用電商蝦皮 Shopee 教英文商業書信
你在蝦皮上跟賣家用英文殺過價嗎?那些句子其實是商業英文。
別笑。我認真的。
我有個學生,大學畢業去面試外商業務,主管出了封email寫作題。他寫不出來,回家崩潰跟我說:「老師,我連問對方貨到了沒都不會寫。」我問他:「你蝦皮買東西不會問嗎?」他愣住。
蝦皮的對話框裡藏著一整套商業書信的骨架。你只是不知道而已。
今天這篇,把你在蝦皮上打過的每一句話,翻成正統商業英文。學完之後,你不只會殺價,還會寫email。而且你會發現,你早就會了——只是需要有人幫你把「日常」和「正式」之間那道牆拆掉。
一、訂單確認:你以為是通知,其實是商業信的第一步
每次下單之後,蝦皮會跳出那句:
Your order has been shipped.
這句話你看了幾百次。但你有沒有想過它的文法結構?
現在完成式被動語態。 has been shipped。東西「被」寄出了。主詞是 order,不是賣家,也不是你。商業英文超愛用被動語態,因為它把焦點放在「事情」而不是「人」。聽起來比較客觀、比較專業。
在正式商業書信裡,這句的完整版長這樣:
We are pleased to inform you that your order #20260623-0045 has been shipped via SF Express. The estimated delivery date is June 25.
「我們很高興通知您,您的訂單已透過順豐寄出。預計送達日為6月25日。」
We are pleased to inform you that... 這句是商業書信通知好消息的標準開頭。pleased = 高興的。inform = 通知。你以後在公司寄任何好消息的信,都可以用這句開頭。
收到貨之後,蝦皮會催你:
Please confirm receipt.
confirm receipt = 確認收貨。receipt 這個字,大家只知道它是「收據」,但它也有「收到、接收」的意思。商業信裡超常用。
正式版:
Please confirm receipt of the goods at your earliest convenience. Should there be any issues, do not hesitate to contact us.
「請在方便時盡快確認收貨。若有任何問題,請隨時聯繫我們。」
at your earliest convenience = 在您方便時盡快。這組片語幾乎出現在每封商業信的請求句裡。它比 "please do it soon" 禮貌一百倍。背起來,面試直接用,主管會對你刮目相看。
Should there be any issues = if there are any issues 的倒裝寫法。更正式,更書面。商業信裡常見這種倒裝句型。另一個例子:Should you require further assistance, please let us know.(如果您需要進一步協助,請告知我們。)
二、詢問:蝦皮私訊就是你的第一封商業inquiry
你在蝦皮問賣家:
請問這個還有貨嗎? 這個顏色可以換嗎?
翻成英文:
I'd like to ask about the availability of this item. Could you please clarify whether this color can be exchanged?
I'd like to ask about... 是 inquiry(詢問信)的標準開頭。比 "I want to ask" 客氣十倍,又不會像 "I would like to inquire" 那樣過度正式到像在演宮廷劇。I'd 是 I would 的縮寫,語氣剛剛好。
Could you please clarify...? 用在你已經有一點資訊,但需要對方補充說明的時候。clarify = 釐清。不是問新問題,是把模糊的地方講清楚。舉例:你收到商品了,但說明書寫得不清楚,你就可以寫 "Could you please clarify how to assemble this product?"(可以請你說明一下這個產品怎麼組裝嗎?)
其他常用的詢問句型:
| 蝦皮白話 | 商業英文正式版 |
|---|---|
| 多久會到? | When can I expect delivery? |
| 可以便宜一點嗎? | Would it be possible to offer a discount on this order? |
| 有沒有其他顏色? | Could you please let me know if this item is available in other colors? |
| 可以合併出貨嗎? | I was wondering if it would be possible to combine the shipping for both items. |
| 這個有保固嗎? | Could you kindly advise on the warranty policy for this product? |
| 可以開收據嗎? | Would it be possible to issue an official receipt for this purchase? |
注意最後那句 I was wondering if...。這是商業英文裡最溫柔的請求語氣。was wondering 用過去式,讓整句聽起來更不具壓迫感。中文沒有這種用法,所以台灣學生常常寫不出來。記住這個套路:你越需要對方幫忙,語氣就要越軟。
另一個好用的句型是 I'd appreciate it if you could...(如果你能...我會很感激)。這句用在你需要對方做一件比較麻煩的事情。例如:你買了一台二手筆電,賣家說是全新的,你想退貨,可以寫 "I'd appreciate it if you could process a return for this item."(如果你能處理這件商品的退貨,我會很感激。)
練習一下。下次在蝦皮問賣家問題的時候,先在心裡用英文講一遍。不用打出來,先練語感。三個禮拜之後,你就會發現自己自然而然地開始用英文思考這些句子了。
三、投訴:這是商業書信裡最重要的技能
蝦皮買到爛貨,你會怎麼講?
大部分人:「這個壞了!退錢!」
翻成英文:This is broken! Refund!
對方看到這句,只會覺得你是奧客。不是因為你不對,而是因為你沒給對方台階下。人在被攻擊的時候會本能地防禦,而不是幫你解決問題。
商業英文的投訴信有一套固定架構。學會了,不只蝦皮好用,以後在公司遇到供應商出包、客戶抱怨、同事踩線,你都能寫出一封讓主管點頭的信。
架構:開頭說明情況 → 表達關切 → 描述事實 → 提出具體要求 → 結尾留空間
開頭:表明來意
I'm writing to express my concern about order #20260623-0045.
「我寫這封信是為了表達對訂單 #20260623-0045 的關切。」
I'm writing to express my concern about... 這句是投訴信的黃金開頭。concern 不是生氣,是「關切」。用這個字,對方知道你不爽,但你有禮貌。這叫「柔中帶剛」。
另一個開頭選擇:I am writing to bring to your attention an issue with...(我想提請你注意...的一個問題)。這句更中性,適合你還不確定問題出在哪邊的時候用。
描述事實:講清楚,不帶情緒
The item arrived in a damaged condition. The packaging was torn, and the product itself has a visible crack on the left side. I have attached photographs of the damage for your reference.
「商品送達時已經損壞。外包裝撕裂,產品左側有明顯裂痕。我已附上損壞處的照片供您參考。」
注意:講事實,不講情緒。 不要寫 "I'm so angry" 或 "This is unacceptable"。把損壞的狀況描述清楚,附上照片,對方自然知道事情的嚴重性。事實比情緒更有說服力。
I have attached... = 我已附上...。商業信裡提到附件時用這句。attached 是「附上的」。也可以說 Please find attached...(請見附件...)。兩種都對,都很常用。
提出要求:給對方選擇
I would appreciate it if you could arrange a full refund or send a replacement at your earliest convenience.
「如果您能安排全額退款或盡快補寄新品,我將非常感激。」
I would appreciate it if you could... 是投訴信裡提出要求的萬用句型。appreciate = 感激。用這個字,你的要求就不是命令,而是「請求對方幫忙」。對方比較願意配合。
注意我給了兩個選項:退款或補寄。不是只說「退錢」。給對方選擇,代表你願意溝通,不是只有一個答案。這在商業談判裡叫「創造選項」,是談判學的基本功。
結尾:留台階,給期限
I understand that mistakes can happen, and I trust that this matter will be resolved promptly. I would appreciate a response within five business days.
「我理解失誤在所難免,我相信此事能迅速獲得解決。若能在五個工作日內收到回覆,我將非常感激。」
I understand that mistakes can happen — 這句話的作用是讓對方知道你不是來鬧的,你是來解決問題的。你給了他面子,他就比較願意給你裡子。
within five business days — 這是有技巧地給期限。不說 "by Friday"(太硬),不說 "soon"(太軟)。五個工作日是商業信的標準期限。對方看到這句,知道你有底線,但你講得很優雅。
四、請求:讓對方說 Yes 的秘密
蝦皮上你會講:「可以幫我改成黑色嗎?」
英文商業信裡,同樣的意思可以有四種講法,禮貌程度完全不同:
Level 1 — 直接(朋友之間、蝦皮私訊):
Can you change it to black?
語氣直接。適合你跟賣家已經很熟、或者事情很簡單的時候用。
Level 2 — 禮貌(一般商業往來):
Could you please change it to black?
could 比 can 客氣,please 加上去更禮貌。這是最安全的選擇,大部分場合都適用。
Level 3 — 非常禮貌(第一次往來、對方職位比你高):
Would it be possible to change the color to black?
would it be possible = 是否有可能。這句把選擇權完全交給對方。你不是在要求,你是在詢問可行性。對方如果拒絕,也不會覺得尷尬。
Level 4 — 極度禮貌(你真的需要對方幫大忙):
I was wondering if it would be possible to change the color to black. I would be most grateful for your assistance.
I was wondering if + would it be possible to。兩個「軟化語氣」疊在一起,是商業英文裡最高級的客氣。用在你真的需要對方幫大忙的時候。I would be most grateful = 我將非常感激。most 在這裡是「非常」的意思,不是「最」。
哪一級最好?看情境。日常往來用 Level 2 就夠了。但如果你在寫一封很重要的信——比如跟大客戶談合約、跟供應商要折扣、跟主管提加薪——用 Level 3 或 4。多花兩秒鐘打幾個字,效果差很多。
還有一個常見情境:你要延期。
I was wondering if it would be possible to extend the deadline by an additional week. The current timeline is quite tight, and I want to ensure that the quality of the deliverables meets your expectations.
「我在想,是否有可能將截止日期延後一週。目前的時間表相當緊湊,我想確保交付品質能達到您的期望。」
注意這句的技巧:你不是在說「我來不及」,你是在說「我想確保品質」。把焦點從你的困難轉移到對方的利益。這叫「重新定義問題」。主管看到這句,比較不會覺得你在找藉口。
五、結尾:你以為是客套,其實是專業
蝦皮對話的結尾通常是「謝謝」或「OK」。
商業信的結尾有一套公式。記住五句就夠了,覆蓋 90% 的情境:
一般感謝:
Thank you for your prompt reply. 謝謝您的迅速回覆。
promptly / prompt = 迅速。這句同時在稱讚對方回得快,也在暗示「你也應該盡快回」。一石二鳥。
期待回覆:
I look forward to hearing from you. 我期待您的回覆。
look forward to + V-ing。to 是介系詞,後面要加動名詞。這是學生最常犯的錯之一。寫成 "look forward to hear" 就丟分了。記法:to 後面永遠不能直接接原形動詞(不定詞除外,但 look forward to 的 to 是介系詞)。
歡迎提問:
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. 如有任何問題,請隨時聯繫我。
should you have = if you have 的倒裝。更正式。do not hesitate to = 不要猶豫,隨時都可以。這句幾乎出現在每封商業信的最後一段。背到反射動作。
表達感謝(對方幫了你忙之後):
Thank you once again for your assistance in this matter. 再次感謝您在此事上的協助。
once again = 再次。用在信的最後,當作結尾的感謝。這句適合用在投訴信或請求信的結尾——你已經謝過一次了,最後再謝一次,讓對方感覺被尊重。
期待未來合作:
I look forward to our continued partnership. 我期待我們持續的合作。
這句用在你跟對方有長期關係的時候。partnership = 合作關係。比 "I look forward to working with you again" 更簡潔有力。
六、正式 vs 非正式:差在哪?
同一個情境,三種寫法:
情境:你的包裹已經延遲兩週了。
非正式(朋友之間、蝦皮私訊):
Hey, where's my stuff? It's been two weeks already!
情緒先行。短句。直接。用 "stuff" 代替正式的 "order" 或 "goods"。
中等正式(一般商業往來):
Hi, I'm following up on my order #20260623-0045. It was placed two weeks ago, and I haven't received a shipping update yet. Could you check on the status for me?
有禮貌,但還是口語。following up = 追蹤。status = 狀態。could you check = 能幫我查一下嗎。
高度正式(公司email、客戶往來):
Dear Mr. Chen,
I would like to inquire about the status of my order #20260623-0045, which was placed on June 9. As two weeks have passed without a shipping confirmation, I would appreciate an update on the estimated delivery date at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
看出差異了嗎?
非正式版:情緒先行,短句,直接。 中等版:禮貌但口語,適合日常。 正式版:事實先行,長句,間接。每一句都在給對方留餘地。
商業英文的核心不是「用大字」,是「用對語氣」。 你不需要每個字都查字典,你需要的是把直覺的句子「轉個彎」。就像你在蝦皮上問賣家「這個還有嗎?」,轉個彎變成 "Could you please let me know if this item is still available?"。意思一樣,感覺完全不同。
七、動手練:三封商業信
看完前面的架構,現在輪到你了。以下三個情境,每個都附上建議架構。寫完之後對照範例,看看你少了什麼。
練習一:詢問信
情境:你在蝦皮看到一雙鞋,但不確定尺寸。你平常穿 US 9.5,想知道這雙鞋的尺寸偏大還是偏小。寫一封信問賣家。
建議架構:
- 開頭:I'm writing to inquire about...
- 背景:I am interested in purchasing... but I would like to confirm...
- 問題:Could you please advise whether...? / Would you recommend...?
- 附加:Also, I was wondering if...
- 結尾:Thank you for your prompt reply. I look forward to hearing from you.
範例答案:
Dear Seller,
I'm writing to inquire about the Nike Air Max 90 listed in your store. I am interested in purchasing a pair, but I would like to confirm the sizing before placing my order.
I typically wear a US 9.5. Could you please advise whether this model runs true to size, or should I consider sizing up or down?
Also, I was wondering if you could provide the insole length in centimeters for the US 9.5 size. This would help me make a more accurate decision.
Thank you for your prompt reply. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards, [Your Name]
練習二:投訴信
情境:你收到的衣服跟圖片不符。圖片顯示深藍色,實際收到的是接近黑色的深灰。而且標籤上的尺寸是 M,但穿起來像 S。寫一封信要求處理。
建議架構:
- 開頭:I'm writing to express my concern about...
- 訂單資訊:Order #..., placed on...
- 描述問題:The item I received does not match the description. Specifically,...
- 證據:I have attached photographs for your reference.
- 要求:I would appreciate it if you could...
- 結尾:I trust that this matter will be resolved promptly.
範例答案:
Dear Customer Service Team,
I'm writing to express my concern about order #20260615-0178, placed on June 15.
The item I received does not match the product listing. Specifically, the jacket I ordered was advertised as "navy blue," but the item I received is a very dark gray that is nearly black. In addition, although the tag indicates size M, the jacket fits more like a size S. I have attached photographs comparing the product listing with the actual item for your reference.
I would appreciate it if you could arrange for an exchange for the correct color and size, or process a full refund if the correct item is unavailable. I am happy to return the item at your expense.
I understand that discrepancies can occur, and I trust that this matter will be resolved promptly. I would appreciate a response within five business days.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
練習三:感謝信
情境:賣家幫你解決了問題(補寄了正確的商品),你很滿意。寫一封感謝信。
建議架構:
- 開頭:I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for...
- 細節:Your prompt response and willingness to... made the process seamless.
- 稱讚:I am truly impressed by the level of customer service provided.
- 未來:I will certainly recommend your store to friends and family.
- 結尾:Thank you once again for your assistance.
範例答案:
Dear [Seller Name],
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your assistance with my recent order issue. After I reported the discrepancy with my jacket, you responded within hours and arranged for a replacement to be shipped immediately.
Your prompt response and willingness to resolve the issue without hesitation made the entire process seamless. The replacement arrived yesterday, and it is exactly what I ordered — the correct color, the correct size, and in perfect condition.
I am truly impressed by the level of customer service you provide. It is rare to encounter a seller who prioritizes customer satisfaction to this extent. I will certainly recommend your store to friends and family, and I look forward to making future purchases from you.
Thank you once again for your outstanding service.
Warm regards, [Your Name]
結語
你每天在蝦皮上打的那些字,就是商業英文的日常版。
差別只在於:你願不願意多花三十秒,把口語轉成書面,把直球轉成曲球。
商業書信不是什麼高深學問。它的本質就是——讓對方舒服地答應你的要求。你罵人,人家不想幫你。你客氣地講,人家搶著幫你。這不是虛偽,這是專業。
你已經會了。你只是需要知道那些句子的英文版而已。
現在,打開你的蝦皮對話紀錄,挑一段,翻成英文。這就是你的第一封商業信。