As an export business, we all know that some leads take time to mature. This is the story of how patience, persistence, and seizing the right moment turned a one-year-old Alibaba connection into a promising opportunity.
We first connected with this client on Alibaba in early 2025. While initial contact was made, conversations remained general, and the dialogue didn’t progress deeply. Instead of pushing aggressively, we maintained polite and professional contact, keeping our company and products on their radar.
Earlier this year, we learned an exciting piece of news: the client is on a business trip in China now. Recognizing this as a rare and valuable opportunity, we decided it was time to act. We didn’t wait for them to reach out—instead, we proactively called to extend an invitation for a visit. After consistent and respectful follow-ups, they agreed to include our company in their schedule.
During their visit, we had the privilege of welcoming them to our facilities. The focus was on showcasing our core products: toner cartridges and copier toner kit. We presented various models, explained key features, and highlighted our quality control and customization capabilities. Following the presentation, we provided a preliminary quotation tailored to their discussed needs.
This experience reinforced an important lesson: taking initiative at the right moment is far more effective than waiting passively. Had we not reached out when we did, this opportunity might have slipped away.
For businesses working with international leads, remember:
・Maintain genuine, long-term relationships, even if deals aren’t immediate.
・Stay alert to potential opportunities, such as client travel plans.
・Be confident in taking the initiative to invite and meet—it can transform a digital connection into a real-world partnership.
If you have been in contact with a potential partner but haven’t yet taken the next step, perhaps now is the time to reach out. You never know what opportunities a conversation can unlock.
Interested in learning more about our toner cartridges? Contact us today for detailed catalogues and competitive quotes.