(2)

(After the lunch,they go on with their discussion.)

W:I heard that time and place of commodity inspection are very important.

B:Yes,you are quite right.In business negotiations,the parties should agree on the definite place and time.

W:So please tell me in detail the ways in which commodity inspections are taken.

B:OK.Generally speaking,there are three ways.The first one is called Shipping Quality/Weight (Quantity) as Final.In this way,commodities are inspected at the port of shipment by a surveyor or a special institution.

W:Oh I see.Then what if there is any breakage when the commodities arrive at the port of destination?

B:If the buyer finds any breakage at the port of destination,he cannot lodge a claim against the seller.

W:It seems that this way is more suitable for us.

B:Yes,actually it is.

W:And the second way?

B:The second way is Landing Quality/Weight (Quantity) as Final.If arrangement is made in this way,the goods are to be inspected by a surveyor or a special institution at the port of destination after the goods are unloaded.Therefore,the commodity inspection certificate issued there is looked upon as final.

W:So the buyer must favor this way of commodity inspection.

B:Quite right,and since the seller is more likely to choose the first way while the buyer the second,there still exists a third way.That is inspection and re-inspection that seems to satisfy both parties.

W:I’m a little bit confused with the third way.

B:To be more specific,when the goods arrive at the port of destination,the buyer is entitled to re-inspecting the goods.The time limit and the place of the re-inspection will be included in the contract.

W:What if the results from the inspection and the re-inspection do not coincide with each other?

B:Well,in that case,the goods should be further inspected by an authoritative agent and the reasons and responsibilities of the invalidity of the goods should be explored.Specific measures should be taken according to the contract and the extent of the invalidity.

W:Oh,the third way seems to be fair and square but complicated too.Mr.Black,from your knowledge,what is the general practice to be followed by most exporters?

B:Well,my personal recommendation is that you can choose either the first way or the third way.Then you buy a special coverage of breakage for your batch of goods.The insurance company can take care of the breakage responsibilities.

W:We will take your suggestion seriously.Mr.Black,thank you very much for giving me so much information.

B:My pleasure.