Answering a request for payment by documents against acceptance

Ms. B Green Purchasing Manager Harley Stores Inc. 555 Second Avenue New York USA Dear Ms. Green, Thank you for your letter of 11 November 1996. We have considered your request for a trial delivery of silver cutlery on documents against acceptance terms, but regret to say that we cannot agree to your proposal. As an exception, the best we can do for the trial is to offer you direct payment at sight terms. If you accept our proposal you run very little risk, since our silver cutlery is well known for its quality, attractive design and reasonable price. Our lines sell very well all over the world and have done so for the last 100 years. We do not think you will have any difficulty in achieving a satisfactory volume of sales. If you find our proposal acceptable, please let us know and we can then expedite the transaction. Yours sincerely,		Useful phrases Line 2 We have considered your request for . . but regret to say that we cannot agree to your proposal. Line 5 If you accept our proposal you run very little risk, since our silver cutlery is well known for its . . . Line 7 We do not think you will have any difficulty in achieving a satisfactory volume of sales. Line 9 We can then expedite the transaction. Notes Para. 1 Identify the reference. Para. 2 Reject the proposal politely. Para. 3 Offer terms which you would accept.
Comments The company, quite reasonably, declines the original request which involves a financial risk on high value goods. It gives solid reasons for the refusal. The counter offer will eliminate the risk. It is not generally advisable to finance a retailer by granting D/A terms.	Alternative phrases Line 1      We are in receipt of your letter of . . . Line 3      ... we are sorry to say that we . . Line 4      Exceptionally, the best we can do . . . Line 5      ... because our cutlery is well known for . . . Line 7      You should have no difficulty in selling our high quality goods. Line 9      If you agree to our proposal . . .