I. Mr. Lu, when do I have to open the covering L/C if I want the goods delivered in June?

--You’ll have to open the L/C early in May, that is , one month before the time of delivery.

When do you think you’ll be able to ship the goods, Mr. Lu?

We’ll be able to ship the goods in Ausust, that is, two months after your placing an order with us.

What’s the rate of discount you are going to give me?

  --3%, if your order exceeds 20,000 dozens.

II. Won’t 15 or 20 days be enough?

--I’m afaid 15 or 20 days won’t do.

  We shall pay the goods by D/A, if you agree.

  --That won’t do. As a rule, we accept L/C only.

Will this pair suit you?

--That won’t do. Have you a larger size?

III. In the meantime, I’d like you to exert yourself and get everything ready for shipment.

  --You may rest assured of it.

I’d like you to offer me CIF instead of FOB.

--With pleasure.

They’d like you to ship the goods in early May.

--You may rest assured of it.

We’d like you to meet our Swiss suppliers.

--I’d be glad to.

IV. You must leave us one week’s time or so to get all the shipping documents ready for presentation and negotiation.

  --Well, I’ll take a careful note of it.

  They want to book twenty pieces or so to cover their immediate requirement.

  --Well, I’ll see toit.

The steamer will arrive at your port in a week or so. Please get the goods ready for  shipment.

Well, I’ll take a careful note of it.

How many people will there be at the party?

--There will be twenty or so people at the party.

                                   EXERCISES

I. Ask and answer the following questions in pairs.

 1. What was the conversation about?

2. How many days before shipment must the L/C reach the exporter?

3. Why must the L/C arrive 30 days before the time of shipment?

4. What will the exproter do during this time?

5. In the case of this lesson, in which month id Mr. Jay have to open the letter of credit?9.

6. Mr. Jay wanted to have the L/C opened 15 0r 20 days before the time of shipment. Could it be agreed to?

7. Why didn’t Mr. Lu agree to 15 or 20 days?

8. What would have happened if Mr. Lu had agreed to hace the L/C opened 15 or 20 days before the time

 9. How long must the L/C remain valid after the shipment?

10. Why must the L/C remain valid for 15 more days after the shipment is made?