Part Ⅰ Situational Dialogues
Situational Dialogue 1
Linda and Sue continue to talk about the outer packing of PE boxes.
Sue: What about the export packing?
Linda: Well, they are packed in cartons, 25 pieces to one carton, gross weight around 20 kilos a carton.
Sue: Cartons?
Linda: Yes, corrugated cardboard boxes.
Sue: Could you use wooden cases instead?
Linda: Why use wooden cases?
Sue: I'm afraid the cardboard boxes are not strong enough for such a long voyage.
Linda: No need to worry about that. Cartons are quite seaworthy. They are extensively used in our shipments to continental ports. There is never any complaint from our clients.
Sue: If you could guarantee compensation in case the insurance company refuses to honor a claim for faulty packing. We would be quite willing to accept cartons.
Linda: I'm sorry, but we can't take on any responsibility that is beyond our powers.
Sue: I can understand your position. Perhaps I'm asking too much. Well, I will take cartons.One more thing, could you mark our initials MIC in a diamond on the outer packing, with the port of destination and our order number under it?
Linda: Yes, we can do that.
Sue: By the way, as the goods will be shipped a long distance, all the cartons should be lined with plastic sheets, absolutely waterproof.
Linda: No problem. I can assure you that all the packing is waterproof. And as the cartons are made of cardboard, they will be handled with care.
Sue: All right, thanks for your cooperation.
Linda: My pleasure.
Practice 1
Task 1: Listen to the dialogue and role-play it in pairs.
Task 2: Simulated situational conversation.
Suppose you are Jane, the sales representative of a company, and your partner is Mike, the buyer. After discussing the price, quality and quantity, the two of you are going to discuss packing.
Situational Dialogue 2
Linda and Sue have reached an agreement on payment and packing of plastic bottles; now they are negotiating the shipment.