
With Chinese New Year approaching, auto parts manufacturers face a critical window for securing export orders before factories shut down and logistics networks become congested. International buyers who fail to confirm orders now risk significant production delays and potential market disadvantages.
This article outlines five core strategies to effectively push for last-minute orders, along with practical communication templates to help exporters secure business before the holiday season.
Five Core Strategies for Pre-Holiday Order Pushing
Effective order pushing requires systematic approaches rather than simple reminders. These five techniques combine psychological principles with practical experience to accelerate customer decision-making.
1. Create Time Pressure: Make Clients Aware of Urgency
Human psychology shows greater sensitivity to potential losses than potential gains. Clearly communicate that delayed orders will result in definite shipping delays.
- Implementation: Set clear deadlines ("Friday is the cutoff for pre-holiday shipments") and emphasize consequences ("We cannot guarantee pre-holiday delivery after this date")
- Example: "Without order confirmation today, we cannot guarantee container loading before the holiday, which may significantly impact your post-holiday sales plans."
2. Highlight Cost Advantages: Demonstrate Current Savings
Post-holiday price increases for logistics and materials are inevitable. Position early ordering as a cost-control measure.
- Implementation: Provide estimates of upcoming price increases and emphasize current price locks
- Example: "Orders placed now qualify for current pricing. Starting next week, material cost increases will likely raise prices 5-8%."
3. Offer Solutions: Demonstrate Professionalism
Clients resist rejection but accept alternatives. Show flexibility with multiple fulfillment options.
- Implementation: Propose expedited shipping or partial shipments to meet urgent needs
- Example: "If full container loading isn't possible pre-holiday, we can air freight priority items immediately and ship the balance post-holiday."
4. Showcase Production Capacity: Build Confidence
Customer hesitation often stems from delivery concerns. Demonstrate your operational readiness.
- Implementation: Share recent shipment records, production status, or inventory levels
- Example: "We just shipped 50 containers of similar components last week with full production capacity currently available to fulfill your order on time."
5. Leverage Social Proof: Create Competitive Urgency
Buyers tend to follow market trends. Reference peer activity to encourage decisions.
- Implementation: Cite orders from similar clients in the same region
- Example: "This week alone we've received five urgent orders from Germany, the U.S. and Middle East for similar products as clients prepare for post-holiday demand."
Practical Communication Templates for Five Scenarios
These ready-to-use templates apply the above strategies to common situations.
1. Pain Point Approach
Hi [Client],
With Chinese New Year approaching, our factories and logistics will close on [date]. For pre-holiday shipment, we must receive your PO and deposit by [date].
Each day's delay reduces pre-holiday shipping likelihood. To protect your Q1 sales schedule, please confirm your order promptly for production and booking arrangements.
2. Cost Pressure Approach
Dear [Client],
Shipping costs continue rising ahead of the holiday, with further increases expected afterward.
Current orders qualify for existing pricing and space. Post-holiday orders face both higher costs and 2-3 week delays.
We recommend finalizing your order now for cost control.
3. Loss Aversion Approach
Hi [Client],
Our verification shows this week offers the last two pre-holiday sailing options. Missing these will delay your shipment until approximately [date], potentially impacting sales plans.
To avoid delays, please confirm your order by today's close for priority shipping.
4. Solution-Oriented Approach
Dear [Client],
We understand your urgency but pre-holiday timing is extremely tight. To ensure uninterrupted supply, we propose:
1) Air freight priority items immediately
2) Ship remaining goods post-holiday
Which option better meets your needs?
5. Social Proof Approach
Hi [Client],
Multiple [region] clients have recently ordered similar products to prepare for post-holiday demand.
If you share this strategy, we recommend prompt order confirmation to secure optimal shipping windows.
Three Key Precautions for Effective Order Pushing
Proper implementation requires careful attention to methodology.
- Tone: Use "recommend" and "suggest" rather than demands like "must"
- Deadlines: Specify exact dates/times rather than vague "as soon as possible"
- Frequency: Follow up daily or every other day, avoiding excessive contact
The pre-holiday period represents auto parts exporters' most critical order window. Companies that effectively address customer time concerns and cost considerations will gain significant competitive advantage when business resumes.