英语外贸函电6

The following is a few letters of counter-offer: 5th of April Sample A Dear Mr. Zhang, Thank you so much for your letter dated 31st of March. We think that prices in your price list are not competitive. Besides, other competitors give us more discounts on a large order. So, can you reduce your price to some extent and give us a 5% discount on a large order of 300 TV sets? As to other terms and conditions we are ready to accept them. Please answer as soon as possible. Best wishes. Sincerely yours, Joan Smith
6. We cannot offer you at present, but we will keep your enquiry before us. 7. The price we quoted is quite realistic. And we regret that your counter offer is unacceptable to us. 8. The price we quoted is quite reasonable, which has been accepted by the other buyers at your end. 9. You must reduce your price by 2%; otherwise, business is impossible. 10. Please keep us informed of the supply position in your place.
Chapter Four Making Counter-offers and Declining Orders
College of Foreign Languages Shaoxing UBaidu Nhomakorabeaiversity
Counter-offer If the offeree gives a reply to accept the terms and conditions in the offer with some reserved conditions, this means he is making a counter-offer. For example, the offeree may think that the price is too high and he wants to buy the product at a lower price. Or the offeree hopes to change the payment method. A counter-offer destroys the original offer, which cannot be accepted unless it is renewed on the same terms. But if the offeree seeks more information on the item (s) being offered, this does not amount to a counter-offer; hence the original offer remains intact and therefore capable of being accepted subsequently.
Sample B
Dear Sirs, Socks We wish to tank you for your letter of March, 2, offering us 1,000 pairs of captioned socks at RMB ￥15 per pair on the usual terms. Although we are interested in your products, we find your price is so high that our margin of profit would be either very little or nil. Information indicates that the socks of similar quality are available at present on the market and at a price 10-15% lower than yours. We hope, therefore, you will reduce your price soas to stand up to the competition. We wait your reply. Yours faithfully, (Signature) Jack Williamson
Ⅲ Translate the following letter into English March 29, 2002 Dear Sirs, We thank you for your letter of March 20. Your comments on our offer of socks have had our close attention. Although we are keen to meet your requirements, we regret that we are unable to comply with your request to reduce the prices as our prices are closely calculated. Even if there is a difference between our prices and those of other suppliers, you will find it profitable to buy from us because the quality of our products is far better than that of other foreign makes available in your district. However, in order to help you to develop business in this line, we are prepared to allow you a discount of 5% provided your order calls for a minimum quantity of 5,000 pairs. If you find our proposal acceptable, please let us have your order at an early date. Yours faithfully,
Sample E
Dear Sirs, Many thanks for your letter of November 21. We have given our careful consideration to your counter offer against our offer for wool sweaters: Art No. 10. We would like to help you in the matter of price. However, we regret to inform you that there is no room to make any further reduction in prices as we have already cut them to the absolute minimum. However, in order to meet your demands we recommend our No. 15, which is our latest product. This is superior in quality and moderate in price, and we will offer a special discount of 4% off the list price for this time. We await your acceptance of this offer. Yours faithfully,
Ⅱ Filling in the blanks with proper words or expressions 1. declining; found; high 2. note; in; market 3. see; our; way; indicated 4. close; near 5. may; rest; without; delay 6. out; of; line; possible; end 7. cannot 8. in; position; offer; contact 9. list; reference 10. feel
Ⅰ Translate the following sentences into English 1. Your counter offer is not in line with the prevailing market. 2. We are sorry the difference between our price and your counter offer is too wide. 3. We very much regret that we cannot reduce our price to the level you indicated. 4. Owing to the shortage of raw materials, the manufacturer cannot accept any new orders. 5. Owing to heavy commitments, we regret that we cannot entertain any fresh orders for the time being, but we will contact you by cable as soon as the new supplies come.
Sample C 10th of April Dear Ms. Smith, We are writing in answer to your letter of 5th of April. We think your suggestion about the discount is acceptable. In addition, it is possible to lower the prices of our products provided that you can really place an order for 300 TV sets. As to the details of how much the prices can be reduced and other relevant details, it is suggested that we should discuss them face to face as soon as possible before we finally sign the contract. We would be very much obliged to you if you could tell us when you are available to meet for the negotiation of the transaction. Looking forward to your earliest answer. Best regards. Faithfully yours, Tim Zhang
Sample D
Dear Sirs,
Thank you for your offer of July 11 for 2,000 units of TV. We regret being unable to make use of these goods as the price you ask is above the market level here for the quality in question. The TVs supplied here covering the same brand were not of the quality we had expected for the price quoted. Yours faithfully,