Business English Writing Payment & Collection Unit Seven

Business English WritingBusiness English Writing

Payment & CollectionUnit Seven

Section1. How to Write Letters for Payment Section1. How to Write Letters for Payment

To give a brief introduction to what is international payment

To enable Ss to become aware of main content of letters concerning money matters

To enable Ss to familiarize themselves with the samples given

To read and practice using some of the important words and expressions for business writing

To do exercises and practice translating letters concerning money matters

Objectives:

I. What Is International Payment? I. What Is International Payment?

Payments can be made in international commerce using cash in advance, open-account sales, bill of exchange, and letters of credit.

A letter of credit is a document issued by the buyer's bank that promises that the bank will pay the seller the agreed amount of money, providing that all the requirements of the letter of credit are met. These requirements generally include delivery dates; product specifications; the receipt by the bank of certain documents within a specified period of time, etc.

Payment InstrumentPayment Instrument

• Draft

• Check

• Promissory note

Terms of paymentTerms of payment

• Remittance

• Collection

• L/C

remittanceremittance

• Mail transfer (M/T)

• Telegraphic transfer (T/T)

• Demand draft (D/D)

CollectionCollection

• Documents against payment (D/P)

• Documents against acceptance (D/A)

Letter of CreditLetter of Credit

• Sight /usance L/C

• Revocable/irrevocable L/C

• Confirmed/unconfirmed L/C

• Documentary/clean L/C

II. The Main Content of Letters Making a Specific Request Concerning Payment

II. The Main Content of Letters Making a Specific Request Concerning Payment

1) Expressing your regret for your inability to

accept a specific payment term

2) Giving your reasons for your inability to accept a

specific payment term

3) Suggesting the way how to solve the problem

III. Read and Explain Sample Letters III. Read and Explain Sample Letters

Sample 1: A Letter Negotiating about the Terms of Payment

Sample 1: A Letter Negotiating about the Terms of Payment

Dear Sirs, We received your letter of October 7, 2002 and learn that you are going to sell our products in your country. We regret that we are unable to consider your request for payment on D/A basis. As a rule, we ask for payment by L/C. But, in view of our long-term business relations, we will, as an exceptional case, accept payment for your order by D/P at sight. We trust this will greatly facilitate your efforts in sales. We hope the above payment terms will be acceptable to you and expect to receive your order on good time. We look forward to your early reply.

Yours faithfully,


Note:Note:

1. in view of: taking sth. into account; considering sth.

2. facilitate: (fml) (of an object, a process, but not of a person) make sth. easy or less difficult

e.g. In view of the weather, we’ll cancel the outing. 因天气关系，我们要取消这次郊游。

e.g. It would facilitate matters if you were more cooperative. 要是你再合作些就省事了。

Sample 2: A Letter Advising to Establish Letter of Credit Relations


Dear Sirs, We have pleasure in advising that we have been successful in securing Three (3) Orders as per the particulars given in the separate air letter we are posting today. We shall be obliged if you will kindly let us have a Sales Note as per the prices indicated by us in the Indents, and a further document showing the extra amount and commission due to us on each Indent, and as soon as we receive these we shall establish a letter of credit in your favor. Therefore please do not delay the matter, and let us have the Sales Note and the other documents per return air mail.



We are also interested in the following goods: Spoons, Safety Razors, Scissors (small and medium), Table Knives, Novelty Watches. If you are in a position to supply these, please let us have the samples, together with your c. i. f. &. c. prices.

If you have any other interesting items, please do not fail to furnish us with samples, together with your c. i. f. &. c. prices, as there is every possibility on very good orders.

Yours faithfully,

A sample L/CA sample L/C• SAMPLE LETTER OF CREDIT• Name and Address of Bank• Date: __________________

Irrevocable letter of Credit No. ______________ • Beneficiary: • Account: • Name of Exporter:

Address of Exporter:• Gentlemen:• We hereby open our irrevocable credit in your favor for the sum or sums not to exceed a total of

_______________dollars ($__________), to be made available by your request for payment at sight upon the presentation of your draft accompanied by the following statement:

• This Letter of Credit is valid until _____________________, provided, however, that this Letter of Credit will be automatically extended without amendment for _________________ from the present or any future expiration date thereof, unless at least thirty (30) days prior to any such expiration date the Issuing Bank provides written notice to the Commodity Credit Corporation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 14th and Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 1025, Washington, D.C. 20250-1025, of its election not to renew this Letter of Credit for such additional ______________________ period. The notice required hereunder will be deemed to have been given when received by you.

• This letter of Credit is issued subject to the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, 2007 Revision, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600

• (Name of Bank)• By: _______________________

Note:Note:

1.Sales Note: Sales Confirmation

e.g. Enclosed please find a Sales Note for the subject goods.

e.g. We have accepted your indent for the captioned goods.

e.g. Please open the relative L/C in our favor as soon as possible.

2. indent an official, usually written order for goods

3. in one’s favor payable to; to one’s advantage

Sample 3: A Letter to Inform the L/C EstablishmentSample 3: A Letter to Inform the L/C Establishment

Dear Sirs,

We refer to our order for your electronic computers placed

with you on November 1, and due for delivery by the end of

this year. The order number was AG5066.

We have today instructed our bankers to open an

irrevocable documentary letter of credit in your favor, for US

$100,000--this will be confirmed by our bankers’

correspondents, the Chase Manhattan Bank, Inc., in New York

who will accept your draft on them at 30 days for the amount

of your invoice.

Sample 3: A Letter to Inform the L/C EstablishmentSample 3: A Letter to Inform the L/C Establishment

The credit is valid until January 15. Documents required

are:

Bill of Lading (Full sets).

Commercial Invoice (4 copies).

Insurance Policy.

The prices you quoted us being C. I. F. Guangzhou, the

amount of our credit will cover the amount of your invoice, and

also the cost of freight and insurance.

Yours faithfully,

Note:Note:

1.documentary of or related to documents e.g. Can you produce documentary proof?

e.g. We shall advise our correspondent bank to make the payment.

2. correspondent person or firm that has regular business relations with a person or firm abroad

Note:Note:

3. cover be enough money for e.g. Will US$100 cover the cost of the meal?

e.g. If you buy more than 10 books, we will reduce the cost of each book by 10%.

4. cost the amount paid or asked for goods or services; price

Sample 4: Amendment to Quality Terms in L/C Sample 4: Amendment to Quality Terms in L/C

Dear Sirs,

Re: L/C No. TK 309

We thank you for your Letter of Credit No. TK 309 covering your

Order No. 9008 of the 16th December for 430 metric tons of the

contracted goods.

We have noted that the credit calls for a material of 65%, which

must be an error, and wish to invite your attention to our offer dated

November 1, in which it was expressly mentioned that the material

would be of 63.5% minimum. Would you please instruct your bankers to

amend 65% to read 63.5%; otherwise we shall be unable to negotiate

the shipping documents.

Sample 4: Amendment to Quality Terms in L/C Sample 4: Amendment to Quality Terms in L/C

Besides, your credit requires the goods to be packed in l00

kg. drums. As they are customarily packed in 160 kg. drums, we

have to ask you to make appropriate amendment to your credit

in this regard.

Please see to it that your future credits are correct in every

way.

As the shipment of this order is ready to go forward, your

prompt attention to this matter will be much appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

Note:Note:

1. contracted goods goods settled or arranged by contract or agreement

e.g. We have found the contracted goods are not in conformity to the specifications.

e.g. The client calls for the bill for the service.

2. call for require

Note:Note:

3. expressly clearly

e.g. I told you expressly to lock the door.

e.g. What do you know in this regard?

4. in this regard on this subject

Sample 5: A Letter to Grant Amendment to L/CSample 5: A Letter to Grant Amendment to L/C

Dear Sirs,

Re. Amendment to L/C No. 5301

We have for acknowledgement your letter dated June 3, and have to

apologize to you for the mistake we've made in the above-mentioned

L/C, which is completely due to carelessness.

We have already instructed our bank to amend the relevant L/C by

cable without the least delay and we are sure the cable amendment will

reach you in one or two days. As we are badly in need of the goods, we

should be very grateful if you would kindly arrange prompt shipment.

Again, sorry for the mistake and thank you for your kind cooperation

in this respect.

Yours faithfully,

Note:Note:

1. acknowledgement a letter saying that sth has been received, acceptance

e.g. We have had no acknowledgement of our letter.

e.g. Your cooperation in this respect is greatly appreciated.

2. in this respect in this regard

Exercise Exercise 1. Translate the following into Chinese.

Gentlemen:

Re: L/C for Cars

Thank you for your letter of March 19 and we are pleased to know that the shipment of the cars we booked can be made next month.

As requested, we have opened a Letter of Credit No.8341 in your favor with the Bangladesh Bank for Reconstruction & Development to the amount of US $150,000 to cover our order for 10 cars.

Upon receipt of the above-mentioned L/C, you are kindly requested to execute immediate shipment, as per agreement. As soon as the goods are dispatched, please cable us details of the shipment, thus enabling us to arrange for the insurance here.

We await with keen interest your shipping advice.

Yours respectfully,

AnswerAnswer

Exercise Exercise 1. Translate the following into English.

先生们：有关贵方第 9876 号信用证

10 公吨鸡蛋典10 公吨鸡蛋黄的第 9876 号信用证已收到，谢谢。由于厂方的耽搁，我们未能在本月底前将货物备妥，甚歉。我们昨日已电请查

照，电文如下：“ 信用证 9876 请电展装船期至 5 月 15 日有效期至 30 日函随”预计在 5 月上旬该批货物能备妥，现在安排装 5 月 10 日离沪的‘内罗’轮。盼电展上述信用证以便我们将该货装出。此致敬礼

2001 年 5 月 7 日

answeranswer

Objectives:

To give a brief introduction to how to write letters concerning money matters

To enable Ss to become aware of different conventionalities used for writing letters concerning money matters

To practice using different conventionalities used for writing letters concerning money matters

To do exercises

Section 2. Skills for Writing about Money Matters in Foreign Trade

Section 2. Skills for Writing about Money Matters in Foreign Trade

I. How to Write Letters Concerning Money Matters I. How to Write Letters Concerning Money Matters

Enquiries about terms of payment and replies are routine work.

Most traders know the various methods of payment available for

settling international trade transactions. However, there are cases

where the requests between the buyer and the seller cannot be met,

then a letter of explanation is required.

This kind of letter in some way implies persuasion. You-

viewpoint presentation is one of the principles in handling

persuasive messages.

I. How to Write Letters Concerning Money Matters I. How to Write Letters Concerning Money Matters

Obviously, you-viewpoint presentation sounds better. With you-

viewpoint presentation, the seller has taken into consideration the

benefits or difficulties of the buyer and suggests a possible

settlement, thus encouraging the buyer to cooperate more closely

with the seller.

II. Conventionalities for Writing Letters for Payment


1) As agreed, the terms of payment are by irrevocable L/C,

payable by sight draft.

2) As agreed, we only require100% value, confirmed and

irrevocable L/C payable at sight.

3) As agreed, our business terms are D/P sight draft.

4) As agreed, we cannot accept Cash against documents on

arrival of goods at destination.

5) Two months have passed since the date of the signing of the

above mentioned contract, but the relevant L/C has not yet reached us.

6) Please establish the L/C 30 days before the prescribed time of

shipment.



7) We are now waiting for the arrival of the relevant L/C which we

request you to establish by cable.

8) As the goods ordered are ready for shipment, please expedite

your L/C. We will effect shipment as soon as it reaches us.

9) As the goods against your Order No.4564 have been ready for

shipment for quite some time, it is imperative that you take immediate

action to have the covering L/C established as soon as possible.

10) Please delete “fresh water damage” from the L/C.

Exercise Exercise 1. Complete the following letter by filling the blanks.

Dear Sirs, According to the of our S/C, your L/C should have reached us before the of last month. We regret to say we haven't it now. Please expedite the of the relevant L/C receipt of this letter so that we can shipment in time. We are awaiting your early .

Yours faithfully,

AnswerAnswer

Exercise Exercise 1. Translate the following sentences.

1) 在某些情况下，为了给买方提供一定的资金融通，以利双方扩大业务，我们也可接受远期信用证。

2) 请按下述意见修改 130 号信用证： 1. 金额增至 24,310 英镑。 2. 有效期延至 11 月 15 日。 3. 删去“不许转船”字句。3) 请立即对信用证作必要的修改。我们须等到上述各点修正后始能办理出运。4) 鉴于此笔交易金额很小，我们拟同意以即期（见票 60 天后）付款交单方式支付货款。5) 非常遗憾，信用证与销售确信书有若干处不符合，兹列举如下请注意：6) 所有交易都应按保兑的，不可撤消的信用证支付。7 ）由于驶往你港的直轮稀少，请允许转船。8 ）关于支付方式，我方歉难接受承兑交单。 9 ）按你方要求，我们破例接受即期付款交单，但仅此一次，下不为例。

Answer 5-9Answer 5-9

Answer 1-4Answer 1-4


answeranswer

Dear Sirs

With reference to your letter of December 2, 19..., we are glad to learn that you

wish to enter into trade relations with this corporation in the line of canned goods.

In compliance with your request, we are sending you by air a catalogue

together with a range of pamphlets for your reference.

If any of the items listed in the catalogue meets your interest, please let us

have your specific enquiry, and our quotation will be forwarded without delay.

In the meantime, you are requested to furnish us with the name of your bank

prior to the conclusion of the first transaction between us.

Exercise Exercise 1. Translate the following Chinese into English.

1) 由于无法克服的外界原因使得装运推迟，我方对此深表歉意。

2) 一份可转让提单连同一张汇票及其他装船单据已寄给你方银行，以收取贷款。

3) 如能在收到信用证后尽快由“东风”号货轮发运我方货物，将不胜感激。

4) 作为轮船公司，你们有义务谨慎、努力地装备船只、配备船员、准备必需晶，以便航程能如期完成。

5) 我方已将 5箱刺绣手帕，装“金河”号货轮发运，运费已付，特此通知。

answeranswer


Dear Sirs,

Thank you for your letter of yesterday notifying us that the crockery ordered on May 15 for our client in Mansura is now ready for collection. We are glad to learn that all items ordered have been included in the consignment.

Please arrange to send the consignment by road to London to be shipped by S. S. Western Star, due to sail for Sydney on June 25 and to load at No. 7 Dock as from the 20th, and ensure that all cases are clearly marked and numbered as shown in our official order. Invoices, in triplicate, and your account for transport charges, should be sent to us.

You will note from our order that prompt delivery is most important and we rely upon you to make sure that the consignment is delivered to the docks in good time. We have made all necessary arrangements with the shipping company.

Yours faithfully,

answeranswer

I. What is packing?I. What is packing?

Packing needs more care in foreign trade than in home trade. The real art of packing is to get the contents into a nice, compact shape that will stay that way during the roughest journey. Every buyer expects that his goods will reach him in perfect condition. Nothing is more annoying to a buyer than to find his goods damaged or part missing on arrival. The seller must try to pack the goods in such a way that they will go through the ordeal of transport unscathed. It has been estimated that 70% of all cargo loss could be prevented by proper packaging and marking. There are two forms of packing: large / outer packing for transportation and small / inner packing for sales.

Words and Expressions Commonly Used in Business English


1.concern anxiety or worry

e.g. My concern is whether we can arrive there on time.

e.g. Have you packed the goods in crates?

2.pack put sth into (a case, bag, etc.)



3.take precaution to do do... carefully

e.g. We’ll take precaution to ensure that the goods arrive to the

destination in good condition.

e.g. Pilferage often occurs in transit.

4.pilferage theft

Exercise Exercise 1. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions:

Dear Sirs

We thank you your letter 20 May, 1999 and can confirm that we are still offering our range luxury foods the prices quoted our initial offer you.

We understand your concern packing, and can assure you that we take every possible precaution to ensure that our products reach our customers all over the world prime condition.

your information, “Ariel” caviar is packed as follows:

…AnswerAnswer

II. Conventionalities for Packing II. Conventionalities for Packing

1 ） About packing, we will contact our manufacturers and call th

eir attention to the matter.

2) Special attention has been paid to its packing, which we trust

will prove satisfactory in every respect to your clients.

3) We have already taken steps to improve our packing and are c

onfident that our future shipments will give you complete satisfaction.

4 ） Taking into consideration the transport conditions at your en

d, we have reinforced our packing so as to minimize damage which

may occur to the goods.

II. Conventionalities for Packing II. Conventionalities for Packing

5) Our packing has proven successful for quite some time in many export shipments.

6 ） We will pack exactly according to your instructions.

7) Correct and distinct marking for the outside containers is absolutely necessary.

8) The weight and measurement (dimensions) of each case are clearly marked on every case.

9) In case buyer’s own shipping marks are required, your order should clearly indicate such marks and reach us one month before the shipment time.

10 ） The packing should be double bags lined with craft paper.

Exercise Exercise 1. Translate the following Sentences into English.

1)纸板箱作为一种包装器已在国际贸易中广泛使用，因此，对它们的适航性，你

们不必担心。

2)据我们所知，保险公司接受投保纸板箱装的货物的偷窃、提货不着险。万一发

生偷窃，你们可以放心，保险公司将会给予赔偿。

3)纸板箱的货物被窃的痕迹比装木箱的易于察觉，这将有助于你们从保险公司那

里得到赔偿。

4) 我们男衬衫的包装为每件套一塑料袋， 5打装一纸箱。内称防潮纸，外打铁箍

两道。

5) 运到我们口岸的货物必须在汉堡转船，因此你们的包装必须具有适航性，并能

经得起运输途中的粗鲁搬运。

answeranswer

Exercise Exercise 1. Translate the following Letter into Chinese.

Dear Sirs

In reply to your letter of the 31st August inquiring about the packing of

our Trip Scissors, we wish to state as below:

Our export Trip Scissors are packed in boxes of one dozen each, 100

boxes to a carton. The dimensions are 17 cm wide and 50 cm long with a

volume of about 0.026 cubic meter. The gross weight is 23.5kg, while the net

weight is 22.5kg. As to the shipping marks outside the carton, in addition to the

gross, net weight and tare, the wording “MADE IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC

OF CHINA” is also stenciled on the package. Should you have any special

preference in this respect, please let us know and we will meet you to the best

of our ability.

AnswerAnswer


Taking this opportunity, we would like to inform you that we

used to pack our scissors in wooden cases but after several trial

shipments in carton packing, we found our cartons just as seaworthy

as wooden cases. Besides, cartons are less expensive, lighter to carry

and cost lower freight. So, nowadays more and more clients are

preferring carton packing to wooden case packing. We trust that you

will agree to our opinion and accept our carton packing.

We thank you in advance for your early reply.

Yours faithfully

AnswerAnswer

Section 1. How to Write Letters Concerning Insurance Section 1. How to Write Letters Concerning Insurance

To give a brief introduction to what is international insurance

To enable Ss to become aware of main content of letters concerning insurance

To enable Ss to familiarize themselves with the samples given

To read and practice using some of the important words and expressions for business writing

To do exercises and practice translating letters concerning insurance

Objectives:

Letters Concerning InsuranceLetters Concerning Insurance Letters Concerning InsuranceLetters Concerning Insurance

I. Insurance of the Goods I. Insurance of the Goods

Goods are always insured in transit through an insurance company or insurance brokers. Claims for damage or loss may be made if the goods have been damaged, lost or interfered within transit. When a consignment is received, it is examined and the delivery note is signed to confirm that the goods have been received and that they are damaged. However, damage and errors are often noticed later when the container or the package is unpacked and rechecked. It is customary to employ brokers not only for the conclusion of a contract of insurance but also for the settlement of claims. If the consignee is informed that the goods have arrived damaged, he should immediately notify the insurer’s agent at the port of discharge who will survey the goods and issue a survey report. Then he could claim indemnity from the insurer by producing the insurance policy, survey report and other necessary documents.

II. The Main Content of Letters Concerning Insurance

II. The Main Content of Letters Concerning Insurance

1) Giving your purpose for writing concerning

insurance

2) Stating the specific requirement for insurance

3) Expressing your hope that the insurance ought to

be arranged as requested


Sample 1:Sample 1:

Dear Sirs,

We wish to refer you to our Order No. 203 for 300 sets of sewing machines, from which you will see that this order is placed on a CFR basis.

As we now desire to have the shipment insured at your end, we shall be much obliged if you will kindly arrange to insure the goods on our behalf against All Risks at invoice value plus 10%, i.e. US $4400.00.

We shall of course refund the premium to you upon receipt of your debit note or, if you like, you may draw on us at sight for the amount required.

We sincerely hope that our request will meet with your approval.

Yours faithfully,


Sample 2:Sample 2:

Dear Sirs, We regularly ship consignments of Maotai Jiu to Antwerp by both passenger and cargo liners of Far East Shipping Line. Would you please say whether you can issue an all-risks policy for these shipments and if so, on what terms? In particular we wish to know whether you can issue a special rate for the promise of regular monthly shipments.

Yours faithfully,

Answer the Following Questions Answer the Following Questions

1. What does the writer ask the

addressee to do?

2. Who does the writer write the

letter to?



1.premium money paid by the insured to the insurer in return for insurance cover

e.g. The premium is US$450.00.

e.g. You’ll have to present the policy when you file a claim on

the damaged goods.

2.policy document containing a contract of insurance



3.risk chance of danger or loss, etc.

e.g. The goods are insured against All Risks.

e.g. The rate of interest has come down.

4.rate fixed or appropriate charge, cost or value

Exercise Exercise Translate the following into English.

你方在订单中的保险条款表明：“索赔应凭劳埃德的检验报告来

解决。”关于此条款，我方愿指出，根据中国人民保险公司的规定，

索赔应按保单中所列的检验行或解决索赔代理签发的检验报告为依据。

因此，我方希望你方修正此条款。

AnswerAnswer

Objectives:

To give a brief introduction to how to write letters concerning insurance

To enable Ss to become aware of different conventionalities used for writing letters concerning insurance

To practice using different conventionalities used for writing letters concerning insurance

To do exercises

Section 2. Skills for Writing Letters Concerning Insurance

Section 2. Skills for Writing Letters Concerning Insurance

I. Points for Writing an Inquiry of Insurance I. Points for Writing an Inquiry of Insurance

1. the name of the goods to be insured

2. the value of the goods to be insured

3. the port of discharge and the name of the vessel to be used

4. the destination to which the goods will be delivered

5. the kind of insurance you are requesting

II. Conventionalities for Writing Letters for Arranging Insurance

II. Conventionalities for Writing Letters for Arranging Insurance

1) Our insurance coverage is for 110% of invoice value up to the port of destination only.

2 ） Insurance of the goods shall be covered by us on 110% of the CIF value, and any extra premium for additional insurance, if required, shall be borne by the buyers.

3 ） Insurance to be effected covers only marine WPA, TPND, warehouse to warehouse and War Risks at 110% of the total CIF invoice value. Should coverage on risks and the amount exceeding these limits be required, the additional insurance premium is for the buyers’ account, and shall be embodied in the relevant L/C accordingly.

Exercise Exercise 1. Cloze test:

Regarding the question of , we wish to state for

transactions concluded on basis our usual practice to cover ALL

Risks War Risks for 110% Marine Cargo Clauses of

People’s Insurance Company of , we may do so your behalf, but

the premium should be borne you.

The Risk of Breakage in your letter is fact included in All

; therefore it is not to cover it separately.

Exercise Exercise 1. Cloze test:

May rest assured that People’s Insurance

Company of is always prompt and in settling claims.

However, is one point to underlined, i. e. you must

delivery of the goods good time upon their at the destination.

If insured goods are found have sustained loss or , you

should immediately apply survey to the surveyor stipulated

in the Policy order to avoid subsequent .

AnswerAnswer

Exercise Exercise 1. Translate the following Sentences into Chinese.

(1) Please see to it that the above-mentioned goods are to be

shipped before 15th June and insured against All Risks for 150% of

the invoice value. We know that according to your usual practice, you

insure the goods only for 110% of the invoice value, therefore, the

extra premium will be borne by us.

(2)An insurance claim should be submitted to the insurance

company or its agent as promptly as possible so as to provide the

insurance company or its agent with ample time to pursue recovery

from the relative party at fault.

AnswerAnswer


(3) We regret to inform you that Case No. 8 was invoiced as

containing 10 type writers, eight of which were badly damaged upon

arrival. We enclose an inspection certificate issued by the Shanghai

Commodity Inspection Bureau and the shipping agent’s statement

and hope that no difficulty will arise in the settlement of our above

claim amounting to US$ 300000.

(4) In the absence of your definite instructions regarding

insurance, we covered your ordered goods against W.P.A. for 110% of

the invoice value according to our usual practice.

AnswerAnswer

Words and ExpressionsWords and Expressions

1.take delivery of receive the goods delivered

e.g. Have you taken delivery of the goods?

e.g. We shall be very much obliged if you will effect shipment

as soon as possible.

2.be obliged be thankful

3.delivery goods delivered

e.g. Our clients are quite satisfied with the deliveries.

Exercise Exercise 1. Translate the following Sentences into English.

1) 关于 7 月 8 日所订拖拉机迟交一事，很遗憾，我们不能不抱怨。虽然，

你们保证在 9 月中交货，但直到本周我们才收到订货，你方知道我们是在你

方保证的基础上才向你们定购的。

2) 由于你方提出的异议与我们试验的结果不一致，因此要求你方做另一次

检查，以便证明是否有理由提出索赔。

3) 继续延误解决这一索赔案件定将严重影响你方信誉，因此，你方必须立

即改正错误。

4) 由于厂方有许多累计的订货需要赶制，我们目前歉难增加供应。

AnswerAnswer

Exercise – 2 (Answer)Exercise – 2 (Answer)

Dear Sirs,

We thank you for your L/C No.9876 for 10 metric tons of Hen Egg Yolk. We are sorry that owing to some delay on the part of our manufacturers, we are unable to get the goods ready before the end of this month. So we sent you a cable yesterday reading:

“LC9876 PLSEXTEND BYCABLE SHIPMENT TO15THMAY VALIDITY 30TH LETTER FOLLOWS”

It is expected that the consignment will be ready for shipment in the early part of May and we are arranging to ship it on s. s. “Nellore ” sailing from Shanghai on 18 May.

We are looking forward to receiving your cable extension of the above L/C, thus enabling us to effect shipment of the goods in question.

Yours sincerely,


1. Complete the following letter by filling the blanks.

Dear Sirs, According to the of our S/C, your L/C should have reached us before the of last month. We regret to say we haven't it now. Please expedite the of the relevant L/C receipt of this letter so that we can shipment in time. We are awaiting your early .

Yours faithfully,

stipulation end received establishment upon effect reply


1) Under certain circumstances, we will also accept forward letters of credit,

in order to help facilitate the buyer’s financing and expand mutual business.

2) Please amend [adjust] L/C No. 130 as follow:

1. Amount is be increased up to Stg. ￡ 24,310.

2. Validity is to be extended to 15th November.

3. The words “Transshipment Not Allowed” are to be deleted.

3) We would like you to make the necessary amendments to the L/C immedi

ately. As you know, shipment will not be made until the above are corrected.

4) In view of the amount of this transaction being very small, we are prepar

ed to accept payment by D/P at sight (at 60 days’ sight) for the value of the goods.


5) Much to our regret, there are some discrepancies between the L/C and th

e S/C. Hereby we list them below for your attention.

6 ） All business is to be transacted against confirmed irrevocable L/C.

7) Since direct steamers to your port are few and far between, please allow

for transshipment when opening the letter of credit.

8) With regard to terms of payment, we regret being unable to accept D/A.

9) As requested, we exceptionally accept delivery against D/P at sight, but t

his should not be regarded as a precedent.


我公司进口工业化工制品、塑料制品和化肥，在冰岛国内 ( 再 ) 销售。

就人口而言，冰岛只是一个小国，但却进口相当数量的化工原料。原因皇

冰岛几乎没有什么基础化学工业。在最近五年中，由于整个工业增长速度

颇为迅速，上述产品的进口量实际上增加了十倍多。英国和其它主要西欧

国家在传统上一直支配着冰岛市场。但是这里的制造厂商正在寻求具有竞

争价格的原料。我们相信与中国的业务往来是有很大的发展余地的。

如你公司有意供货，我们很愿意与你们建立业务关系。


敬启者：

关于第 1234 号合同的第一批到货，其中部分货物的质量不符合合

同规定，对此我们已经于本月 7 日函告，并要求贵方做出解释和提出

处理办法，但迄今尚未得到答复。

所以我们很遗憾地说，我们不能接受第二批货物。我们只好要求贵

方暂时缓装该批货物。自不待言，我方对此不负任何责任。

候复。

谨上


1. there will be no difficulty in

2. any loss that might be caused by

3. despatch by next available opportunity

4. when shipment of your order is effected


1 ） We greatly regret the delay, which has been due to circumstances beyo

nd our control.

2 ） One copy of negotiable bill of lading together with a draft and other shi

pping documents has been forwarded to your bank for collection of the payment.

3. ） We should be obliged if you would arrange our ordered goods per s.s.

“DongFeng” the soonest possible upon receipt of our L/C.

4 ） As a shipping company, you have the obligation to exercise care and d

iligence in equipping, manning and provisioning the vessel so that the voyage ca

n be completed as intended.

5 ） We inform you that we have forwarded by the "Golden River" five case

s of embroidered handkerchiefs, freight paid.

Exercise – a (Answer)Exercise – a (Answer)

敬启者 :

感谢你方昨天来信，通知我们 5 月 15 日在曼苏拉为我客户订购的陶器现在已备好待收。我们高兴地获悉，订购的所有品种皆已包括在这批货物中。

请安排由公路将这批货运到伦敦，然后预备由“西方之星”轮承运。该船定于 6 月 25 日驶往悉尼，从 6 月 20 日起开始在第 7 号码头装货。同时，请确保所有的箱子都按正式订单的说明清楚地刷上标志和号码。还必须将发票 (一式三份 )及你方的运费账单寄给我们。

从我们的订单你们会注意到即期交货非常重要。我们要指望你们确保货物及时地运到码头。我们已与航运公司达成一切必要的协议。

敬上

Exercise – b (Answer) Exercise – b (Answer) 1. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions:

Dear Sirs

We thank you for your letter of 20 May, 1999 and can confirm that we are still offering our range at luxury foods in the prices quoted our initial offer to you.

We understand your concern over packing, and can assure

you that we take every possible precaution to ensure that

our products reach our customers all over the world in

prime condition.

For your information, “Ariel” caviar is packed as follows:

…

Exercise – c (Answer)Exercise – c (Answer)

1) Cartons as a kind of packing container have been extensively used in int

ernational trade.

2) Therefore, you need not worry about their seaworthiness.

3) So far as we know, insurance companies accept goods packed in carton

s to be insured against TPND. In case of theft and pilferage, you may be assured

that you will get indemnification from the insurance company concerned.

4) The traces of pilferage are easier to be found out for the goods packed in

cartons than in wooden cases. Therefore, they will help you to get compensation

from the insurance company.

5) The packing of our Men’s Shirts is each in a polybag, 5 dozen to a carton

lined with water-proof paper and bound with two iron straps outside.

Exercise – d (Answer)Exercise – d (Answer)

敬启者 :

你方 8 月 31 日来函询问我方旅行剪刀的包装事，今告知如下：

我们出口的旅行剪刀每合装 1打，每一纸板箱装 100盒。尺码是 17 公分高，

30 公分阔， 50 公分长，体积约 0.026 立方米，净重 22.5 公斤，毛重 23.5 公

斤。纸板箱外的标记，除印刷有毛重、净重、及皮重外，还须印刷有“中华人

民共和国制造”字样。如你对标记有何特殊要求，请告知，我方当尽力满足。

Exercise – e (Answer)Exercise – e (Answer)

顺告我们的剪刀过去一向是用木箱包装的，但经过多次用纸箱试装后，发

现纸板箱同样适宜于海洋运输，且纸板箱价格较低，搬运较为轻便，运费也

较低廉，所以现在有更多的客户宁愿要纸板箱包装而不要木箱包装。我们相

信你方会同意我们的意见，接受纸板箱包装。

如能早日答复，不胜感激。

敬上

Exercise – f (Answer)Exercise – f (Answer)

Under the insurance clause of your order you have stated:

"Claims, if any, should be settled against the survey report from

a Lloyds Agent." In this clause, we wish to point out that,

according to the provisions of the People's Insurance Company

of China, claims, if any, must be supported by a survey report

from the surveying or claim settling agent named in the

insurance policy. Therefore, we wish you to rectify the clause.

Exercise – g (Answer)Exercise – g (Answer)

1. insurance 2. that 3. CIF

4. is 5. and 6. of

7. you 8. risks 9. Ocean

10. The 11. China 12. on

13. extra 14. by 15. mentioned

16. in 17. Risks 18. necessary

19. You 20. the 21. China

22. equitable 23. there 24. be

25. take 26. in 27. arrival

28. the 29. to 30. damage

31. For 32. as 33. in

34. trouble

Exercise – h (Answer)Exercise – h (Answer)

1) 请注意上述货物须在 6 月 15 日前装运，并按发票金额 150％投

保综合险。我们知道按一般惯例，你们只按发票金额 110％投保，

因此额外保险费将由我们负担。

2) 有关保险的索赔案件应尽快提交保险公司或其代理商以便他们

有足够时间去向造成过错的有关方面进行追偿。

Exercise – i (Answer)Exercise – i (Answer)

3) 我们遗憾地通知你们，发票所列第 8箱，内装 10台打字机，在

货到达时，其中 8台严重受损。现附上上海商品检验局所签发的检验

证明和船公司代理人的报告书，想必你方在解决我们上述 3000美元

的索赔方面，不会有困难。

4) 在没有得到你方明确的保险要求情况下，我们按惯例把你所订

购之货按发票金额 110％投保了水渍险。

Exercise – j (Answer)Exercise – j (Answer)

1. We regret to have to complain about the late delivery of the tractors

ordered on 8th July. We did not receive them until this week though you

guaranteed September delivery. As you know, it was on the basis of

this guarantee that we placed the order with you.

2. As your complaint does not agree with the result of our own test, you

are requested to conduct another examination to show if there is any

ground for claim.

3. Any further delay in settling this claim will certainly reflect seriously

on your credit, therefore, you must adjust these errors immediately.

4. We regret being unable to increase our supply for the moment as our

manufacturers have many back orders to catch up with.