客戶拒付貨款
第十一章 客戶拒付貨款
貨款是進(jìn)出口業(yè)務(wù)中非常重要的環(huán)節(jié)。在每筆交易中,出口方應(yīng)該承擔(dān)提供貨物的責(zé)任,進(jìn)口方應(yīng)該承擔(dān)支付貨款的責(zé)任。對(duì)于出口方來說,他承擔(dān)了交了貨,但是可能拿不到貨款的風(fēng)險(xiǎn);而對(duì)于進(jìn)口方來說,他承擔(dān)了支付了貨款,但是可能收不到貨或收到不合格貨物的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)。
為了保障進(jìn)出口雙方的利益,降低風(fēng)險(xiǎn),雙方在交易時(shí),會(huì)確定付款方式和價(jià)格術(shù)語。在實(shí)踐中,常用的付款方式有T/T、D/P和L/C。T/T是電匯,它有前T/T和后T/T。前T/T是指在發(fā)貨前,買方支付貨款,這種付款方式對(duì)賣方比較有利,而對(duì)買方來說,風(fēng)險(xiǎn)比較大。后T/T是指賣方先交貨,買方后支付貨款,這種付款方式對(duì)賣方不利,但對(duì)買方有利。為了均衡考慮雙方的利益,在實(shí)踐中,買賣雙方會(huì)劃分比例,部分在交貨前交,部分在交貨后交。D/P是付款交單,是指賣方會(huì)先發(fā)貨,提交運(yùn)輸單證給托收行,通過托收行的代理行提醒買方付款,然后再將運(yùn)輸單證交給買方。如果嚴(yán)格把握這種付款方式的流程,這種付款方式比較安全,在實(shí)踐中運(yùn)用非常普遍。L/C是信用證付款方式,它由開證行作為第一付款人,是一種銀行信用,被認(rèn)為是最安全的付款方式??墒?,信用證付款方式必須遵守兩個(gè)原則,才能確保安全。這兩個(gè)原則就是“單證一致”和“單單一致”?!皢巫C一致”是指所有的單據(jù)應(yīng)該符合信用證的要求;“單單一致”是指信用證要求的單據(jù)與單據(jù)之間應(yīng)該是一致的。任何一點(diǎn)不符合,都有可能導(dǎo)致拒付。為了確保拿到貨款,賣方還必須做好審證等工作。
在實(shí)踐中,有時(shí),貨款支付與否還應(yīng)該考慮到價(jià)格術(shù)語的使用。價(jià)格術(shù)語幫助買賣雙方劃分了在進(jìn)出口交易中應(yīng)該履行的職責(zé)和風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的范圍。在貿(mào)易實(shí)踐中,常見的價(jià)格術(shù)語有FOB、CFR和CIF。FOB是“free on board”,是指賣方應(yīng)該將貨物運(yùn)到裝運(yùn)港;CFR是指“cost and freight”,是指賣方除了提供貨物外,還應(yīng)該承擔(dān)租船訂艙的工作。CIF是指“cost,freight and insurance”,也就是價(jià)格中包括了產(chǎn)品的成本、從裝運(yùn)港到卸貨港的運(yùn)費(fèi)和貨物的保險(xiǎn)費(fèi)。從表面上看,好像賣方應(yīng)該將貨物運(yùn)到目的港,因此,CIF也被稱為“到岸價(jià)”。
在本章案例中,買方以“CIF卸到岸上”為由,拒絕支付貨款,是否合理呢?賣方應(yīng)該如何回復(fù)呢?
一、案例學(xué)習(xí)
(一)案例
我公司按“CIF卸到岸上”條件對(duì)外出口,并按規(guī)定提交了全套符合要求的單據(jù),貨輪在航行途中觸礁沉沒,貨物全部滅失,買方聞?dòng)嵰浴百u方需將貨物運(yùn)到目的港并安全卸到岸上才算完成交貨任務(wù)”為由拒付貨款。請(qǐng)分析買方拒付的理由是否合理?我方應(yīng)如何處理?
(二)案例難點(diǎn)分析和寫作策略
該案例的第一個(gè)難點(diǎn)主要表現(xiàn)在成交的價(jià)格術(shù)語不是普通的價(jià)格術(shù)語,而是價(jià)格術(shù)語的變形,即“CIF Landed”?!癈IF卸到岸上”與“CIF”的區(qū)別是什么?如果進(jìn)出口雙方采用“CIF Landed”價(jià)格術(shù)語,那么買賣雙方的職責(zé)和風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的范圍是怎樣的呢?該案例的第二個(gè)難點(diǎn)主要表現(xiàn)在案例雖然是關(guān)于貨款支付與否的問題,但是案例中卻沒有給出具體的支付方式。那么在討論該案例時(shí),具體的支付方式有沒有關(guān)系呢?
我們先來探討第二個(gè)問題。具體的支付方式實(shí)際上防范的是“道德風(fēng)險(xiǎn)”,也就是預(yù)防在交易過程中相關(guān)當(dāng)事人出現(xiàn)“有意”不履行職責(zé)的情況。如果賣方的信用低,那么買方肯定要求采用后T/T支付貨款;如果買方的信用低,風(fēng)險(xiǎn)較大,那么賣方就會(huì)采用D/P或L/C的方式支付貨款。根據(jù)本章的案例,買方并不是“有意”拒付,而是因?yàn)樵谶\(yùn)輸過程中發(fā)生了意外,貨物滅失,導(dǎo)致買方提出拒絕支付貨款,這是對(duì)雙方在交易中所承擔(dān)職責(zé)和風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的誤解,因此,該案例的討論跟具體的支付方式?jīng)]有關(guān)系,關(guān)鍵是要討論在“CIF Landed”價(jià)格術(shù)語下,雙方有沒有完成相關(guān)的職責(zé)及風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的劃分點(diǎn)在哪里。
根據(jù)INCOTERM,CIF價(jià)格術(shù)語意味著賣方應(yīng)該承擔(dān)生產(chǎn)貨物、租船訂艙和辦理保險(xiǎn)的職責(zé)。而如果是“CIF Landed”,那么賣方除了承擔(dān)CIF項(xiàng)下的責(zé)任外,還要承擔(dān)貨輪在目的港的卸貨費(fèi)、停泊費(fèi)和其他一些目的港費(fèi)用。而承擔(dān)這些費(fèi)用并不是表示,賣方一定應(yīng)該擔(dān)保貨物安全到達(dá)。在運(yùn)輸過程中,遇到的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)是不可預(yù)見的。這就是進(jìn)出口貿(mào)易辦理保險(xiǎn)的原因。辦理保險(xiǎn)之后,運(yùn)輸過程中的風(fēng)險(xiǎn),保險(xiǎn)公司會(huì)負(fù)責(zé)賠償。
可是,在案例中,買方將職責(zé)和風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的范圍混為一談。其實(shí),賣方的職責(zé)是承擔(dān)相應(yīng)的費(fèi)用,而這些費(fèi)用是運(yùn)費(fèi)的一部分,應(yīng)該支付給承運(yùn)人了。全套單證的提交就意味著賣方已經(jīng)完成了其相應(yīng)的職責(zé)。在履行完職責(zé)后,賣方就有權(quán)利得到貨款。
貨物在運(yùn)輸途中的滅失應(yīng)該是風(fēng)險(xiǎn)范疇的事,具體應(yīng)該由誰來承擔(dān)是看風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的劃分點(diǎn)在哪。對(duì)于CIF來說,不管是何種變形,風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的劃分點(diǎn)應(yīng)該是在裝運(yùn)港貨輪的船舷(the rail of the ship)處。也就是說,在裝運(yùn)港,貨物一旦越過貨輪的船舷,所用的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)應(yīng)該是買方承擔(dān),而不是由賣方承擔(dān)。本案例的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)是在運(yùn)輸途中發(fā)生的,那么案例中的買方就應(yīng)該承擔(dān)相應(yīng)的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)。
根據(jù)上述分析,賣方不應(yīng)當(dāng)承擔(dān)相應(yīng)的損失,買方拒付是沒有理由的。那么,面對(duì)拒付信,賣方在回復(fù)時(shí)應(yīng)該采取何種策略呢?買賣雙方畢竟是合作伙伴的關(guān)系,對(duì)于買方遭受損失后的心情,也是可以理解的。因此,賣方在回復(fù)時(shí),語氣上應(yīng)該委婉,寫作策略應(yīng)該采取“persuasive”(以理服人)?;貜?fù)郵件應(yīng)該包括以下幾個(gè)部分:第一部分對(duì)買方的遭遇表示同情和理解;第二部分提出應(yīng)該付款的理由,詳細(xì)說明價(jià)格術(shù)語的含義、雙方的職責(zé)和雙方應(yīng)該承擔(dān)的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的范圍;第三部分應(yīng)該提醒買方向保險(xiǎn)公司辦理相關(guān)的索賠,并表示愿意協(xié)助的態(tài)度;最后,應(yīng)該提醒對(duì)方支付貨款,履行其應(yīng)該承擔(dān)的職責(zé)。
二、基于案例失敗郵件實(shí)例點(diǎn)評(píng)
(一)錯(cuò)誤句子實(shí)例點(diǎn)評(píng)
1.Thus,it is the insurance company,not us,that should take responsibility for the lossed.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這句話的意思是“因此,應(yīng)該是保險(xiǎn)公司,而不是我方,承擔(dān)損失的相應(yīng)賠償?!边@句話說得非常合理,保險(xiǎn)公司應(yīng)該承擔(dān)相應(yīng)的損失。但是,在這句話中,寫信人將損失的名詞形式當(dāng)做了動(dòng)詞。應(yīng)該在原句中刪去“ed”變成“l(fā)oss”?!皳p失”的名詞和動(dòng)詞的具體拼寫也是常見的錯(cuò)誤。動(dòng)詞的正確拼寫應(yīng)該是“l(fā)ose”,其過去式和過去分詞都是“l(fā)ost”。
2.Still there are something we want to explain,we’ve already sent all the necessary notes,and since our order was placed on a CIF basis,it won’t be our responsibility to cover the loss.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這句話欲表達(dá)的意思是“我們還有些事情想解釋。我們已經(jīng)提交了所有的單據(jù),而且,既然我們的訂單是以CIF為價(jià)格術(shù)語的,那么就不應(yīng)該由我方來承擔(dān)損失?!边@句話存在多個(gè)獨(dú)立的主謂結(jié)構(gòu),可是寫信人卻只用了一個(gè)句號(hào),其他都是逗號(hào),不符合英文的表達(dá)習(xí)慣,應(yīng)該改成一個(gè)段落。當(dāng)然,這個(gè)例子中,還有其他一些問題。第一個(gè)錯(cuò)誤是“there be”句型中系動(dòng)詞的單復(fù)數(shù)問題。這個(gè)句型的系動(dòng)詞應(yīng)該看其后的主語,在原句中,“something”就是這個(gè)主語,因此,系動(dòng)詞應(yīng)該是“is”而不是“are”。
第二個(gè)問題是專業(yè)術(shù)語不熟悉,存在誤用現(xiàn)象。“we’ve already sent all the necessary notes,”的意思應(yīng)該是“我們已經(jīng)寄出了所有的運(yùn)輸單證”,可是,“notes”并不是“單據(jù)”,而應(yīng)該是“shipping documents”。第三個(gè)問題是寫信人沒有區(qū)分CIF和CIF Landed,使得這句話失去了說服力。
3.We would be grateful if you would take the matter up with the insurers and thank you for your cooperation.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這句話的意思是“如果你方能向保險(xiǎn)公司提出索賠,我方將不勝感激,并感謝你方的合作?!边@句話的語氣過于“謙卑”,并不符合賣方的立場(chǎng)。買方拒絕支付貨款是沒有根據(jù)的,而且會(huì)使賣方的利益受到損失。因此,賣方應(yīng)表示同情,索款語氣要委婉,可以分析原因,爭(zhēng)取幫助解決問題,但是不應(yīng)該給買方留下“軟弱”的印象。
4.As we effected CIF,it is clear that we are not obliged to cover the risk after the goods have passed the rail of the ship.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這句話的意思是“因?yàn)槲覀兊膬r(jià)格術(shù)語是CIF,我們就不應(yīng)該承擔(dān)貨越過船舷以后的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)。”應(yīng)該說,這句話寫得比較具體,也非常合理,但是,這句話存在外貿(mào)英語的詞語搭配問題。一般,在表達(dá)“辦理保險(xiǎn)”時(shí),相應(yīng)的動(dòng)詞是“effect”,短語是“effect insurance”,而在表達(dá)價(jià)格術(shù)語時(shí),一般不用“effect”,可以是“select”“choose”或者是“base...on...”等。
5.We are sorry to inform that the goods which are supposed to be arrived this week are unfortunately had an accident with total loss.
點(diǎn)評(píng):在賣方的回復(fù)中,應(yīng)該表達(dá)的意思是“得知你們的貨物發(fā)生滅失,我們非常抱歉?!笨墒牵渲小癷nform”是“告知”的意思,詞語選擇錯(cuò)誤導(dǎo)致這句話的角度發(fā)生了變化,整句話變得完全不符合邏輯了。另外,在賓語從句中,謂語動(dòng)詞應(yīng)該是“had”,那就應(yīng)該把“are”去掉,才符合英語的謂語構(gòu)成。“with total loss”這個(gè)介詞短語不是很恰當(dāng),不能正確地反映“accident”和“total loss”之間的關(guān)系,改成定語從句或動(dòng)詞短語更加妥當(dāng)。“arrive”表示“到達(dá)”或“被送達(dá)”的意思,運(yùn)用時(shí),不以被動(dòng)語態(tài)出現(xiàn)。原句可以改成:We are sorry to learn that the goods which are supposed to arrive this week,unfortunately,had an accident which resulted in total loss of the goods.
6.I frankly and honestly remind you that the deal between us is on CIF basis,which means we are responsible for the delivery but the risk was transmit to your end at the very moment that the goods were lifted over the reel of ship.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這句話的意思是“我坦白地、真誠(chéng)地提醒你方,我們之間的交易是以CIF為基礎(chǔ)的,也就是說我們承擔(dān)辦理運(yùn)輸事宜,但是風(fēng)險(xiǎn)卻在貨物越過船舷后,就轉(zhuǎn)移給了你方?!边@句話的語氣比較恰當(dāng),觀點(diǎn)也清晰,美中不足之處在于寫信人選詞和語法有誤?!皌ransmit”是一個(gè)動(dòng)詞,表示“傳播”“傳染”和“傳導(dǎo)”,原句要表達(dá)的是“風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的轉(zhuǎn)移”,選擇“transmit”就不夠恰當(dāng),應(yīng)該選擇“transfer”或“shift”,而且還應(yīng)該是被動(dòng)語態(tài),由“系動(dòng)詞+過去分詞”構(gòu)成。“reel”作為名詞,是“卷軸和卷筒”和“里爾舞曲”的意思,與船舷沒有任何關(guān)系。而“船舷”應(yīng)該是“the rail of the ship”。
7.However,informing that we will be refused to get the payment because of your failure of getting the goods,we truly think it is unreasonable.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這句話的意思應(yīng)該是“然而,我們認(rèn)為你方?jīng)]有得到貨物而拒絕支付貨款的行為是不合理的?!钡?,句中的語法錯(cuò)誤和不合理的句型,導(dǎo)致句子意思不能明確表達(dá)。根據(jù)英語的語法,特別是伴隨情況下的狀語,只有動(dòng)作是“we”發(fā)出的,才能用動(dòng)詞的現(xiàn)在分詞短語做狀語。在句中,“we”是“被告知”,是“inform”的接受者,因此原句不能用現(xiàn)在分詞短語。另外,這句的句型不夠合理,不是英語的常用表達(dá)習(xí)慣。其實(shí),這句話可以改成一個(gè)更簡(jiǎn)單的常用句型:However,we think it is unreasonable for you to refuse our payment just because of your failure of getting the goods.
8.You can connect with the insurance company and the insurance policy will be sent to you to make you convenient.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這句話的意思是“你方可以聯(lián)系保險(xiǎn)公司,我方會(huì)將保險(xiǎn)單寄給你方,以提供方便?!边@句話的一個(gè)最大的錯(cuò)誤是“寄送保險(xiǎn)單”。事實(shí)上,在案例中,我們可以清楚地了解到賣方已經(jīng)提交了全套的單據(jù),包括最重要的三份——提單、保險(xiǎn)單和商業(yè)發(fā)票。根據(jù)貿(mào)易常識(shí),也應(yīng)該知道,單據(jù)一般在發(fā)貨后就已提交,這樣,這句話在回信中就毫無意義。另外,在這句話中,“connect”是“連接”,“與……有關(guān)聯(lián)”(be connected with)或者是“銜接,聯(lián)運(yùn)”的意思,用它表示“聯(lián)系”不夠恰當(dāng),應(yīng)該選擇“contact”或“communicate”。
9.Our record shows that your order was booked on the basis of CIF,we have informed you that unfortunately,your cargoes got lost during the sailing.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這句話的意思是“我們的記錄顯示你方的訂單是在CIF的基礎(chǔ)上訂立的,我們已經(jīng)通知你方的貨物不幸在運(yùn)輸途中滅失?!边@句話的句子銜接不恰當(dāng),導(dǎo)致賣方要表達(dá)的意思不明確?!拔覀兊挠涗涳@示我們之間是以CIF成交的”這應(yīng)該是個(gè)原因,后面應(yīng)該表達(dá)一個(gè)結(jié)果,可是,原句卻在后半句中又提出了一個(gè)原因,而根本沒有提出相關(guān)的結(jié)果。這就導(dǎo)致這句話的意思不完整,賣方的意圖不明確。這句話可以改成:Our record shows that your order was booked on the basis of CIF.Therefore,we are not to take the responsibility for the loss.然后再接著解釋原因——your cargoes got lost during the sailing...
10.Under CIF basis we are under obligation to present a marine insurance policy or insurance certificate at the time of negotiation.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這句話的意思是“根據(jù)CIF,在談判時(shí)期,我方有義務(wù)向你方提供一份海運(yùn)的保險(xiǎn)合同或保險(xiǎn)證明?!辟Q(mào)易談判期間,雙方應(yīng)該就貿(mào)易條件達(dá)成協(xié)議,比如價(jià)格術(shù)語或者是保險(xiǎn)辦理方式等。根據(jù)貿(mào)易流程,只有雙方達(dá)成貿(mào)易合同后,在貿(mào)易合同的執(zhí)行期間,才會(huì)辦理相關(guān)的保險(xiǎn),然后取得保險(xiǎn)合同。因此,這句話反映出寫信人沒有掌握整個(gè)貿(mào)易的流程,缺乏相關(guān)的商務(wù)知識(shí)。
(二)錯(cuò)誤段落實(shí)例點(diǎn)評(píng)
1.First,we’re so sorry that the goods had an accident on the way.And we heard from the Bank of China that you declined to pay the money as you thought that the responsibility was on our part.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這個(gè)段落的意思是“首先,我們很遺憾,你方的貨物在運(yùn)輸途中遭遇風(fēng)險(xiǎn)。我們從中國(guó)銀行處獲知,你方認(rèn)為我方應(yīng)該承擔(dān)責(zé)任,并拒絕支付貨款?!边@個(gè)段落是回復(fù)郵件中的起始段落,該段落語氣上,比較委婉,在句法上,也沒有錯(cuò)誤,但是這個(gè)段落卻與案例不相符合。從案例中我們可以了解到賣方得知買方?jīng)]有收到貨物的途徑是買方自己,而不是通過第三方——中國(guó)銀行——獲知的。這樣的錯(cuò)誤使得這個(gè)段落的寫作缺乏了針對(duì)性。如果買方收到這樣的信,可能會(huì)認(rèn)為賣方不夠重視其郵件。另外,在選詞或詞組方面,表達(dá)不夠?qū)I(yè)?!皁n the way”是“在路上”的意思,案例中所表達(dá)的意思是“在運(yùn)輸途中”,那么用“on the way”就不夠明確,應(yīng)該用商務(wù)英語中相對(duì)應(yīng)的表達(dá),如“in transit”或“during transportation”,這樣更能突出風(fēng)險(xiǎn)發(fā)生的時(shí)段,表述也更加專業(yè)。
2.And terms of CIF show that if the goods have been on the way,then the risks which should be carried shift from our part to your part.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這個(gè)段落的意思是“根據(jù)CIF價(jià)格術(shù)語,貨物在運(yùn)輸途中,風(fēng)險(xiǎn)應(yīng)該從我方轉(zhuǎn)移到了你方?!边@個(gè)段落是說明責(zé)任的原因,雖然提到了問題的實(shí)質(zhì),但是卻沒有解釋清楚。的確,劃分買賣雙方的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)責(zé)任范圍是根據(jù)價(jià)格術(shù)語來劃分的。但是,根據(jù)CIF價(jià)格術(shù)語,風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的具體劃分點(diǎn)應(yīng)該講清楚——裝運(yùn)港貨船的船舷,只有這樣的解釋,才具有說服力,而不應(yīng)該籠統(tǒng)地說“on the way”。另外,在語言方面,這個(gè)段落存在著兩個(gè)錯(cuò)誤。一個(gè)是“terms of CIF”中的“terms”,應(yīng)該是單數(shù),因?yàn)镃IF只是一個(gè)術(shù)語,再在“term”前加定冠詞“the”,表示特指某個(gè)術(shù)語。第二個(gè)錯(cuò)誤是關(guān)于“風(fēng)險(xiǎn)轉(zhuǎn)移”的表達(dá)?!帮L(fēng)險(xiǎn)轉(zhuǎn)移”可以用“shift”或“transfer”這兩個(gè)動(dòng)詞,而且可以直接用主動(dòng)語態(tài)。這個(gè)段落可以改成:The price term of CIF shows that once the goods have passed the rail of the ship at the loading port,the risks have already transferred from our part to your part.
3.For your information,we have already made agreement on the term of payment.It has stated clearly that as soon as the ship passes the marked line, then the buyer must pay the seller on any condition.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這個(gè)段落,語氣上表現(xiàn)得比較堅(jiān)決,但是沒有找到正確的回應(yīng)理由?!皌he terms of payment”是付款方式,是說明貨款應(yīng)該采用何種方式由買方支付給賣方,表示的是手段,而不是原因。案例涉及的應(yīng)該是付不付款的原因——價(jià)格術(shù)語。對(duì)于進(jìn)出口商來說,特別是新手,要注意價(jià)格術(shù)語和付款方式的區(qū)別。
4.According to the rule of Risk Transfer,you should bear the risks and pay for the goods.As we’ve offered all the receipts,we’re sure that the insurance company will pay the compensation.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這個(gè)段落的意思是“根據(jù)風(fēng)險(xiǎn)轉(zhuǎn)移規(guī)定,你方應(yīng)該承擔(dān)風(fēng)險(xiǎn)并支付貨款。因?yàn)槲覀円呀?jīng)提供了所有的收據(jù),我們肯定保險(xiǎn)公司會(huì)負(fù)責(zé)賠償?shù)??!痹摱温浯嬖谠~語的選擇問題?!皉eceipt”的英文解釋是“a written statement that one has received money(or sometimes goods)”,翻譯成中文就是“收據(jù)或收條”。而賣方提供的單證應(yīng)該至少包括提單、保險(xiǎn)單和商業(yè)發(fā)票,因此,不能用“receipt”來表示,應(yīng)該是“shipping documents”?!皊ure”是“確定”的意思,表示“有把握”,那么在該段中,保險(xiǎn)公司是否賠償不是賣方所能決定的事,賣方只能建議買方向保險(xiǎn)公司提出索賠。該段落還存在缺乏“說服力”的問題。在說明買方應(yīng)該承擔(dān)風(fēng)險(xiǎn)時(shí),理由過于籠統(tǒng),不夠具體,也就沒有說服力,不能讓買方了解事情的本質(zhì)?!癮s”連接句子,使“我們已經(jīng)提供單證”與“保險(xiǎn)公司會(huì)負(fù)責(zé)賠償”變成了因果關(guān)系,語氣過于武斷。實(shí)際上,“shipping documents”是買方向保險(xiǎn)公司索賠時(shí)應(yīng)該提供的證據(jù)。故這句話應(yīng)該改成:We think that you can ask the insurance company for the compensation with the shipping documents we have provided to you.
5.So you should make the payment on time.Then we can send you the whole set of related documents including the policy.And you can take these documents to the insurance company to ask for compensation.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這個(gè)段落的意思是“你應(yīng)該先及時(shí)支付貨款,然后我們會(huì)發(fā)送全套的運(yùn)輸單據(jù),包括保險(xiǎn)單。憑借這些單據(jù),你方可以到保險(xiǎn)公司提出索賠。”該段落的結(jié)論是對(duì)的,買方應(yīng)該先支付貨款,然后向保險(xiǎn)公司提出索賠。但是,該段落反映出寫信人沒有理解案例,也不了解運(yùn)輸單證的相關(guān)流程。一方面,案例已經(jīng)指出“賣方已經(jīng)提交了所有相關(guān)的單證”,因此,單證并不在賣方手中;另一方面,根據(jù)貿(mào)易的相關(guān)知識(shí),在辦理完發(fā)貨事宜后,賣方就應(yīng)該提交相關(guān)的單證了。
6.Our record shows that your order was booked on the basis of CIF and we have already covered the insurance.As the goods were damaged during the shipment,the insurance company should take the obligation to pay you the compensation.Therefore,there is no reason to refuse to pay us.You should ask the insurance company for payment.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這個(gè)段落的意思是“我方的記錄顯示你方的訂單是以CIF價(jià)格術(shù)語訂立的,我方已經(jīng)辦理了相關(guān)的保險(xiǎn)。既然貨物是在運(yùn)輸過程中遭受了損失,保險(xiǎn)公司應(yīng)該承擔(dān)相應(yīng)的賠償。因此,對(duì)于你方來說,沒有理由拒絕支付貨款,你方應(yīng)該向保險(xiǎn)公司要求賠償。”該段落能提到價(jià)格術(shù)語——CIF,應(yīng)該是不錯(cuò)的,因?yàn)樗墙鉀Q問題的關(guān)鍵。但是,寫信人在該段落中只指出了事情的表象,沒有進(jìn)一步分析原因,使得“買方應(yīng)該支付貨款”的要求缺乏足夠的理由,這封信的效果也會(huì)大大降低。另外,在段落的最后一句話中,寫信人用詞不當(dāng),也會(huì)影響相關(guān)的效果?!皃ayment”是指“貨款”,應(yīng)該是買賣雙方之間由于貨物的交易而產(chǎn)生的一種結(jié)算,而“compensation”才是保險(xiǎn)受益人應(yīng)向保險(xiǎn)人索要的金額。
7.We suggest you turn to the insurance company to ask for the assured amount.It would also be a pleasure for us to go to the insurance company instead.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這個(gè)段落的意思是“我方建議你方到保險(xiǎn)公司索要保險(xiǎn)金額。如果你方要求我方代為辦理索賠,我方也非常樂意?!迸c保險(xiǎn)相關(guān)的基本術(shù)語主要有“insurer”“the insured”“premium”和“insured amount”,分別表示“保險(xiǎn)人”“被保險(xiǎn)人”“保險(xiǎn)費(fèi)”和“保險(xiǎn)金額”。在該段落中,寫信人將“insured amount”誤寫成了“assured amount”?!癷nsured amount”是指在買保險(xiǎn)時(shí)用于計(jì)算保險(xiǎn)費(fèi)的金額,一般是貨物發(fā)票金額的110%到130%?!癱ompensation”才是“賠償”的意思,是保險(xiǎn)公司根據(jù)保險(xiǎn)合同向保險(xiǎn)受益人承擔(dān)的責(zé)任。在處理保險(xiǎn)事宜中,索賠方應(yīng)該是買方(CIF),而賣方承擔(dān)提供相關(guān)單證的義務(wù),但是,不承擔(dān)代替買方索賠的義務(wù)。在實(shí)踐中,隨著保險(xiǎn)業(yè)務(wù)的發(fā)展,各大保險(xiǎn)公司都會(huì)在世界各主要港口和城市,設(shè)立理賠機(jī)構(gòu),因而,買方可以直接聯(lián)系理賠機(jī)構(gòu)處理相關(guān)的索賠事宜。
8.As far as our information goes,under CIF we,as the buyer,do not bear the risk of loss or damage to the goods during transit.And we are also entitled to the payments of the goods even if the cargoes are lost.It makes no difference whether it’s landed or not.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這個(gè)段落的意思是“據(jù)我方了解,如果是CIF,我方作為買方,不應(yīng)該承擔(dān)貨物在運(yùn)輸途中發(fā)生的損失。即使是貨物完全滅失,我方也有權(quán)得到貨款。無論貨物有沒有被卸到岸上,都沒有影響?!备鶕?jù)案例,這封郵件是由賣方回復(fù)給買方,反駁其拒絕支付貨款的行為??稍谠摱温渲校瑢懶湃藚s以“buyer”自居,混淆了身份,直接宣布了這封郵件的無效。根據(jù)商業(yè)的基本常識(shí),買方是收發(fā)人,也是支付貨款的人。而賣方才是提供貨物并收到貨款的人。此外,在語言方面,“as far as our information goes”是指“據(jù)我們所知”,用在該段落中,表明賣方對(duì)價(jià)格術(shù)語的相關(guān)規(guī)則和解釋也沒有把握,從而降低了說服力。在賣方要“據(jù)理力爭(zhēng)”時(shí),表達(dá)應(yīng)該準(zhǔn)確,才能說服買方。從語氣上來看,這封郵件也有些強(qiáng)硬,不利于被對(duì)方接受。有道理說道理,不應(yīng)氣勢(shì)壓人,所謂的“有理不在聲高”。
9.We’ve already effected insurance for you.You can ask the insurance company for compensation.We sincerely hope you pay for the goods on time,which is your obligation.If you don’t pay on time,we are sorry that we’ll meet on the court,which we are reluctant to do.We truly wish this accident does not affect our friendship.We’ll be more careful next time.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這個(gè)段落的意思是“我們已經(jīng)為你方辦理了保險(xiǎn)。你方可以向保險(xiǎn)公司索賠。我們真誠(chéng)地希望你方能按時(shí)支付貨款,那是你方的義務(wù)。如果你方不按時(shí)支付貨款,我方將訴諸法庭——我們并不愿意這樣做。我方希望這次事故不會(huì)影響我們之間的關(guān)系。我們下一次會(huì)更加小心?!痹谫Q(mào)易過程中遇到問題時(shí),貿(mào)易伙伴應(yīng)該互相理解,采取客觀的態(tài)度解決問題才是合理的。在該段落中,前三句話都還合理,提醒對(duì)方應(yīng)該向保險(xiǎn)公司索賠,并聲明了自己的正當(dāng)權(quán)益。但是,在該段落的后半部分,語氣比較生硬,帶著明顯的威脅,表現(xiàn)得不夠冷靜,急于追回貨款。如果首次合作就表現(xiàn)出這種態(tài)度,一定會(huì)破壞雙方的合作關(guān)系,也會(huì)降低這次回復(fù)能解決問題的可能性。因此,在這次回復(fù)時(shí),應(yīng)該客觀地告知原因和解決問題的方法。如果買方仍舊不支付貨款,那么賣方再采取強(qiáng)硬的態(tài)度和策略才是最佳解決方案。在該段落的結(jié)尾處,寫信人又希望不要影響雙方的貿(mào)易關(guān)系,并給出一個(gè)承諾,這就使這個(gè)段落意思更加混亂,不符合邏輯。在寫郵件時(shí),寫信人應(yīng)該先理清思路,比如列個(gè)提綱,以避免這種混亂的段落結(jié)構(gòu)。
10.According the CIF price term,the risk of loss or damage to the goods,as well as any additional costs due to events occurring after the time the goods have been delivered on board the vessel,is transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods pass the ship’s rail in the port of shipment.We can see that your request of refusing to pay for the cargoes is unreasonable.But we really understand the situation of your company and also we want to have further business relationship with you,so our company allow to cut 30%off of the payment.
點(diǎn)評(píng):這個(gè)段落的意思是“根據(jù)價(jià)格術(shù)語CIF,一旦貨物越過裝運(yùn)港輪船的船舷,所有的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)、損失或貨物裝船后發(fā)生的額外費(fèi)用都應(yīng)該由賣方轉(zhuǎn)移到買方。因此,你方拒絕支付貨款毫無根據(jù)。但是,我方能理解你公司的處境,我方也想與你方發(fā)展進(jìn)一步的貿(mào)易關(guān)系,所以我公司決定給你方減免30%的貨款。”該段落首先存在語言問題?!癮ccording”后面應(yīng)該加“to”,表示“根據(jù)”的意思;第一句話中存在兩個(gè)時(shí)間狀語,一個(gè)是“after”,另一個(gè)是“when”,導(dǎo)致句子過于繁瑣,在意思上也造成混亂:風(fēng)險(xiǎn)到底在哪里劃分呢?是等貨物裝船以后呢,還是貨物越過船舷呢?在處理問題方面,寫信人采取的解決問題的方式不符合商業(yè)邏輯。段落中,寫信人已經(jīng)提出“拒付貨款是不合理的”,可是,卻提出“允許買方少支付貨款的30%”,有些匪夷所思。
(三)失敗郵件實(shí)例點(diǎn)評(píng)
1.
Dear Sirs,
When informed of that the ship has been sank and all the goods have been lost,we felt very sorry.
According to CIF,we have to export the goods on condition that we make sure the goods can be downloaded on the bank,and offer sets of receipts required.So,firstly,we should take some responsibility.But,actually,before loading up the goods onto the ship,we had made sure that everything was all right.And after that,we should have no responsibility about that damage happening later.It is you and the shipping company that should take the later responsibility.
Since it is an accident,we should have a further communication about the degree of the responsibility we should take for each other.
Yours sincerely,
×××
點(diǎn)評(píng):首先,這封郵件存在語法錯(cuò)誤、用詞不當(dāng)、語句不通暢等問題,影響了對(duì)郵件的理解?!癷nform”是“通知”的意思,它有兩種用法:一種是“inform sb.of sth.”,另一種是“inform that...”(賓語從句)。寫信人將這兩種用法混淆了。因此,第一段的開頭,可以改成“informed that...”。“sink”表示“沉沒”,不能用被動(dòng)語態(tài)。“download”是“下載”,表示從網(wǎng)絡(luò)上獲取資料;“卸貨或卸載”應(yīng)該是“unload”?!皉eceipts”是“收據(jù)”的意思,用在這里并不恰當(dāng),應(yīng)該是“shipping documents”,表示“運(yùn)輸單據(jù)”。該郵件的第二段語句表達(dá)不清晰,不通暢,語言基本功較差。比如第一句,它欲表達(dá)的意思是“根據(jù)CIF,賣方在出口中應(yīng)該承擔(dān)的責(zé)任是……”,可以表達(dá)成“According to CIF,we as exporter should make sure that...”,這樣的句型才簡(jiǎn)潔易懂。又比如,“And after that,we should have no responsibility about that damage happening later.”這句也比較啰嗦,其實(shí),可以將“that damage happening later”(名詞+現(xiàn)在分詞定語)改成“what happens later”(名詞性從句做賓語),使句子簡(jiǎn)潔,意思更明確。
其次,這封郵件反映出寫信人沒有掌握相關(guān)的價(jià)格術(shù)語,不了解在CIF價(jià)格術(shù)語下,買賣雙方各自的責(zé)任和承擔(dān)的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)。在缺乏必要商務(wù)基本知識(shí)的情況下,寫信人居然“同意”買方的看法,認(rèn)為自己應(yīng)該承擔(dān)相應(yīng)的責(zé)任,但是又很矛盾地表示“運(yùn)輸后的責(zé)任不在我方”,讓人無法理解賣方的意思。
2.
Dear Sirs,
First,we are sorry for the accident of transportation.We both know that’s not our responsibility.So,we think we are still in a good business relationship and our trade will be continued.
In our contract,we agree to insure the goods on your behalf against All Risks at invoice value plus 10%.So,as a result,if the accident happens,the insurance company should pay you the compensation.We also agreed that you would refund to us the premium upon receipt of our debit note.Now that we have followed the requirements in the contract,we believe you will also be credible and pay the money for the goods in compliance with the terms in the contract.
We hope no difficulty will arise to you and thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Yours sincerely,
×××
點(diǎn)評(píng):首先,這封郵件的失敗之處表現(xiàn)在其比較奇怪的思維方式上。在該郵件的起始段落,寫信人表明“我們都知道這不是我方的責(zé)任,所以我方認(rèn)為我們之間還是比較友好的貿(mào)易關(guān)系,我們可以繼續(xù)我們之間的貿(mào)易?!辟I賣雙方之間貿(mào)易關(guān)系的維護(hù)要靠雙方的努力和認(rèn)可,不是單方面的“宣布”。只有當(dāng)面臨問題時(shí),雙方能夠采取合理的態(tài)度和正確的方法解決問題,使雙方都感到滿意,才能使貿(mào)易關(guān)系正常進(jìn)行。作為回復(fù)中的首段,這部分明顯不妥當(dāng),因?yàn)閷?duì)于買方來說,最關(guān)心的是“這次交易的貨物損失和貨款”,而不是能否建立長(zhǎng)久的貿(mào)易關(guān)系。另外,在“We both know that’s not our responsibility.”中,“we”是買賣雙方,而且還用“both”加以強(qiáng)調(diào),這會(huì)讓買方誤解,好像買方明明知道不是賣方的錯(cuò),還拒絕支付貨款。這樣的表達(dá)絕對(duì)不會(huì)有助于雙方的貿(mào)易關(guān)系。
其次,這封信也反映出寫信人缺乏必要的商務(wù)知識(shí)。在這封郵件中,寫信人寫到“We also agreed that you would refund to us the premium upon receipt of our debit note.”也就是要求買方退還賣方辦理保險(xiǎn)時(shí)支付的保險(xiǎn)費(fèi)。在CIF價(jià)格術(shù)語下,賣方所交的保險(xiǎn)費(fèi)應(yīng)該是貨款中的一部分,是以成本的方式表現(xiàn)的。因此,即使在運(yùn)輸途中,貨物發(fā)生滅失,買方從保險(xiǎn)公司獲取賠償,賣方也無權(quán)要求買方退還相關(guān)的保險(xiǎn)費(fèi)。
最后,在該郵件中,寫信人作為賣方并沒有分析雙方的責(zé)任和風(fēng)險(xiǎn)劃分,只
是強(qiáng)調(diào)了合同的條款,這樣的回復(fù)不會(huì)使買方“心悅誠(chéng)服”,也比較難說服對(duì)方。因此,這封郵件對(duì)于事情的解決沒有任何幫助,是不會(huì)被買方接受的。
三、基于案例成功郵件實(shí)例點(diǎn)評(píng)
(一)郵件范例
1.
Dear Sirs,
We regret to learn that all the cargoes were damaged during the transit.However,it is not our responsibility to bear all the loss according to our sales contract signed under the CIF Landed term.We are entitled to the payments of the goods.
Under CIF Landed,we’re to pay the freight from the loading port to the unloading port and also should pay the corresponding unloading fee and some extra unloading port charges.It doesn’t mean we should guarantee the safe arrival of the goods.CIF also means that we are only obliged to effect insurance,but we do not bear the risk of the damage to the goods during the
shipment.The risks have already shifted to you after the goods pass through the rail of the ship at the loading port.
Therefore,it is advisable for your end to contact the insurance company and claim for compensation quickly with the certificate of insurance,bill of lading,invoice,the independent surveyor’s report of the damage in your hand.
Considering our long-term cooperation relationship,we have decided to prolong your payment date for two weeks to facilitate your financing.
We sincerely hope our partnership will be further developed even though we encountered such a fortuity.
Yours sincerely,
×××
2.
Dear Sirs,
We have received your letter of May 20th and have sadly noted that cargo ships had sunk since it struck upon the rocks.We are sorry that all the goods are lost,but still we can not accept your refusal about payment because we have fulfilled our obligation.
According to the contract,the payment is CIF Landed term.As we both know,under CIF Landed,although the seller has to pay the effect insurance,it does not mean seller has to bear the risks during the carriage.As soon as the goods get through the ship’s rail at the port of shipment,the risks have transferred to the buyer.In this case,we are entitled to get the payment.
About your loss,you can turn to the insurance company for compensation.If there’s anything we can help you,we are always here waiting for you.
Yours sincerely,
×××
(二)郵件實(shí)例點(diǎn)評(píng)
這兩封郵件都寫得比較成功,不過,第一封郵件要比第二封郵件更加具體。如果買方收到這樣的郵件,他會(huì)清楚應(yīng)該怎么去解決損失,自然也就會(huì)提高雙方進(jìn)一步合作的機(jī)會(huì)。
首先,在語言方面,兩封郵件都用詞比較恰當(dāng),專業(yè)術(shù)語運(yùn)用正確,句子表達(dá)正確清晰,條理清楚,層次分明,使得這兩封郵件都意思明確易懂。
其次,這兩封郵件的語氣都比較恰當(dāng),不生硬,比較有禮貌,反映出寫信人解決問題的正確態(tài)度。
再次,這兩封郵件都是從價(jià)格術(shù)語著手,論證得非常充分。第二封郵件雖然比較簡(jiǎn)潔,不過,理由闡述得也比較充分,先提到了合同中規(guī)定的價(jià)格術(shù)語是CIF,接著指出CIF價(jià)格術(shù)語下賣方的責(zé)任,然后指出風(fēng)險(xiǎn)在何時(shí)轉(zhuǎn)移,應(yīng)該由誰承擔(dān),最后指出了賣方應(yīng)該獲得貨款的權(quán)力。再來看看第一封郵件,論證更加深入和充分。在第二段,寫信人先解釋了CIF Landed的含義,指明只是從費(fèi)用上表現(xiàn)出“Landed”,而不是確保貨物安全到港。并且,在同一段,進(jìn)一步明確了CIF Landed價(jià)格術(shù)語下,雙方的責(zé)任和風(fēng)險(xiǎn)劃分,不僅澄清了買方對(duì)CIF Landed的誤解,還傳遞了正確的解釋,非常有說服力。在第三段,寫信人提出了如何解決問題的辦法,而且非常細(xì)心地指出了買方提出索賠所要提供的相關(guān)單證,表現(xiàn)了賣方積極配合的態(tài)度,應(yīng)該會(huì)“感動(dòng)”買方。不僅如此,在接下來的段落中,賣方還延長(zhǎng)了買方支付貨款的期限,表現(xiàn)了真誠(chéng)的合作態(tài)度。(不過,能否延長(zhǎng)還要看具體的付款方式。如果是信用證支付,那么賣方就無權(quán)決定了。)在第一封郵件的結(jié)尾,賣方善意地提醒買方,應(yīng)該采取正確的方法解決問題,目光應(yīng)該長(zhǎng)遠(yuǎn)一些。話說得非常巧妙,言下之意,就是別忘了支付貨款,表現(xiàn)了較好的寫作策略。最后,在這兩封郵件中,寫信人都恰當(dāng)?shù)靥岢隽艘髮?duì)方支付貨款,目的都非常明確。
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