issues?"
After reading the email, I was a bit surprised. Ivan’s request was very specific but also
full of challenges: international logistics, financial transactions, and customs clearance
for a used device. Nevertheless, I decided to help him out.
Communication: Understanding the Needs and Formulating a Plan
I immediately replied to Ivan, asking for more details. He explained that he was a
freelancer, mainly engaged in design and copywriting. Since printers in Russia are very
expensive, he decided to purchase a second-hand professional-grade printer from China, but
he hadn’t anticipated the issues with logistics and payments.
After several rounds of communication, I learned his specific needs:
Logistics: Transporting the printer from Shenzhen to Moscow.
Payment: Due to restrictions by Russian banks, he was unable to wire money directly to the
Chinese seller.
I told him that although the issues were complex, they were not unsolvable. I promised to
help him find a suitable logistics company and assist with the payment process.
Logistical Challenges: The Winding Road from Shenzhen to Moscow
First, I contacted several international logistics companies to inquire about transportation
options from China to Russia. Since the printer was a piece of delicate equipment and used,
many companies were unwilling to take it on. Eventually, I found a company specializing in
China-Russia logistics that agreed to handle the order, provided detailed equipment
information and customs clearance documents were submitted.
Next, I reached out to the seller in Shenzhen to help prepare the invoice, packing list, and
equipment manual for the printer. To ensure that the device would not be damaged during
transit, I specifically advised the seller to reinforce the packaging with foam and wooden
supports.
The logistics company informed me that the equipment would first be transported by road from
Shenzhen to Manzhouli, and then transferred by rail to Moscow. The entire process would take
approximately 20 days.
Payment Challenges: Navigating Cross-Border Funds Transfer
The payment issue was equally tricky. Due to international sanctions imposed on Russian
banks, Ivan was unable to wire money directly to the Chinese seller. I proposed several
solutions:
Third-Party Payment Platforms: Such as PayPal or Western Union, though these come with high
fees.
Cryptocurrency Payment: Ivan could pay using Bitcoin, but the seller did not accept it.
Ivan chose the second solution. He first transferred the funds into the designated account,
and once the payment was received, I transferred the down payment to the factory to arrange
for the pickup.
Delivery: The Printer Safely Arrives in Moscow
Twenty days later, Ivan excitedly messaged me: "The printer has arrived! The packaging is
intact, and the device is functioning properly!" He even sent a photo: a sleek black printer
quietly set up in his studio, with a freshly printed design draft beside it.
He told me that not only had the printer saved him a considerable amount of money, but it
also significantly improved his work efficiency. He said, "Without your help, I would never
have been able to complete this purchase. You are not only my partner in this venture, but
also a friend."
Aftermath: The Continuation of a Friendship
A few months later, Ivan contacted me again, asking if I could help him procure some printer
supplies. This time, our cooperation was even smoother. He also introduced me to several of
his friends, who were similarly interested in high cost-performance equipment from China.
Epilogue: The Power of Trust and Professionalism
This experience made me deeply realize that international trade is not just about the
circulation of goods, but also about the transfer of trust and professionalism. Despite
differences in language, culture, and payment methods, as long as service is delivered
wholeheartedly, customer trust can be won.
Ivan’s story also taught me that helping others solve their problems not only opens up
business opportunities but also brings a valuable friendship.
Lessons Learned:
Professionalism is Key to Earning Trust: Providing professional solutions to complex
problems makes customers more confident in you.
Adaptability in Facing Challenges: Payment and logistics issues are common in international
trade, and flexibility is necessary to find the best solution.
Service Creates Value: Helping customers resolve their issues not only facilitates
transactions but also establishes long-term cooperative relationships.
I hope this story brings you some inspiration and a sense of warmth!