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  1. Make up dialogues based on the following assignments:

  1. You have read an advertisement concerning the opening position you are interested in. Get in touch with the firm and ask them about all the particulars.

  2. Get in touch with Brown & Co and find out if they have a vacant position of an accountant. Give details of your education and skills.

  3. Discuss with the human resources manager the duties and responsibilities in your future position.

  4. You have got an interview for a job. The employer wants to know if you are the person he wants, so you will be asked about yourself. Think about it:

What do I do well?

What are my good points?

Why would I like this job?

Spare-time interests? Hobbies?

Marital status?

What is my family like?

What do I like doing and why?

What do I dislike doing and why?

School activities?

School subjects?

Previous work? Previous experience?

Saturday job?

  1. You have got an interview for a job. After you have been asked about yourself you will want to ask questions too:

The job itself?

Training?

Prospects?

Further education?

Conditions?

Can I see where I would be working?

Working hours?

  1. Read and translate the texts: Partnership

A story of the mid-nineteenth century tells of the man who, upon meeting a friend, told him he was going into business.

“What sort of business?” the friend asked.

“A partnership,” the other replied.

“Are you putting in much capital?”

“No. I put in no capital. I put in the experience.”

“And he puts in the capital, is that it?”

“Yes. We go into business for three years. He puts in the capital and I put in the experience. At the end of three years I’ll have the capital, and he’ll have the experience.”

Expert’s Advice

A small businessman was in trouble with his sales. He decided to call in an expert to give him an outsider’s viewpoint. After he had gone over his plans and problems, the businessman took the sales expert to a map on the wall and showed him brightly colored pins stuck wherever he had a salesman.

“Now,” he asked the expert, “for a starter, what is the first thing we should do?”

“Well,” replied the expert, “the first thing is to take those pins out of the map and stick them in the salesmen.”

Smart Girl

An office manager was asking a girl applicant if she had any unusual talents. She said she had won several prizes in crossword-puzzle contests. «Sounds good», the manager told her, «but we want somebody who will be smart during office hours». «Oh», said the girl, «this was during office hours».

USEFUL PHRASES

SOME USEFUL PHRASES WHICH CAN BE USED

НЕКОТОРЫЕ ВЫРАЖЕНИЯ, КОТОРЫЕ МОГУТ БЫТЬ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНЫ

I. When beginning talks

I. Для начала переговоров

1. Let's

start talks.

get down to business.

1. Давайте

начнем переговоры.

приступим к делу.

2. What shall we

begin with

start with

2. С чего начнем?

3. What's on the agenda today?

3. Что у нас сегодня на повестке дня?

4. First of all we must discuss ...

4. Прежде всего, нужно обсудить ...

5. We can start with ...

5. Мы можем начать с ...

6. I suggest beginning with ...

6. Предлагаю начать с ...

7. We've carefully studied your enquiry (offer, draft contract) and would like ...

7. Мы внимательно изучили ваш запрос (предложение, проект контракта) и хотели бы ...

8. I've been authorized to discuss ...

I'm responsible for ...

8. Я уполномочен обсудить ...

9. We are to take up two (more) questions.

9. Мы должны решить (еще) два вопроса.

10. May I run through my check list?

10. Разрешите мне взглянуть в свой перечень вопросов.

II. When discussing the quantity of the goods

II. При обсуждении количества товара

1. How many machines

would you like to buy?

1. Сколько машин

вы хотите купить?

How much ore

Сколько руды

2. We'd like

to buy

20 machines.

2. Мы хотели бы

закупить

20 машин.

We are planning

500 tons of ore.

Мы планируем

500 тонн руды.

3. What about the remaining 40 compressors?

3. А как насчет остальных 40 компрессоров?

III. When discussing dates and terms of delivery

III. При обсуждении сроков и условий поставки

1. When can you deliver the goods?

1. Когда вы можете поставить товар?

2. What time of delivery (delivery dates) could you offer?

2. Какой срок поставки вы могли бы предложить?

3. When do you want (need) the goods?

3. Когда вам нужен (требуется) товар?

4. We need (require) the goods urgently (as soon as possible).

4. Нам нужен (требуется) товар срочно (как можно скорее).

5. Could you offer earlier delivery dates?

5. Не можете ли вы сократить срок поставки?

6. We agree to take part deliveries.

6. Мы согласны принять поставку отдельными партиями.

7. We could deliver ... within ... of the date of ...

7. Мы могли бы поставить ... в течение ... с даты ...

8. Can we have ... immediately from stock?

8. Можем мы получить ... немедленно со склада?

9. We can offer ...

from stock.

9. Мы можем предложить …

с немедленной поставкой (со склада).

for prompt delivery.

с промптовой поставкой.

for forward delivery.

с поставкой на срок.

10. Do you want us to offer you CIF or FOB prices?

10. Вы хотите, чтобы мы назначили цену СИФ или ФОБ?

11. We can offer ...

FOB Odessa.

11. Мы можем предложить ...

ФОБ Одесса.

CIF New-York.

СИФ Нью-Йорк.

on CIF (FOB) terms.

на условиях СИФ (ФОБ).

12. Does that suit you?

12. Это

устраивает вас?

приемлемо для вас?

Is that

all right with you?

acceptable to you?

13. How will delivery be made?

13. Как будет производиться поставка?

14. We'll deliver the goods in three lots of 20 ... each at regular intervals within ...

14. Мы поставим товар тремя партиями по 20 ... каждая через равные промежутки времени в течение ...

15. not later than …

no earlier than ...

15. не позднее, чем ...

не ранее, чем ...

16. We undertake to deliver the goods on time.

16. Мы обязуемся поставить товар своевременно (по графику).

IV. When changing the subject

IV. При переходе на другую тему

1. And another thing.

1. И еще один вопрос.

2. Let's move on to the next question.

2. Давайте перейдем к следующему вопросу.

3. What

How

about ...?

3. Как насчет ...?

4. Let's return to the question of ...

4. Давайте вернемся к вопросу о ...

5. By the way, ...

5. Между прочим, ...

6. That reminds me ...

6. Да, кстати ...

7. If you don't mind, ...

7. Если вы не возражаете, ...

V. When filling "hesitation" pauses

V. Для заполнения "пауз неуверенности"

1. Well, ...

1. Ну, ...

2. You see, ...

You know, ...

2. Видите ли, ...

Знаете, ...

3. The thing (fact) is ...

3. Дело в том, что ...

4. As a matter of fact, ...

In fact, ...

Actually, ...

4. Действительно, ...

Фактически, ...

На (В) самом деле, ...

5. I mean (to say) ...

5. Я хочу сказать ... (имею в виду)

6. Now let me see.

6. Дайте подумать.

7. What can I say?

7. Что я могу сказать?

8. How shall (can) I put it?

8. Как это выразить?

9. I'm not really sure how to put this.

9. Я не совсем уверен, как выразить это.

VI. When discussing terms of payment

VI. При обсуждении условий платежа

1. We would ask you to increase the advance payment to ...

1. Мы просили бы вас увеличить аванс до ...

2. A 10 per cent advance payment is absolutely insufficient.

2. Аванс в 10% совершенно недостаточен.

3. A ten per cent advance payment is our usual practice.

3. 10% в качестве первоначального платежа - наша обычная практика.

4. You are to open a (confirmed, irrevocable, divisible) letter of credit with (Vnesheconombank) for ...

4. Вы должны открыть (подтвержденный, безотзывный, делимый) аккредитив в (Внешэкономбанке) на сумму ...

5. We shall open a letter of credit as soon as we receive a notification that the goods are ready for shipment.

5. Мы откроем аккредитив, как только получим уведомление о том, что товар готов к отгрузке.

6. The letter of credit is to be valid for ... days.

6. Аккредитив должен быть действителен в течение ... дней.

7. We would ask you to extend the period of validity of the letter of credit.

7. Мы просили бы вас продлить срок действия аккредитива.

VII. When asking for an opinion

VII. При выяснении чьей - либо субъективной оценки

1. What do you think (feel) about ...?

1. Что Вы думаете о …?

2. What’s your

What are your

opinion of …?

2. Каково Ваше мнение о …?

views on ...?

thoughts about ...?

3. I would be glad to know your views on ... .

3. Я был бы рад узнать Вашу точку зрения о …

VIII. When giving an opinion

VIII. При высказывании субъективной оценки

1.(Personally,) I

think ...

1. (Лично) я

думаю …

believe ...

полагаю ...

feel ...

считаю ...

2. It seems to me ...

2. Мне кажется, ...

3. From my point of view ...

3. С моей точки зрения, …

4. In my

opinion ...

4. По моему мнению, …

view ...

5. As far as I’m concerned, ...

5. Что касается меня, …

6. The way I see it

6. Как я это себе представляю

7. I for one ...

7. Например, я …

8. I'd say …

8. Я бы сказал …

9. I am sure of that.

9. Я уверен в этом.

10. I am confident that ...

10. Я убежден, что ...

11. I think it is

necessary

to do something.

11. Считаю

необходимым

сделать что-либо.

useful

полезным

advisable

целесообразным

12. That goes without saying.

12. Это само собой разумеется.

IX. When not giving an opinion

IX. При нежелании давать субъективную оценку

1. I really can't say.

1. Я действительно не могу ничего сказать.

2. I (really) don't know what to say (think).

2. Я (действительно) не знаю, что сказать (подумать).

3. It's hard (difficult) to say.

3. Трудно сказать.

4. I'd rather not discuss it.

4. Я бы предпочел не обсуждать это.

5. Well, I don't know (really).

5. Я (действительно) не знаю.

6. Perhaps.

May be.

Could be.

6. Может быть.

X. When making an appointment

X. Договариваясь о встрече

1. Let's

Could we

meet (again)

tomorrow

at ...

1.Встретимся

Не могли бы мы встретиться (снова)

завтра

в ... часов.

on Monday

в понедельник

2. Let's make an appointment for Monday, say 11 o'clock.

2. Давайте условимся о встрече в понедельник, скажем, в 11 часов.

3. Will it be convenient for you to come here at 5?

3. Вам удобно будет придти сюда в 5 часов?

4. That suits me perfectly.

4. Это меня вполне устраивает.

5. I'm afraid, that's not very convenient for me.

5. Простите, но мне это не очень удобно.

6. We'll be expecting for you on Tuesday, May ... at ... o'clock.

6. Будем ждать вас во вторник, ... мая в ... часов.

7. Could I meet you the day after tomorrow?

7. Не мог бы я встретиться с Вами послезавтра?

8. Could you receive me one of these days?

8. Не могли бы Вы принять меня на днях?

9. Unfortunately, I'll be busy this time tomorrow.

9. К сожалению, я буду занят завтра в это время.

10. We have an appointment for 10 o'clock.

10. У нас назначена встреча на 10 часов.

11. Please remember about Wednesday, will you?

11. Не забудьте о среде, хорошо?

12. You are coming on Thursday, aren't you?

12. Вы ведь приходите в четверг, так?

13. Let's get in touch one of these days.

13. Давайте свяжемся в ближайшие дни.

14. I hope to hear from you in the near future.

14. Жду от Вас известий (звонка, ответа) в ближайшем будущем.

15. Please give me a ring tomorrow, will you?

15. Позвоните, пожалуйста, завтра.

XI. When discussing prices

XI. При обсуждении цен

1. Now we can start our talks on prices.

1. Теперь мы можем начать переговоры по ценам.

2. Our price is acceptable to you, isn’t it?

2. Наша цена приемлема для Вас, не правда ли?

3. Acceptable (contract, justified, attractive, high, low, firm, established, inferior, fair, fixed, flexible, maximum, minimum, market, nominal, retail, wholesale, trade) price

3. Приемлемая (контрактная, оправданная, привлекательная, высокая, низкая, твердая, установленная, заниженная, справедливая, фиксированная, гибкая, максимальная, минимальная, рыночная, номинальная, розничная, оптовая, торговая) цена

4. The price in our offer can

be (serve as) a basis for the talks.

4. Цена в нашей оферте может быть (служить) основой для переговоров.

5. We find your prices somewhat higher (lower) as compared with those on the world market.

5. Мы находим, что ваши цены несколько выше (ниже) по сравнению с ценами на мировом рынке.

6. We request you to give (grant) us a …% (per cent) discount off the price if (in case) …

6. Мы просим вас предоставить (дать) нам … процентную скидку с цены, если (в случае) …

7. We would ask you to revise the prices (to cut them by …%).

7. Мы просим вас пересмотреть цены (снизить их на … %).

8. The increase in the price can be explained by …

8. Повышение цены объясняется …

9. What documents do you use when calculating the price?

9. Какими документами вы пользуетесь при расчете цены?

10. The price includes packing (the cost of spares, transportation and insurance expenses).

10. Цена включает стоимость упаковки (стоимость запчастей, расходы на перевозку и страхование).

11. If you increase the order by (to) … machines we shall …

11. Если вы увеличите заказ на (до) … машин, мы …

12. If we agree to your price the transaction won’t be profitable for us.

12. Если мы согласимся на вашу цену, сделка для нас будет нерентабельной.

13. Taking into account (into consideration) your request (long-standing business relations, the increase of the order) we are prepared (ready) to meet you halfway.

13. Принимая во внимание вашу просьбу (длительные деловые связи, увеличение заказа), мы готовы пойти вам навстречу.

14. Your prices are higher than (on the same level with) those on the world market.

14. Ваши цены превышают цены на мировом рынке. (находятся на уровне мировых цен.)

15. We’re glad we’ve settled the price problem.

15. Мы рады, что урегулировали вопрос о цене.

16. We can consider the price problem settled.

16. Можно считать вопрос о ценах решенным.

17. What can you say about a …% discount?

17. Что Вы скажете о …процентной скидке?

18. The price is … per unit.

18. Цена составляет … за единицу (за штуку).

19. We buy equipment at lower prices.

19. Мы покупаем оборудование по более низким ценам.

20. We’re impressed by the price you quoted.

20. Цена, которую Вы назначили, произвела на нас хорошее впечатление.

XII. To express uncertainty, doubt or hesitation

XII. Для выражения неопределенности, сомнения, колебаний

1. Really?

Indeed?

1. Правда?

В самом деле?

2. I don’t quite understand you.

2. Я не совсем понимаю Вас.

3. I can’t follow you. I don’t get it.

3. Я не понимаю Вас (это).

4. I have no idea how to do it.

4. Я не знаю, как это сделать.

5. We doubt …

5. Мы сомневаемся.

6. We are disappointed in you (by your decision).

6. Мы разочарованы в Вас (Вашим решением).

7. To tell the truth

I have some doubts about it.

7. По правде (честно) говоря, у меня есть некоторые сомнения в этом.

To be honest

8. I’m not very confident (optimistic, sure) that …

8. Я не совсем уверен, что…

9. I’m very (extremely) concerned about it.

9. Я чрезвычайно озабочен этим.

10. It gives cause for concern.

10. Это вызывает озабоченность.

XIII. To express request, advice, recommendations

XIII. Для выражения просьб, советов, рекомендаций

1. I’d suggest that you should do something.

1. Я бы предложил Вам предпринять что-либо.

2. You should take into account …

2. Вам следует (нужно) принять во внимание …

3. You’d better stay here.

3. Вам бы лучше остаться здесь.

4. If you don’t mind we could (we’d like to) …

4. Если Вы не возражаете, мы могли бы (хотели бы) …

5. - Would you be so kind as to tell him about it?

- Yes, certainly. By all means.

5. - Будьте добры сказать ему об этом.

- Конечно, непременно. Обязательно.

6. Please, note …

6. Просим учесть, …

7. We ask you to consider our comments.

7. Просим Вас учесть наши замечания.

8. May we have your calculations?

8. Разрешите посмотреть Ваши расчеты.

9. We suggest that you should … (look through the catalogues)

9. Мы предлагаем Вам … (просмотреть наши каталоги)

XIV. To express disagreement, counterarguments, refusals

XIV. Для выражения несогласия, контраргументов, отказов

1. I’m afraid

we can’t accept it.

1. Боюсь,

мы не можем принять это.

it’s hardly possible.

это едва ли возможно.

you are not quite right.

Вы не совсем правы.

that isn’t fair.

это несправедливо.

we can’t agree to it.

мы не можем согласиться на это.

that is beside the point.

это не относится к делу.

it can’t be helped.

этому не поможешь.

2. I’m sorry, but that’s impossible.

2. Сожалею, но это невозможно.

3. I

cannot agree

with you.

3. Не могу согласиться с Вами.

don’t agree

disagree

4. We are sorry to say no.

4. К сожалению, мы вынуждены отказаться.

5. Unfortunately we are overloaded with orders.

5. К сожалению, мы загружены заказами.

6. You are

not quite right here.

6. Вы

не совсем правы.

mistaken a little.

несколько ошибаетесь.

7. It

contradicts

our usual practice.

7. Это противоречит нашей обычной практике.

goes against

It is not our normal practice.

8. That depends.

8. Ну, как сказать.

9. I don’t think so.

9. Не думаю.

10. Sorry, we can’t meet your request.

10. К сожалению, мы не можем удовлетворить Вашу просьбу.

11. Certainly not.

By no means.

11. Конечно, нет.

Ни в коем случае.

12. No, not quite.

12. Нет, не совсем.

13. We can’t accept … (your prices, terms of delivery)

13. Мы не можем принять … (Ваши цены, условия поставки)

14. We can’t bear any responsibility for …

14. Мы не несем ответственность за …

15. I see things rather differently.

15. Я это представляю себе по-другому (мыслю иначе).

16. I really don’t see why we should …

16. Я действительно не понимаю, почему мы должны …

17. That’s all very well, but …

17. Все это так, но …

18. I can’t quite see how we could have done anything else.

18. Не вижу, как мы могли бы сделать что-либо еще.

19. I don’t really understand what you mean.

19. Я на самом деле не понимаю, что Вы имеете в виду.

20. From our company’s point of view it isn’t quite justified.

20. С точки зрения нашей фирмы это не совсем оправдано.

21. I can’t quite give you a definite answer yet.

21. Я пока не могу дать Вам определенный ответ.

XV. To express concessions

XV. Для выражения уступки

1. Let it be so.

1. Пусть будет по-вашему.

2. We can agree only by mutual concessions. Isn’t it so?

2. Мы можем договориться только путем взаимных уступок. Не так ли?

3. Could you meet us halfway?

3. Могли бы Вы пойти нам навстречу?

4. If you are ready to agree, then we will meet you halfway.

4. Если Вы готовы согласиться, мы пойдем Вам навстречу.

XVI. To express agreement, confidence, approval

XVI. Для выражения согласия, уверенности, одобрения

1. We fully agree with you (to your offer).

1. Мы совершенно согласны с Вами (с Вашим предложением).

2. Quite right (correct).

2. Совершенно верно.

3. Agreed.

Settled.

3. Договорились.

4. We are all for it.

4. Мы всецело за это.

5. All right, we’ll leave it here, shall we?

5. Хорошо. Остановимся на этом, да?

6. That seems to be all.

6. Кажется (пожалуй), это все.

7. No objections.

There’s no argument then.

7. Никаких возражений.

Бесспорно.

8. That seems

to be OK.

8. Кажется,

все в порядке.

to be a good idea.

это хорошая мысль.

9. I can’t see any reason why we shouldn’t …

9. Не вижу причины, почему бы нам не …

10. I feel quite confident (sure) of that.

10. Я абсолютно уверен в этом.

11. We believe (can consider) the matter closed.

11. Мы думаем (можем считать), что вопрос решен.

12. Well done!

12. Отлично!

Отлично сделано!

XVII. When discussing guarantees

XVII. При обсуждении гарантий

1. We’ll be able to agree on guarantees.

1. Мы сможем договориться о гарантиях.

2. We guarantee faultless operation of the equipment for … months from the date of shipment (delivery, putting it into operation).

2. Мы гарантируем безаварийную работу оборудования в течение … месяцев с даты отгрузки (поставки, пуска его в эксплуатацию).

3. Your guarantee period is too short. We’d like it to be prolonged by (to) … months.

3. Ваш гарантийный срок слишком короток. Нам бы хотелось, чтобы он был продлен на (до) … месяцев.

4. The guarantee doesn’t apply to quick-wearing parts.

4. Гарантия не распространяется на быстроизнашивающиеся части.

5. The equipment fully conforms to state standards.

5. Оборудование полностью соответствует государственным стандартам.

6. The repair and replacing of defective parts during the guarantee period are at Seller’s expense.

6. Ремонт и замена дефектных деталей во время гарантийного периода осуществляется за счет продавца.

7. The damage to the goods was the fault (occurred through the fault) of the manufacturing works.

7. Повреждение изделий произошло по вине завода-изготовителя.

8. Your staff must strictly observe our operation and maintenance instructions.

8. Ваш персонал должен строго соблюдать наши инструкции по эксплуатации и уходу.

9. Who is responsible for the elimination of defects, faults and imperfections?

9. Кто отвечает за устранение дефектов, неисправностей и недоделок?

XVIII. When discussing technical characteristics

XVIII. При обсуждении технических характеристик

1. Your model has excellent technical characteristics.

1. У вашей модели отличные технические характеристики.

2. The machine is reliable in operation and easy to handle.

2. Машина надежна в эксплуатации и проста в управлении.

3. This machine-tool is of high efficiency (capacity).

3. Станок имеет высокую производительность (мощность).

4. The quality of this model has always met our customers’ requirements.

4. Качество этой модели всегда удовлетворяло требования наших заказчиков.

5. There have never been any complaints about this model.

5. На эту модель никогда не поступало рекламаций.

6. The overall dimensions of the equipment are:

length …

width …

height …

6. Габаритные размеры оборудования составляют:

в длину …

в ширину …

в высоту …

7. In accordance with the technical service agreement we will send our specialists to you.

7. В соответствии с соглашением о техническом обслуживании мы направим к вам своих специалистов.

XIX. In conclusion of the talks

XIX. В заключение переговоров

1. In conclusion I would like to say (note, underline) …

1. В заключение мне бы хотелось сказать (отметить, подчеркнуть), …

2. Let’s sum up the discussion.

2. Подведем итог обсуждению.

3. We have had a very successful (fruitful) exchange of opinions.

3. У нас был чрезвычайно успешный (плодотворный) обмен мнениями.

5. - Thank you, gentlemen, you’ve all been very helpful.

- Not at all. We are glad to help.

5. - Спасибо, господа, вы все очень помогли нам.

- Не стоит благодарности. Мы рады помочь.

6. We are very pleased to have

met you.

6. Мы очень рады, что

познакомились с вами.

negotiated with you.

провели переговоры.

done good business.

заключили сделку.

7. It was nice meeting you.

7. Было очень приятно познакомиться с Вами.

8. We’ve enjoyed ourselves very much.

8. Мы очень хорошо провели время.

Мы получили большое удовольствие.

9. You must visit us again.

9. Вы должны приехать к нам еще раз.

10. We are quite satisfied with the results of the deal (transaction).

10. Мы вполне удовлетворены результатами сделки.

11. The atmosphere of our talks has been friendly and businesslike.

11. Атмосфера переговоров была дружеской и деловой.

12. KAMAZ will always welcome you.

12. Вас всегда рады видеть на КамАЗе.

Glossary of Commercial Terms

agent

See mercantile agents.

arbitration

The settlement of disputes between parties to a contract by a person or persons chosen by the parties themselves or appointed by a court of arbitration. There are many courts of arbitration and arbitration associations; one of the best-known courts of arbitration is that of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris. Attempts to submit a dispute to arbitration often fail because the parties cannot agree on a particular form of arbitration, place of arbitration, etc. It is therefore advisable to include an arbitration clause in the contract. The arbitration clause of the International Chamber of Commerce reads as follows: "All disputes arising in connection with the present contract shall be finally settled under the Rules of Conciliation and Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce by one or more arbitrators appointed in accordance with the Rules."

bank draft (or: banker's draft)

A cheque drawn by one bank on another. A person who has to effect payment at a distant place (at home or abroad) may purchase from his bank a bank draft drawn on a bank at the creditor's place of residence and send it to the creditor, who will present it to the drawee bank for payment.

bankruptcy

An insolvent debtor, or his creditors, may apply to the proper court for the opening of bankruptcy proceedings. If the court finds sufficient proof of insolvency, the debtor is adjudged a bankrupt. The bankrupt's assets are placed under the control of the official receiver, a Department of Trade official, pending the appointment of a trustee in bankruptcy by the creditors. The trustee causes the bankrupt's property to be sold and distributes the proceeds of the sale among the creditors The secured creditors (those holding a mortgage or lien) can realize their security; the unsecured creditors receive their share after the preferential debts (court costs, wages, taxes, etc.) have been paid. After the bankrupt's property has been distributed, the court gives him a discharge from his unpaid debts, provided he has conducted himself honestly.

bank transfer (or: banker's transfer)

A transfer of money from one bank account to another. In the Anglo-Saxon countries, bank transfers are used chiefly in foreign trade. A debtor in country A asks his bank to arrange for the payment of a certain sum of money (in foreign currency) to his creditor in country B. The bank in country A debits its customer's account with the equivalent in domestic currency (plus bank charges) and instructs its branch or correspondent in country В (by mail or cable) to pay the amount, to the debit of its account, to the person in question. A transfer made by mail is called mail transfer (M.T.), a transfer by telegraph or cable is called telegraphic transfer (T.T.) or cable transfer (С.Т.). T.T.'s provide the quickest method of transferring funds from one country to another.

bill of exchange (B/E)

Legally, a bill of exchange is defined as "an unconditional order in writing, addressed by one person to another, signed by the person giving it, requiring the person to whom it is addressed to pay on demand or at a fixed or determinable future time a certain sum of money to, or to the order of, a specified person, or to bearer." This definition covers both cheque and draft, but in practice the word bill of exchange or bill is applied to drafts only.

There are inland (or: domestic) bills and foreign bills. Inland bills are drawn and payable within the British Isles; all other bills are foreign bills. Foreign bills include the word Exchange and are usually issued in a set. The two or three bills making up the set are identical in all respects, except that each refers to the other. Issuing bills in a set is a precaution against loss in transit, as the parts of the set can be sent by different mails. When any of the bills forming the set has been paid, the others become void.

Bills of exchange have three parties: the drawer (the person who makes out the bill), the drawee (the person who is directed to pay) and the payee (the person who is to get the money). The payee may be the drawer himself or a third person. With regard to maturity, we distinguish between sight bills (sight drafts) and time bills (time drafts). Sight bills are payable at sight, time bills are payable on a fixed future date, or a certain time after date or sight.

A bill is of no practical value unless the drawee accepts it by writing his name across its face. The drawee thus becomes the acceptor; his signature on the draft, and the accepted draft itself, are called acceptance. A trade acceptance is a draft accepted by a buyer of goods, a bank acceptance (or: banker's acceptance) is a draft accepted by a bank.

The holder of a bill of exchange can use it in any of the following ways: 1. keep it until it is due and present it for payment (or give it to his banker for collection); 2. sell it to a bank before maturity (see discounting of bills); 3. pass it on in payment of a debt. Before a bill of exchange can be transferred, it has to be endorsed (see endorsement).

Also see clean draft, documentary draft, prolongation of bills.

bill of lading (B/L)

A document issued when goods are entrusted to a shipping company for conveyance by sea. It gives the person to whom it is issued or transferred title (right of ownership) to the goods it represents (document of title).

Bills of lading are issued in sets, usually consisting of three originals signed by the master of the ship or another authorized person on behalf of the shipping company. In addition to the originals, copies may be prepared in any desired number. The master is instructed to deliver the goods on presentation of any of the originals. When the goods have been released on the strength of one of the originals, the other originals become void.

The set of signed bills of lading is given in exchange for a wharfinger's receipt (dock receipt) or mate's receipt. Both are temporary receipts. The wharfinger's receipt is signed by the man in charge of the wharf and certifies that the goods have been received for subsequent loading; the mate's receipt is signed by the ship's chief officer and certifies that the goods are on board the vessel. Before these receipts are issued, the outward condition of the packages is examined. If the packages are in good condition, a clean receipt is given for them, if there is any defect in the condition of the packages, a note to that effect is made on the receipt, which is then known as a foul (or: dirty) receipt. When a clean receipt is presented, the shipping company will issue a clean bill of lading. A note on the receipt is also put on the bill of lading; thus a bill issued on the basis of a foul receipt is also foul.

A bill of lading stating that the goods have been loaded on board the carrying vessel is known as a shipped or on-board bill of lading. A received-for-shipment (or: received) bill of lading, on the other hand, merely states that the goods have been received for subsequent loading. It does not provide evidence of the actual shipment and is therefore less valuable than a shipped bill of lading. (After the goods have been loaded, a received bill may be converted into an on-board bill by means of a notation dated and signed by the carrier or his agent.)

Bills of lading may be either order bills or straight bills. Most order bills of lading are issued to shipper's order, in which case they are simply consigned "to order," but there are also bills issued to the order of a named consignee or a bank. Bills of lading made out to shipper's order include a notify clause giving the name and address of the person to be notified on arrival of the shipment (usually the buyer or his agent). An order bill of lading (and title to the goods it represents) can be transferred by endorsement. A straight bill of lading is issued to a named consignee, but not to his order, and is there­fore not transferable.

Bills of lading contain the terms and conditions of the contract of carriage concluded between the shipper and the shipping company. They clearly specify the risks for which the shipping company will not accept any responsibility. Compare consignment note.

carriage paid to frontier

Under these terms, the seller pays carriage to the frontier and bears the risks of the goods until they have been delivered into the custody of the first carrier.

carrier

A person, firm, etc., engaged in transporting goods (or passengers) for hire. The most important carriers are railways, road hauliers, airlines and shipping companies.

cash discount

A discount granted to a customer for immediate payment or payment within a stated period of time (discount period).

certificate of origin

A document showing the origin of goods, signed by a chamber of commerce or customs officer in the exporting country. Certificates of origin are required by many countries and entitle the importer to claim the benefit of preferential tariffs granted by his country to the country of the exporter.

C. & F. (cost and freight)

Under C. & F. terms, the seller’s and the buyer’s duties are the same as under C. I. F. terms, except that the seller does not arrange for insurance. Also see Incoterms.

chamber of commerce

A voluntary association of merchants, manufacturers and others engaged in business, for the purpose of promoting the interests of its members and the trade of the country as a whole. Chambers of commerce, among other things, furnish information and advice to businessmen, assist in their establishing business contacts, appoint experts, certify documents, and issue certificates of origin.

In addition to the national chambers of commerce there are special chambers set up for the purpose of furthering trade between two countries, such as the German-American Chamber of Commerce. The national chambers of commerce of most countries are linked up with the International Chamber of Commerce.

cheque

A cheque (US: check) is a bill of exchange drawn on a bank and payable on demand. A person or firm having a current account at a bank can draw cheques up to the amount of the credit balance on his account.

The parties to a cheque are: the drawer (the person who makes out the cheque and signs it), the drawee (the bank on which it is drawn), and the payee (the person who is to get the money).

An order cheque is payable to a specified person or order and can be transferred by endorsement. A bearer cheque is payable to bearer; it can pass freely from person to person without endorsement.

An open cheque is paid in cash by the bank on which it is drawn. A crossed cheque is not paid over the counter but credited to a banking account. A person receiving a crossed cheque must hand it to his banker for collection. Cheques have to be presented for payment within a reasonable period of time. If the holder keeps the cheque too long, it becomes “stale”. Stale cheques are not paid immediately on presentation, but the drawee bank will first ask the drawer whether he still wants the cheque to be honoured. A cheque is returned by the bank unpaid if there are insufficient funds or no funds, or if the cheque is not in order.

Also see bank draft.

C.I.F. (cost, insurance, freight)

Under C.I.F. terms, the seller’s and the buyer’s duties are as follows:

The seller must contract for the carriage of the goods to the agreed port of destination and load the goods on board the vessel at his own expense. The seller must bear the risks of the goods until they have effectively passed the ship’s rail at the port of shipment, pay the freight to the port of destination, and take out insurance, at his own cost, for the benefit of the buyer. The insurance has to cover the C.I.F. price plus 10 per cent (buyer’s anticipated profit).

The buyer must bear the risks of the goods from the time when they have effectively passed the ship’s rail and bear all costs incurred in transit, except freight and insurance, as well as unloading costs, including lighterage and wharfage, unless these costs are included in the freight. (When goods are sold C.I.F. landed, unloading costs, including lighterage and wharfage, are borne by the seller.)

Also see Incoterms.

clean draft

A foreign bill of exchange without documents.

C.O.D. (cash on delivery). When goods are delivered C.O.D., the post office, railway, or forwarding agent is entrusted with the collection of the invoice amount. When the buyer has paid this amount, the goods are released to him.

Compare documents against payment.

collection of documentary drafts

When goods are sold on D/A or D/P terms, the seller draws a documentary draft on the buyer. D/P drafts are (usually) sight drafts, D/A drafts are time drafts payable after sight. The task of presenting the draft to the buyer at his residence and delivering the documents to him when he pays or accepts the draft is usually entrusted to a bank. (Sometimes collections are handled by a forwarding agent or the exporter’s subsidiary abroad.) The exporter’s bank carries out the collection through its branch office or correspondent in the foreign country.

The exporter must give his bank detailed instructions with regard to the collection. The bank usually asks the exporter to complete a documentary bill lodgment form (or: letter of transmittal). The exporter has to inform the collecting bank whether the documents are to be surrendered on payment or acceptance of the draft, how the collection proceeds are to be remitted, what is to be done if the draft is dishonoured, etc. To avoid loss of documents in transit, drafts and documents are usually made out in duplicate, the originals being sent by first air mail, the duplicates by the following air mail.

Combined Certificate of Value and Origin

See customs invoice.

commercial traveller ( US also: traveling salesman)

An employee who calls on customers and solicits orders.

consignment note (US: waybill)

A document used when goods are sent by rail, by road, or by air.

The consignment note has to be completed by the consignor and delivered to the carrier together with the goods. A copy (duplicate consignment note) is given to the consignor as a receipt. Unlike the bill of lading, the consigment note or waybill is not a document of title. (The American railway companies issue a special railroad bill of lading which has all the legal characteristics of an ocean bill of lading. There is no comparable document in Great Britain and Continental Europe).

consignment stock

A stock of goods which a manufacturer or trader (consignor) places at the disposal of his agent (consignee). The consignee sells goods (consignment goods), which are consignor’s property, for consignor’s account.

Also see mercantile agents.

consular invoice

A special invoice for customs purposes which, like the customs invoice, has to be prepared by the exporter on a special form. Unlike the customs invoice, however, the consular invoice must be legalized by a consulate of the importing country. For legalization of consular invoices ( and other documents) the consulate charges a consular fee. Consular invoices are required by many Latin-American countries.

credit association

Usually connected with a trade association. It compiles credit information on firms with which any of its members have had dealings and makes this information available to all members.

credit-inquiry agency (US: commercial agency, mercantile agency)

An agency which collects information about bisiness firms and furnishes it to its subscribers.

The subscribers pay a subscription fee; in return they recerive the rating books published by the agency and special reports on any firm about which they inquice. The large credit-inquiry agencies have branches or correspondents abroad and can also furnish reports on foreign firms. The most famous agency is Dun and Bradstreet in the United States, which operates all over the world.

customs invoice

A special invoice for customs purposes which importers in many countries have to present to the customs authorities when filing a customs entry, and which serves as the basis for the assessments of import duty. It has to be prepared by the exporter on a special form which can be obtained from printers and stationers specializing in the sale of export forms. On this invoice the exporter must show, in addition to the usual invoice details and the export price, the domestic value of the goods in the exporting country, and the country of origin.

Customs invoices are required by the Commonwealth countries, the British colonies, and a number of other countries (but not Great Britain). In most of these countries the official designation of the customs invoice is Combined Certificate of Value and Origin. In the United States, a Special Customs Invoice has to be presented on all shipments valued at over $500 and subject to ad valorem duty.

Compare consular invoice.

D/A (documents against acceptance)

Under D/A terms, the documents relating to a shipment of goods are released to the buyer on acceptance of a documentary draft (time draft) drawn on him by the seller.

Also see collection of documentary drafts. Compare documents against bank acceptance.

discount

1. A deduction from the invoice price or list price. See cash discount, quantity discount, trade discount. Compare rebate.

2. A deduction from the face amount of a bill of exchange. Also see discounting of bills.

discounting of bills

Buying bills of exchange before maturity for a sum less than their face value. (The term to discount may also mean to have a bill discounted, as, for example, in the following sentence: The holder of a bill can obtain immediate cash by discounting it.)

Bills are discounted by banks and other financial institutions. The bank deducts the discount, that is, interest for the time until maturity, from the face amount of the bill and pays the balance in cash or credits it to the customer's account. A bank which has discounted a bill can re-discount it at the central bank, provided the bill is eligible for re-discounting.

documentary letter of credit (or: documentary credit)

A documentary letter of credit, is a promise by a bank to a seller of goods to pay a certain amount of money if the documents relating to the goods are presented on time and in strict compliance with the terms of the credit.

When the buyer and the seller have agreed on payment by documentary letter of credit, the buyer requests his bank to open (or: to issue) the credit in favour of the seller. The buyer's bank (opening or issuing bank) instructs its correspondent in the seller's country (by mail or by cable) to pay the seller the amount in question on presentation of the documents specified in the credit. Sometimes the letter of credit is addressed direct to the beneficiary by the opening bank.

The amount of the credit may be made available to the beneficiary in any of the fol­lowing ways:

1. The beneficiary is authorized to draw a sight draft on the correspondent bank, which this bank pays on presentation of the documents.

2. The beneficiary is authorized to draw a time draft on the correspondent bank, which this bank accepts on presentation of the documents. The accepted draft (bank accept­ance) is then discounted.

3. The beneficiary is authorized to draw a draft (in foreign currency) on the opening bank or the buyer, which the correspondent bank negotiates (that is, purchases) on presentation of the documents.

Documentary credits may be irrevocable and confirmed, irrevocable and unconfirmed, or revocable and unconfirmed.

An irrevocable credit cannot be revoked by the opening bank except with the bene­ficiary's consent. A revocable credit can be modified or cancelled at any time without notice to the beneficiary. When an irrevocable credit is to be confirmed, the opening bank instructs its correspondent to send the beneficiary a confirmation. Such a confirmation is a definite undertaking on the part of the correspondent to pay, accept, or negotiate the beneficiary's draft or drafts, provided the documents required are presented within the required time. In the case of irrevocable and unconfirmed credits or revocable credits (which are always unconfirmed), the opening bank merely instructs the corre­spondent bank to advise the beneficiary of the credit, such advice being without any obligation for the correspondent.

Irrevocable and confirmed credits constitute an engagement of both the opening bank and its correspondent and thus offer maximum security to the exporter. In many cases, however, irrevocable and unconfirmed credits are preferred because they are cheaper.

documentary draft

A foreign bill of exchange with documents attached. Also see collection of documentary drafts.

documents

The most important documents used in connection with export shipments are: bill of lading, insurance policy, insurance certificate, commercial invoice, customs invoice, consular invoice and certificate of origin.

documents against bank acceptance

Under these terms, the documents relating to a shipment of goods are released to a bank on acceptance of a documentary draft (time draft) drawn on it by the seller. Bank acceptances are first-class bills and can be dis­counted at a favourable rate.

When the terms of "documents against bank acceptance" have been agreed upon, the buyer instructs his bank to accept the seller's draft or to arrange for its correspondent in the seller’s country to provide the acceptance. (The latter procedure is the usual one.) Upon acceptance, the documents are handed over to the bank. The seller can get funds immediately by discounting the banker’s acceptance. The buyer, on the other hand, is required by his bank to provide cover before maturity of the bill.

Also see bill of exchange, discounting of bills. Compare D/A.

D/P (documents against payment)

Under D/P terms, the documents relating to a shipment of goods are released to the buyer on payment of a documentary draft (usually a sight draft) drawn on him by the seller.

Also see collection of documentary drafts. Compare C.O.D.

draft

See bill of exchange.

duplicate consignment note

See consignment note.

endorsement

Instruments payable to order, for example, bill of exchange, order cheque, promissory note and order bill of lading can be transferred by endorsement.

Endorsements are placed on the back of the instrument. The person who writes the endorsement is called the endorser, the person to whom the instrument is endorsed is the endorsee. The most important endorsements are blank endorsement and special endorsment.

A blank endorsement consists only of the endorser’s signature; it turns an order paper into a bearer paper negotiable by delivery only.

John Smith

Blank endorsement

A special endorsement includes endorser’s signature, name of endorsee, and sometimes also the date. A blank endorsement can be converted into a special endorsement by writing Pay to the order of and the endorsee’s name above the signature of the endorser.

Pay to the order of William Brown.

17th June, 20…

John Smith

Special endorsement

ex works (ex factory, mill, plantation, warehouse, etc.)

Under ex works terms, the seller's and the buyer's duties are as follows:

The seller must place the goods at the buyer's disposal at his factory or warehouse and bear all costs and risks until the goods have been placed at the buyer's disposal. The buyer must take delivery of the goods and bear all costs and risks from the time when the goods have been placed at his disposal.

Also see Incoterms.

F.A.S. (free alongside ship)

Under F.A.S. terms, the seller's and the buyer's duties are as follows:

The seller must deliver the goods alongside the vessel named by the buyer and bear all costs and risks of the goods until they have been delivered alongside the vessel, either at the quay or by means of lighters.

The buyer must charter a vessel or reserve the necessary space on board a vessel and inform the seller of the name of the vessel, loading berth of and delivery dates to the vessel. The buyer must bear all costs and risks of the goods from the time when they have been delivered alongside the vessel.

Also see Incoterms.

F.O.B. (free on board)

Under F.O.B. terms, the seller's and the buyer's duties are as follows:

The seller must deliver the goods on board the vessel named by the buyer and bear all costs and risks of the goods until they have effectively passed the ship's rail at the port of shipment.

The buyer must charter a vessel or reserve the necessary space on board a vessel and inform the seller of the name of the vessel, loading berth of and delivery dates to the vessel. The buyer must bear all costs and risks of the goods from the time they have effectively passed the ship's rail.

Also see Incoterms.

F.O.R. / F.O.T. (free on rail / free on truck)

Under F.O.R / F.O.T. terms, the seller's and the buyer's duties are as follows:

In the case of a wagonload, the seller must obtain a wagon, load it, and deliver it into the custody of the railway. In the case of a load less than a wagonload, the seller must deliver the goods into the custody of the railway, either at the dispatching station or into a vehicle provided by the railway. The seller must bear all costs and risks of the goods until the wagon on which they are loaded, or the goods themselves, have been delivered into the custody of the railway.

The buyer must bear all costs and risks from the time when the wagon on which the goods are loaded, or the goods themselves, have been delivered into the custody of the railway.

Also see Incoterms.

forwarding agent (US also: forwarder, freight forwarder)

The main function of a forwarding agent is to arrange for the conveyance of goods to the agreed place of destination. He takes over the goods, delivers them to the carrier and — through his branch offices or correspondents — makes arrangements for transshipment, if necessary. Forwarding agents usually have their own lorries or vans and also transport goods themselves, for example, from consignor's warehouse to the railway station. Other services which forwarding agents render to their customers are: making up grouped consignments (US: consolidated shipments) and thus helping to save transport charges, providing storage space, obtaining the necessary shipping documents, taking out insurance, attending to customs clearance of goods, handling collections, etc. Cus­toms clearance and collections in foreign countries are arranged through the forwarding agent's foreign correspondents.

franco domicile (or: free buyer's address, US: F.O.B. buyer's warehouse)

Under these terms, the seller bears costs and risks until the goods have been delivered at the buyer's address.

franco frontier

Under these terms, the seller bears all costs and risks until the goods reach the frontier or border.

freight or carriage paid to ...

Under these terms, which are used only in rail, road and inland waterway transport, the seller's and the buyer's duties are as follows:

The seller must deliver the goods at his own expense to the agreed point and bear the risks of the goods until they have been delivered into the custody of the first carrier.

The buyer must pay all costs from the time of arrival of the goods at the agreed point and bear the risks from the time the goods have been delivered into the custody of the first carrier.

Also see Incoterms.