(1)　On the Packing of Silk Blouses

Having settled a number of problems regarding the purchase of silk blouses,Mr.Friedman,a businessman from Denmark,brought up the subject of packing with Mr.Chen of the China National Garments Import & Export Corporation.

F:Mr.Chen,shall we now discuss packing?

C:Very well.You know,we have specific ways of packing garments.As to blouses,we use a polythene wrapper for each article,all ready for window display.

F:Good.A wrapping that catches the eye will certainly help push the sales.With competition from similar garment producers,the merchandise must not only be of good value but also look attractive.

C:You are absolutely right.We’ll see to it that the blouses appeal to the eye as well as to the purse.

F:What about the outer packing?

C:We’ll pack them 10 dozen to one carton,gross weight around 25 kilos a carton.

F:Cartons?

C:Yes,corrugated cardboard boxes.

F:Could you use wooden cases instead?

C:Why use wooden cases?

F:I’m afraid the cardboard boxes are not strong enough for such a heavy load.

C:The cartons are comparatively light,and therefore easy to handle.They won’t be stowed away with the heavy cargo.The stevedores will see to that.Besides,we’ll reinforce the cartons with straps.Silk blouses are not fragile goods.They can stand a lot of jolting.

F:Maybe you’re right,but the goods are to be transshipped at Hamburg or London.If the boxes are moved about on an open wharf,dampness or rain may get into them.This would make the blouses spotted or ruined.

C:No need to worry about that.Cartons lined with plastic sheets are water-proof,and as the boxes are made of cardboard,they will be handled with care.

F:Well,I don’t want to take any chances.Besides,cartons are easy to cut open,and this increases the risk of pilferage.

C:Tampering with cartons is easily detected.I should say that this rather discourages pilferage.

F:Maybe so,but I’m afraid that in case of damage or pilferage,the insurance company will refuse compensation on the ground of improper packing,or packing unsuitable for sea voyage.

C:But cartons are quite seaworthy.They are extensively used in our shipments to continental ports.There have never been any complaints from our clients,and such packing has also been approved by our insurance company for W.P.A.and T.P.N.D.

F:If you could guarantee compensation in case the insurance company refuses to honor a claim for faulty packing,we would be quite willing to accept cartons.

C:I’m sorry,but we can’t take on any responsibility for every kind of mishap.

F:I can understand your position.Perhaps I’m asking too much.

C:We’ll use wooden cases if you insist,but the charge for packing will be considerably higher,and it also slows down delivery.

F:Well,I’ll contact home office immediately for instructions on the matter.

C:Please do.I’ll be waiting for your reply.