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Chapter 5 CounteroffersAttention Points:•国际贸易中，由于进出口双方的立场不同，对于一方的发盘，另一方不会立即接受，而是会进行还盘。
而对于还盘，很有可能出现再还盘，周而复始就构成了交易磋商的主要过程。
交易磋商的主题很多，可以是前面提到的价格，也可以是装运期，包装，支付条件，检验等等。
因此一封交易磋商函，开头（确认收到对方来函）和结尾（劝说对方接受的结尾）是一样的，主体部分还是有很大不同。
•一般而言，双方都需要让步，并尽量说服对方，出口方可以以优惠的付款方式来维持高价，或者以较早的交货期来争取较大的订单。
当然，强调产品的品质以及活跃的市场情况也是比较常见的方法。
总之，写交易磋商函的关键在于以适当的理由，从适当的角度，提出各种条件，来促进早日成交，毫无理由的拒绝和接受都是不可取的。
Specimen Letter 1To step up the trade, on behalf of our end-users, we counteroffer as follows, subject to your confirmation reaching us before the end of this month: At $26.00 per piece CFR2% Vancouver, other terms as per your letter of June 10.It is in view of our long-standing business relationship that we make you such a counter-offer. As the market is declining, we hope you will consider our counter-offer most favorable and fax us acceptance at your earliest convenience.Yours faithfully,Chinese version of the letter执事先生：真丝女衬衫感谢贵公司6月10日来函，按惯常条款向我方报盘3000打上述货物，每件35.00美元温哥华CFR价。
Review of the previous classExercise: Fill in the blanks with the given words or expressions.1. offer subject decline accept validWe can ____ you bicycles at much lower prices.We can not see our way to ____ your offer.We regret having to____ your offer.This offer will remain ___ for ten days from March 3rd.Our offer is ____ to goods being unsold.Keys:offer accept decline valid subject2. place per effected price in offer subject toDear Sirs,We acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 15th, and confirm having faxed you today in reply, as ______ confirmation copy enclosed. You will note from our fax that, we are in a position to offer you 50 long tons of Tin Foil Sheets at the attractive________ of USD 135 per long ton CFR Shanghai for delivery within one month after you ________ an order with us. Payment of the purchase is to be ______ by an irrevocable letter of credit _______ our favor, payable by draft at sight in Pounds Sterling in London.This offer is firm _______ your immediate reply which should reach us not laterthan the end of this month. There is little likelihood of the goods remaining unsold once this particular ______ has lapsed.Yours faithfully, Answer：per, price, place, effected, in, subject to, offerAs per：按照as per confirmation copy enclosed：正如随函附上的确认副本Long ton：英吨；长吨（等于2240磅）Tin Foil Sheet：锡箔纸 tin 锡 foil 箔payable by draft at sight：凭即期汇票支付lapse：失效Unit 7 Counter-offer and counter-counter offerPart 1 introductionCounter-offer：还盘，指买方建议卖方修改报盘中的某些条款，并且向卖方陈述自己的条款。
询盘（enquiries）报盘（offers）还盘（counter-offers）在国际贸易中，询盘（enquiry）通常是由买家发出，为了取得所要订购的产品的信息，例如价格，宣传册，发货日期以及其他方面的信息。
如果你是买家，应该在信件中尽量写清楚你向国外供应商询问的问题。
包括价格，折扣，付款方式，运输需要多长时间。
写信的时候不需要用过长的，过于礼貌谦卑的句子。
询盘常用短语和句型1.Interest and desires (兴趣和要求)take (have, feel) interest in (加名词)…对…感兴趣be interested in (加名词) …对…感兴趣be in the market for (加名词) …欲购买…be desire of (加名词)…想要…2. Enquiries （询盘）send quotation for …对…的报价send particulars of…告知某人某件事情的详细情况enquire for 询购e.g. We are receipt of your letter of June 12, enquiring for our black tea.make (sent ) enquiry for 询购have an enquiry for 有…的询盘e.g. We have an enquiry for 50 tons for chemical fertilizer.state terms of 说明…的条款e.g. When quoting, please state terms of payment and time of delivery.allow sb. a special allowance (discount) 给予某人特别折扣e.g. Will you please allow us a special allowance on annual total annul purchase above $ 500,000?3. Reply （询盘回复）in reply (to one’s enquiry) 回复（某人的询盘）e.g. This is in reply to your enquiry of Oct.8th, 2008.thank sb. for one’s enquiry for…感谢某人对某商品的询价e.g. We thank you for your enquiry of Feb.2th, 2008enclose a catalogue and a price list 随函附寄目录表和价格表样信1（询盘）：20th August,2008China National Import & Export Corp.SHANGHAIChinaDear SirsWe are glad to inform you that we are interested in hand-made gloves in a variety of genuine leather. There is a steady demand here for gloves of high quality and, although sales are not particular high, good prices can be obtained.Will you pleased send us a copy of your catalogue for gloves, with details of your prices and terms of payment. We should find it most helpful if you could also supply samples of the various leather of which the gloves are made.Your faithfullyCasio & Pomponio Co., Ltd.Manager样信2 （询盘回复）May 3， 2008Dear SirsThank you for your letter of April 14 for low wattage Microwave Oven. We wish to inform you that at present we are able to supply 650W Microwave Oven only, the price of which is similar to that of 600W, i.e. at USD 320 per set CIF… less 2% discount. As a matter of fact it is better than the one you enquire for, and we are sure you will find it worth buying when you read the enclosed illustrated leaflet.We welcome your order and can assure you that shipment will be made within 20days after receipt of your L/C. we except to have your decision at an early date.Your sincerelyXXXEncl. 1 leaflet报盘（offer），也叫报价，是卖方主动向买方提供商品信息，或者是对询盘的答复，是卖方根据卖方的来信，向买方报盘，其内容可包括商品名称、规格、数量、包装条件、价格、付款方式和交货期限等。
Offers and Counter OffersOffer Without EngagementAn offer without engagement is not a promised indication made by an offerer. All offers without engagement have some reserved conditions, such as “subject to our final confirmation”. Generally, s uch an offer is not binding to the offerer. It is more flexible, thus making it possible for the offerer to get favorable conditions by adapting himself to the changing market and choose the best chance of reaching an agreement.Dear Sir/Madam,Thank you for your interest in our Garment displayed at the Southeast International Trade Fair. We are sending you illustrated catalogues about those patterns you are most interested in. We are able to supply most of them from stock.If our prices are acceptable, we trust that you will place us orders immediately.We look forward to your early confirmation.Yours faithfully,Firm OfferA firm offer is a clear indication of the offerer to conclude business transactions according to the stipulated terms and conditions within a fixed period of time. The offer, once sent out, cannot be withdrawn or changed at all within the period of its validity. If the offer is accepted by the buyer before its expiry date, business will be established. The parties concerned will be bound by it.Dear Sir/Madam,We are pleased to know from your fax of Oct. 15 that you are interested in our medicine, especial vitamin E. We make you the following firm offer:Commodity: Vitamin E 50% F.C.C.Price: USD7.00 per KG CIF HamburgQuantity: 5000 KGSPacking: 25 KG/DrumShipping Marks: At seller’s optionDate of shipment: In November 2005Payment: By Irrevocable L/C at sight to reach us one month before shipment, allowing transshipment and partial shipment.Insurance: To be effected by sellers for 110% of full invoice value covering All Risks. Looking forward to your earliest confirmation.Yours faithfully,In practice, an offer is usually a “firm offer” which has the following characteristics:✓It has a validity time, within which all its terms must be clear, definite, complete, and final and can not be altered or changed.✓ A firm offer can not be withdrawn or revoked within its validity time.✓ A firm offer usually states the quantity of goods to be transacted.A quotation does not possess all these characteristics, it is more or less flexible.entire acceptanceIn this case, the acceptance means promise in international trading affairs that the enquirer is willing to make a contract with the offerer according to the latter’s terms of transaction. Thus the letter of acceptance usually repeats the following items so as to avoidmisunderstanding on either side. They are commodity, specifications, quality, quantity, price, shipment, terms of payment, etc.Dear Sir/Madam,Thank you for your fax of Oct. 18th offering 5000 KGS Vitamin E at USD 7.00 per KG GIF Hamburg for immediate shipment, which is paid by irrevocable L/C at sight and effected by you for 110% of full invoice value covering All Risks.We are pleased to inform you that all the terms and conditions are acceptable to us. So we confirm your offer and place an order with you.Please send us a copy of your Sales Confirmation for our counter-signature, and we will have our relative L/C established through ABC Bank once receive it.Please note that the goods must be shipped within the validity of the L/C.Yours faithfully,Conditional acceptance or counter offerAn offeree may think that the offer is mostly acceptable, if certain terms or conditions are amended or changed according to his proposal. For example, he may find the price offered is higher than expected, and he may also think that terms like the shipment, payment and packing should be changed. In this case, the counter-offer occurs.Dear Sir/Madam,We thank you for your offer of Oct 25 for stainless steel sheets, asking for payment by confirmed, irrevocable Letter of Credit at sight.On this basis, it has indeed cost us a great deal. From the moment we open the Letter of Credit till the time our buyers pay us, the tie-up of our funds lasts about four months, which, we think, is unacceptable.If you could kindly modify your terms of payment, it would be favorable to encourage business between us. We propose "Cash against Documents on Arrival of Goods".We hope you will accommodate us in this respect and look forward to your early reply. Yours faithfully,Offer DeclinedIn this case, the offeree thinks the terms of the offer are too far from satisfactory for a counter-offer, so he has to reject it. The reasons for the decline of offer should be given in a frank but polite way. Hoping for future business relationships is also necessary to be mentioned at the end of the letter.Dear Sir/Madam,We thank you very much for your letter of June 9 quoting for your air-conditioners.As our customers are not familiar with the brand name of your products and the price you have quoted is far higher than that of other firms, it is difficult for the items to attract our customers. If we are in need in future, please kindly reduce the price as best as you can so as to facilitate our sales.Thank you for your attention to this reply.Yours faithfully,在写商业书信时长期合作的老客户询价时，发盘可相当简要，做到礼貌直接即可。
Unit 6 Counter-Offer第六章还盘Leading-in Tasks （任务导入）Try to finish the following tasks and predict the objectives and focus of this unit.Task 1.假设你是英国威娜贸易公司（Wella Trading Co. Ltd.，联系地址：15 Newell Street, London, Britain，Tel：0044-20-76712345 Fax：0044-20-76767890 E-mail: wella@）进口部的经理。
最近，你公司收到广州金叶鞋业公司（Guangzhou Jinye Shoes Company，联系地址：138 Yanjiang Road, Guangzhou, China，Tel：86-20-88888888 Fax：86-20-88888889 E-mail：jinye8899@）发来的关于AMI牌鞋子的实盘。
你们对该公司的报价不满意，打算就价格方面的问题与其磋商。
现在，请代表公司拟一封还盘函。
注意信中务必包含以下内容。
1) 感谢贵公司9月1日给予我方100双AMI牌鞋子成本加保险费、运费至利物浦(Liverpool)每双40欧元的报价。
2) 很遗憾我们不能考虑按贵方价格成交，因为贵方价格与市场不一致。
同等品质的鞋子，本地的百货公司零售价格低很多。
3) 鉴于我们之间长期的贸易关系，我们愿意给你们一个还盘，希望贵方可以将价格降低10欧元。
4) 如果贵方能接受我们的还盘，我们将会考虑订购200双5) 希望贵方对我们的还盘给予认真的考虑并在北京时间2010年9月10日下午5 点前答复我方。
6) 盼佳音。
Part One Basic Knowledge Concerned1．T he Significance and Effect of Counter-offersIn international trade, when the offeree accepts the terms and conditions stated in the offer, the transaction is concluded. However, in most cases, the offeree would reject the terms and conditions or state his own terms and conditions by return. The rejection or partial rejection of the offeree to the offer is called counter-offer. A counter-offer is virtually a counter proposal initiated by the original offeree. In a counter-offer, the buyer may show disagreement to the price, or packing, or shipment and state his own terms instead. Once the counter-offer is made, the original offer is no longer valid, and the offeree now becomes the offeror as the counter-offer becomes the new offer.Counter-offer constitutes the main part of business negotiations. During the negotiation, many issues (such as quality, quantity and packing of the goods, price, shipment, insurance, payment terms, commodity inspection, disputes and settlement of disputes, force majeure, and arbitration, etc.) will be talked about by the sellers and the buyers. So counter-offers are usually time consuming and may go many rounds before business is concluded or dropped.2. Main Contents of a Letter for Counter-OfferA satisfactory letter for counter offer generally includes the following:1) Thank the offeror for his offer, mentioning briefly the contents of the offer.2) Express regret at inability to accept the offer, giving reasons for non-acceptance.3) Make an appropriate counter-offer.4) Hope the counter-offer will be accepted and there may be an opportunity to dobusiness together.Part Two Letter-writing GuidePart Three Other Commonly Used Expressions and Sentences Expressions:1. make (sb.) a counter-offer (as follows) （向某人）还盘（如下）2. (price) on the high/ low side （价格）偏高/低3. current price / ruling price / prevailing price/the present price/ the going price 现行价格4. long-standing business relation 长期业务关系5. be in (out of) line with the market 与市场(不)一致keep with the current market 与现行市场一致6. (price) is rising/advancing/going up. (价格)在持续上扬(price) is falling/dropping/going down. (价格)在持续下降7. to entertain business at … price 按……价格成交8. give/ allow/ make/ grant a discount 给折扣9. leave …with only a small profit 使得……获利低微10. at a price …% lower than …价格比……低……%11. meet sb. half way 各让一半；折中处理12. previous quotation 先前的报价13. market is weak；market is declining 市场疲弱；市场正在下滑14. make any further reduction 再次降价，作进一步的降价15. (price) fixed at a reasonable level 定价合理16. (products) moderately/ too highly priced (产品)定价适中/过高17. (the price) has advanced …% / considerably (价格)已上涨…% /明显上涨18. a jump/slump (in price) 价格飞涨/暴跌Typical Sentences:1. Expressing regret at inability to accept the offer and giving reasons for that. (表达不能接受报盘的遗憾并说明理由)1) Unfortunately we cannot accept your offer for steel furniture. The prices you quoted are much higher than those of other manufacturers.2) We regret that your counter-offer is unacceptable to us since your counter-offerleaves us with only a small profit. We believe that the price we quoted is quite realistic.3) We have cut the price to the limit. We regret, therefore, being unable to complywith your request for any further reduction.4). Although we are anxious to open up business with you, we very much regret thatwe cannot reduce our price to the level you indicated.5) The price we quoted is quite reasonable. It has been accepted by the other buyers atyour end.6) Our price has been narrowly calculated and it is impossible to make any furtherreduction.7) I’m afraid there is no much room for further reduction. You know, the price isadvancing considerably recently.8) Your price is reasonable, but the listed payment conditions are not customary inour trade.9) Owing to heavy bookings, we can not accept fresh orders at present.10) Owing to a shortage of stock, we regret that we are unable to accept your repeatorder.11) As this is an order of substantial size, we cannot safely undertake to complete itsmanufacture in a month.2. Making a counter-offer concretely (给出一个具体的还盘)1) We would suggest that you make some allowance, say 10%, on your quoted pricesso as to enable us to introduce your products to our customers.2) You must reduce your price by 2% otherwise business is impossible.3) We are sorry that the difference/gap between our price and your counter-offer is toowide. The best we can do is 5% off.4) Our counter-offer is well founded and workable. We can also offer a 10% discountfor orders over 10,000 pieces.5) We do not see any advantage in your quotation, and would like to know whetheryou have any better price to offer.6) May we suggest that you could make some allowance on your quoted prices thatwould help to introduce your goods to this market.7) I regret that your terms are unsatisfactory and unless you can amend those termswe will have to place our order elsewhere.8) It is in view of our long-standing business relations that we make you such acounter-offer.Part Four Sample LettersSample 1: Buyer’s Counter-offerNotes:1. figure 这里指数字，即价格2. say 8% 这里是Let’s say 8%的简化，意思相当于for example，即“比方说8%”。
商务英语函电：还盘策略与实例分析In the realm of international business transactions, counter-offers play a crucial role in negotiating deals and agreements. They allow buyers and sellers to haggle over prices, terms, and other critical elements of a contract, ensuring mutual satisfaction and a win-win situation for both parties. This article explores the strategies behind counter-offers and provides a detailed analysis of a business letter example in both English and Chinese, highlighting the key elements and considerations in effective counter-offer communication.**Strategies Behind Counter-Offers**1. **Market Knowledge**: Before making a counter-offer, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the market dynamics, including prices, demand, and competition. This information helps in setting a realistic and competitive counter-offer.2. **Timing**: Timing is crucial in counter-offer negotiations. It is advisable to wait for the right moment, when the seller is most likely to accept a lower price or the buyer is willing to offer a higher price.3. **Flexibility**: Be prepared to compromise oncertain terms to reach a deal. Flexibility in approaching the negotiation table can lead to better outcomes. 4.**Professional Tone**: When communicating a counter-offer, it is important to maintain a professional tone, focusing on the business interests of both parties rather than personal opinions or emotions.**Example of a Business Letter: Counter-Offer****[Date]****[Buyer's Company Name]****[Buyer's Address]****[City, State, ZIP Code]****[Email Address]****[Phone Number]****[Seller's Company Name]****[Seller's Address]****[City, State, ZIP Code]****[Subject: Counter-Offer for Purchase of [Product Name]]**Dear [Seller's Name],We appreciate your prompt response and the initialoffer for the [Product Name]. After careful consideration, we have decided to submit a counter-offer for your consideration.While we acknowledge the quality and uniqueness of your product, we believe that the initial price quoted is slightly above our budget. Therefore, we propose a revised price of [revised price] for the [Product Name], with a quantity of [quantity] units.We understand that your product demands a premium due to its superior features, and we are willing to pay for that. However, given the current market conditions and our financial constraints, we believe that the revised price is more realistic and sustainable for both of us.We value your partnership and look forward to further discussing this counter-offer. Please let us know if you are willing to consider this revised offer, and we can schedule a meeting or continue the discussion via email.Thank you for your time and attention. We look forward to hearing from you soon.Best regards,**[Buyer's Name]****[Buyer's Position]****[Buyer's Signature]****[Buyer's Contact Information]****[Date]****[Seller's Company Name]****[Seller's Address]****[City, State, ZIP Code]****[Subject: Response to Counter-Offer for [Product Name]]**Dear [Buyer's Name],Thank you for your counter-offer. We appreciate your interest in our product and your feedback on the pricing. After reviewing your counter-offer, we understand your concerns regarding the pricing. However, we would like toemphasize that our product offers unparalleled features and quality that justify the initial price.Nevertheless, we value your partnership and are willing to make a concession. We propose a revised price of [revised price] for the [Product Name], with a quantity of [quantity] units. This revised price takes into account your feedback while still ensuring that we can maintain the quality of our product.We would like to discuss this further and find a mutually beneficial solution. Please let us know if you are willing to consider this revised offer, and we can schedule a meeting or continue the discussion via email.Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We look forward to hearing from you soon.Best regards,**[Seller's Name]****[Seller's Position]****[Seller's Signature]****[Seller's Contact Information]****中文翻译与分析****商务英语函电：还盘策略与实例分析**在国际商务交易中，还盘是谈判和达成协议的关键环节。
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4.Counter-offerDear Sirs,Thank you for your letter of March 31 offering us your “Hummer” brand vehicles.To be candid with you, we like your vehicles, but your prices appear to be on the high side as compared with those of other makes. It is understood that to accept the prices you quoted would leave us little or no margin of profit on our sales. As you know German is a developed country; its principal demand is for articles in the medium price range.We appreciate your prompt response to our enquiry and would like to take this opportunity to conclude some transactions with you we would, therefore, suggest that you make some allowance say 10% on your quoted prices so as to enable us to introduce your products to your customers. If, however, you cannot do so, then we shall have no alternative but to leave the business as it is.For your information, some parcels from Taiwan have been sold here at a much lower price. We hope you will consider our counter-offer favorably and let us have your acceptance by telex. It may interest you to know thatonce you have opened up a market here, you would have every advantage of developing a beneficial trade in the England.Yours sincerely。
