Jones: Mr. Xiong, we are desirous to know your usual practice in giving commission.
Xiong: Actually, we don’t give any commission in general.
Jones: I’m afraid it goes against the usual commercial practice not to allow commission.
Xiong: Mr. Jones, you must be aware that the articles under offer are our best sellers. Besides, the prices we quote are very keen and the profit margin very narrow. It’s really impossible for us to make any further concession by allowing you any commission.
Jones: But you see, Mr. Xiong, as commission agents we do business on commission basis. In fact, we usually get a 3 to 5 percent commission from European suppliers.
Xiong: Well, if you’ll increase your order we might perhaps consider your request.
Jones: Do you think so ? What do you say if we increase the order by 15,000 yards? 15,000 yards is not a small figure, isn’t it?
Xiong: In that case we nay consider giving you a 3 percent commission. It is only in view of your strenuous efforts in pushing the sale of our products in the past few years that we extend you this most favorable accommodation.
Jones: My heartfelt thanks, Mr. Xiong. But there’s one thing O wish to have your special attention.
Xiong: What is it?
Jones: Do not deduct our commission from the value of the consignment.
Xiong: I beg your pardon? Didn’t catch your meaning.
Jones: I’m afraid I haven’t make myself clear. I mean you write the full value in the invoice just the same. And it’s only after you’ve collected the full payment of the L/C, will you then remit us our commission.
Xiong: I see your point now. We’ll do as you wish.
NEW WORDS
desirous 渴望的 strenuous 费力的民，艰辛的
usual 通常的 extend 伸展
actually 事实上 accommodation 适应，妥协
against 反对 heartfelt 由衷的
allow 允许 attention 注意
seller 买方 deduct 扣除
besides 而且 consignment 寄售，货物
cheap 便宜的 beg 乞求
margin 边缘 pardon 宽恕，原谅
narrow 狭窄的 meaning 意义
concession 让步 invoice 发票
yard 码 remit 汇寄
figure 数字 collect 收集
