Sample 1　Buyer asking for other terms of payment

Dear Sirs,

We have received your letter concerning the terms of payment. We know that payment by L/C gives both of us the additional protection of the banker’s guarantee, but it involves many extra expenses. Mostly, it’ll tie up our capital, leaving us few profit margins.

If you could offer us easier payment terms, it would probably lead to an increase in business between our companies. We propose either cash against documents on arrival of goods, or a payment by 2 installments, 50% of the total sum upon delivery and the remaining 50% after final acceptance.

We hope our request will meet with your agreement and look forward to your early reply.

Yours faithfully,

Notes:

1. tie up: a temporary problem that delays progress 停顿，停滞

2. profit margin: the difference between the total cost of making and selling something and the price it is sold for 利润率，利润幅度

3. cash against documents: a financial arrangement in which someone can only collect goods they have imported after paying for them at the bank and showing proof that they have paid凭单付现

4. installment: a payment of part of a debt usually paid at regular intervals 分期付款