Contract (Time of Delivery, Payment)

A representative of a British firm, Mr. Smith, contacts Petrov of Soyuzexport to discuss some problems they have had in chartering a vessel for the second consignment of coal.

Smith: I'm glad to say that so far the fulfillment of the Contract has been strictly according to the sched­ule. Today we've received the documents covering the first consignment. We've already checked the documents and we are going to effect payment the first thing tomorrow morning.

Petrov: That's fine. Soon you'll receive your second con­signment.

Smith: I'm afraid here we have some problems in getting a vessel of the necessary tonnage.

Petrov: Do you mean that you may not be able to meet the contractual time?

Smith: At the moment we're in the process of getting the required vessel. But unfortunately, much to our regret, we can get a vessel only for the beginning of October.

Petrov: I'm sorry to hear that.

Smith: If there is no objection on your part, we'd like to postpone the delivery time, issuing an amendment to the present Contract.

Petrov: Well, if that's the case. I believe it could be arranged.

Smith: Thank you very much indeed for your cooperation. We'll get the necessary documents ready for signa­ture by tomorrow.

Text 10

Talking Business

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Soyuzimport is interested in buying pumps for a new shop of a large plant in Siberia. The shop is already under construction and the customers require the goods urgently, as they must complete the construction of the shop by the end of the year.

Borisov, a representative of Soyuzimport, who deals in this kind of equipment, got instructions to buy pumps from a British company. As soon as he arrived in London he cont­acted Bond & Co, a leading manufacturer of pumps. Mr. Stanley, the manager of the company, invited him to come to his office.

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Borisov: Good morning! I'm Borisov. Here is my card.

Stanley: Glad to meet you, Mr. Borisov. Will you take a seat, please.

Borisov: Thank you.

Stanley: Did you have a good trip?

Borisov: Yes, it was quite nice, thank you.

Stanley: Have you seen any places of interest in London yet?

Borisov: Yes, but not many. I arrived in London only two days ago and it has rained all the time.

Stanley: Oh, I hope the weather will change for the better and it'll stop raining soon. You'll enjoy sightsee­ing in London. Well, Mr. Borisov, let's discuss business now. What can I do for you?

Borisov: We know you've started producing a new model of pumps. The quality of the model meets our requirements and we’d like to place an order with you. Can you make us an offer for 150 pumps?

Stanley: Sure! When would you like to have the pumps?

Borisov: We require the pumps for immediate shipment.

Stanley: Well, you see, Mr. Borisov, we're heavy with orders at the moment and can offer you only 50 pumps for now.

Borisov: And what about the balance of 100 pumps?

Stanley: We can start shipping them six months after we sign the contract. I think we can deliver the pumps in four lots of 25 pumps each at regular intervals within eight months. Is that all right with you?

Borisov: Not altogether. We require the pumps earlier. Could you start the deliveries, say, four months after we sign the contract?

Stanley: I'm afraid not. We can guarantee, however, that there won't be any delay in shipment.

Borisov: All right. I think we could agree to that.

Stanley: Is there anything else you'd like to discuss, Mr. Bo­risov?

Borisov: Yes, there's another point I'd like to clarify. It's about your delivery terms.

Stanley: As we can provide shipping facilities we usually sell our goods on CIF terms.

Borisov: Well, Mr. Stanley, we can accept your delivery terms. When shall we meet to discuss the price and terms of payment?

Stanley: Let's meet in two days' time. I've got a crowded programme tomorrow and the day after.

Borisov: Fine. Good-bye, Mr. Stanley.

Stanley: Good-bye, Mr. Borisov.

2. Read the following letters: