A:Could you do something to advance your time of shipment?

B:Well,our manufacturers are fully committed at the moment.I’m afraid it’s very difficult to improve any further on the time.

A:I hope you’ll try to get them round to step up production.

B:We check their production schedule against our orders almost every day.As new orders keep coming in,they are working three shifts to step up production.I’m sorry,but we simply cannot commit ourselves beyond what the production schedule can fulfill.

A:Well,in that case,there is nothing more to be said.What’s your last word as to the date then?

B:I said by the middle of October.This is the best we can promise.

A:All right.I’ll take you at your word.May I suggest that you put down in the contract“shipment on October 15 or earlier”? Our letter of credit will be opened early September.

B:Good.Let’s call it a deal.We’ll try our best to advance the shipment to September.The chances are that some of the other orders may be cancelled.But of course you cannot count on that.In any case,let’s keep in touch and we’ll let you know the first thing by e-mail.

A:That’s very considerate of you.And now,shall we discuss the insurance terms?

B:We generally insure W.A.(W.P.A.) on a CIF offer.Special risks,such as TPND (Theft,Pilferage and Non-delivery),leakage,breakage,oil,freshwater,etc.,can also be covered upon request.

A:I suppose the additional premium for the special coverage is for the buyer’s account.

B:Quite right.According to the usual practice in international trade,special risks are not covered unless the buyer asks for them.

A:Then what about SRCC (Strikes,Riots and Civil Commotions)? Can we request you to cover this for our imports?

B:Yes,we accept it now after it has been suspended for many years due to the turbulent international trade environment.However,if you want to have it covered for your imports at your end,you can arrange the insurance as you like.

A:Then please cover W.P.A.and TPND for this transaction.

B:All right,I’ll adjust the price accordingly.