Cancelling an Order

C. – Customer, S. – Supplier

C.: I’m calling about the sales invoice I’ve just received from you – for 50 car CD players.

S.: OK, what’s the problem?

C.: Well, there seems to have been a misunderstanding. I haven’t actually placed an order for them.

S.: Sorry, I don’t follow you.

C.: Well, when I called your office last week, I was just making enquiries about the players – prices, availability …

S.: Are you saying you don’t want them? My assistant told me you needed them urgently. We’ve packed them and we’re just about to send them off to you.

C.: I’m sorry. To be honest, I was getting quotes from several suppliers. If I’d wanted to place a firm order, I’d have given you written confirmation. Your assistant was a bit too hasty, I’m afraid.

S.: OK, well, I suppose we’d better cancel the order then. I take it you don’t want the CD players.

C.: I’m afraid not. We’ve ordered them from another source this time. I’m sorry if this has caused you any inconvenience.

S.: Don’t worry. I’ll have a word with my assistant, I don’t want him to make the same mistake again.

C.: Yes, I think you should do that. Well, goodbye for now.

2. Make up dialogues based on the following assignments:

1. Your customer’s representatives have seen your display at the exhibition. Ask them about their impressions; find out if they are going to place an order for the equipment with you. Suggest a visit to the plant which produces the equipment.

2. You are negotiating a prospective purchase of consumer goods. Indicate the samples you have chosen and state your idea of a discount. Promise to confirm your final choice by letter.

3. You are selling furniture. Your partner is interested, but reluctant to buy it at the terms suggested. However, he is interested and is willing to negotiate.

4. Meet Mr. Taylor and tell him that their samples impressed you favourably and you would like to place a big order with them but you find their prices high.

2. Read and translate the text: Confusing Order

A milkman, while on his rounds one morning, found the following note from a customer:

“Dear Milkman:

We don’t want milk every day. We want milk like this: Today we want milk. Tomorrow we don’t. And the next day will be just like the day before the day after tomorrow.

Mrs. Jones”

IV. Acknowledgments Replies to Orders

When an order is received, it is customary for the seller to send the buyer a written acknowledgment. The acknowledgment of an order placed on the basis of a firm offer, in good time, and without any qualifications, is sent merely "for order's sake", as a final confirmation of a contract already in existence. In all cases where the seller is free to accept or refuse the buyer's order, the acknowledgment constitutes the seller's formal acceptance of the order, which results in a contract between buyer and seller.

Occasionally, however, a supplier is compelled to refuse an order. Perhaps the buyer's terms are not acceptable, the goods ordered are no longer manufactured or carried in stock, or the firm which placed the order is known to be financially embarrassed. Manufacturers selling through agents or dealers often have to refuse orders received at the factory.