Discussing Packing

Then the Buyer brings up another matter: he wants to know what kind of packing we usually use. We answer that we pay special attention to the matter. Our goods need sea proof packing. So generally some parts are wrapped up in polythene and the whole " nits are then put into wooden boxes or crates. All this ensures their safe delivery and makes our products really competitive and attrac­tive for overseas markets. The both sides settle all the matters and agree to meet the next day to sign the contract.

4. Discuss the proverbs. Use them in your speech to make it more expressive.

Deeds speak louder than words.

The greatest talkers are always the least doers.

Swift to hear slow to speak.

5. Retell about the business talks you took part in. Use the informa­tion of the unit.

Contracts

In foreign trade transactions a contract is drawn up to give legal expression to the intentions" of the partners and to guarantee that the obligations contained in the contract will be fulfilled.

By law contracts are made in writing. Standard contracts are lot a must. Some" articles" may be altered and supplemented. According to the purpose and contents, contracts can cover": goods, services, licences, patents, technology and know how".

As a rule the contract contains a number of clauses, such as: Subject of the Contract, Price, Terms of Payment, Deliv­ery, Inspection and Test, Guarantee, Packing and Marking, Arbitration, Transport, Insurance and other conditions. Subject of the contract names' the product for sale or pur­chase. It also⁴ indicates the unit of measure for specific goods, such as oil, wheat, etc.

The price stated in a contract may be Firm, fixed or sliding. Firm prices are not subject to change" in the course of the fulfillment of the contract. Fixed price is the price governing in the market on the day of delivery or for a given period. Sliding prices are quoted for machinery and equipment which require a long period of delivery.

The contract also names the terms of delivery and delivery schedule which is usually given in the enclosure to the contract.

One of the essential clauses of the contract is the Guarantee Clause. It says that the supplied equipment and technological. Process should be in conformity with the latest technical achievements and in full conformity with the technical documentation, technical specifications and conditions of the Contract. If dur­ing the guarantee period the equipment supplied by the Seller proves' to have some defects the Seller undertakes to correct these defects or to replace the defective equipment at his own ex­pense".

The contract names Packing and Marking. Packing goods for export is a highly specialized job. The equipment should be shipped in export seaworthy packing. If the goods are improperly" packed and marked, the carrier" may refuse to accept" them. Packing can be external (outside) (crate, bag) and internal (inside) (box, pack, flask). In case of consumer goods packing has a double function. On the one hand it is for protection. On the other - it is for adver­tising. The Seller should be responsible for any damage or breakage of the goods caused by improper packing. Marking should be made with indelible paint in two languages on three sides of the case.

Every contract names Insurance of Goods. All sensible businessmen now insure goods for the full val­ue in order to obtain indemnity (возмещение) in case of damage or loss. Insurance is against such risk as fire, burgla­ry, pilferage, damage by water, breakage or leakage.

Every contract contains a Force Majeure (Force Major) clause.

Force Majeure is a force against which you cannot act or fight. It usually includes natural disasters such as an earth­quake, flood, fire, etc. It also names such contingencies as war, embargo, sanctions. The duration of a force majeure is, as a rule, 4 or 6 months. After that' the Buyer has the right to cancel the contract. The Seller in this case has no right to claim any com­pensation for his losses".

1. Make a list of international words and expressions. Learn their correct pronunciation and meanings.

2. Answer the following questions to discuss the details of the text. Use the text for reference.

1. Why is a contract drawn up in foreign trade transactions?

2. Is a contract made in writing or orally?

3. Must a contract have a standard form?

4. May any articles be altered or supplemented?

5. What kinds of contracts according to the purpose and contents are used?

6. What are the main clauses of a contract?

7. What does the subject clause of a contract name?

8. What kinds of prices may be stated in a contract?

9. Where is a delivery schedule usually given?

10. What does the Guarantee clause usually say?

11. Why is packing goods for export a highly specialized job?

12. Who is responsible for any breakage or damage of goods caused by improper packing?

13. How should marketing of goods be made?

14. Against what risks do all sensible businessmen insure goods?

15Why does every contract contain a Force Majeure Clause?

2. Read the text. Divide it into logical parts. Find or compose the topic sentences of each part. Make up a logical plan of the text. Retell the text.

3. Read the following texts with the help of a dictionary. Make a list of new words and expressions while reading the texts.