外贸英语函电Unit seven.ppt

Unit SevenQUOTATIONS, OFFERS AND COUNTER-OFFERS Contents offers It is proper for the exporter to send an immediate reply to the importer’s enquiry no matter whether he is able to supply or not. An affirmative reply is actually an offer. An offer of goods is usually made either by way of advertisements, circulars and letters or in reply to enquiries. This is the first step in business negotiation. There are two kinds of offers: firm offer and non-firm offer. The exporter often promises in a firm offer to supply certain quantity of goods at a fixed price within a stated period of time. Other terms such as specifications, packing, terms of payment must be definite as well. A non-firm offer is an offer with a reservation clause. Non-firm offers are usually indicated by means of sending catalogues, pricelists, proforma invoices and quotations; though quotations with certain qualifying words sometimes play the function of firm offers. A firm offer is made when a seller promises to sell goods at a stated price within a stated period of time. The promise may be expressed (i.e. clearly stated in words), as when it takes the form of a letter; or it may be implied ( i.e. understood), as when it takes the form of a quotation that contains the words “for acceptance within seven days”, or similar qualifying words. A firm offer is a promise to sell goods at a stated price, usually within a stated period of time. It must be clear, definite, complete and final. The firm offer creates a power of acceptance permitting the offeree by accepting the offer, to transform the offeror’s promise into a contractual obligation. Thus, once it has been accepted it cannot be withdrawn. A satisfactory offer will include the following: Without the last point, you turn a firm offer into a non-firm offer, which might contain even fewer items. A non-firm offer cannot be “accepted” but will rather be considered as an inducement to business. Whether firm or non-firm, a good offer gives thanks