Language Focus A Discussing delivery time
Follow-up Practice
1. You will hear three conversations between sellers and buyers. Listen and complete the table below.
Conversation 1
A: Let's discuss the delivery date. You offered to deliver the goods within six months after the contract is signed.
B: That's right.
A: That's too long. Can you make it earlier—say, within three months?
B: I'm afraid not. As you know, we have a lot of orders to fulfill and our manufacturers are fully committed at the moment.
Conversation 2
A: Well, I'd like to know when you can ship the goods.
B: In July, I think.
A: That's too late. Is there any possibility for you to advance the shipment to the middle of June?
B: I'm afraid not, Mr. Smith. You know, there are only two direct steamers sailing for your port, and shipping is already fully booked from now to the end of June.
Conversation 3
A: What's the earliest date you can make the shipment?
B: It usually takes us two months to make delivery. So we can make shipment by the end of September.
A: I'm afraid that'll be too late for us. The goods must be delivered in August, or else we can't catch the season.
B: Well, I see. We'll contact the factory and try to talk them into bringing forward the delivery by a month.
A: That would be excellent.
2. Below are some problems associated with bringing forward the date of shipment and the possible solutions to the problems. Listen to the conversation and identify the problems discussed in the conversation.
对话文本：
A: Well, I'd like to know when you can ship the goods.
B: In April, I think.
A: That's too late. Is there any possibility of you bringing shipment forward to February?
B: I'm afraid not, Mr. Smith. You know, there are only two direct steamers sailing for your port, and shipping is booked up from now to the end of March.
A: Oh, that's too bad. We really need the goods urgently. April is the best season for this commodity. In order to catch the season, we were hoping you could deliver the goods before the end of February.
B: How about transshipment? There'll be a ship leaving Tokyo for your destination port in February. We might be able to get the goods to Tokyo in time to catch that ship.
A: Well, transshipment will take longer and is likely to cause damage to the product. We'd really prefer direct shipment.
B: The trouble is, it's impossible to book direct shipping space any earlier. There's been a great demand for shipping from Shanghai lately. If you want direct shipment then I'm afraid we can't make it any earlier.
A: Then, what is the earliest date we can expect delivery?
B: The beginning of April, I'm afraid. But I'll keep trying. We'll keep contacting the shipping company and if any space becomes available, we'll let you know immediately.
A: Thank you.
