外贸业务谈判进程:Packing 包装(2)

L: Since you've insisted on wooden cases for outer packing, we've passed on your proposals to our manufacturers.
S: What's the answer, then?

李：既然你们坚持要用木箱做外包装，我们已把你们的意见转告我们工厂了。
史：他们怎么答复？

L: They said they could easily pack the shirts in wooden cases, only this would cost more.
S: And your opinion, Mr. Li?

李：他们说木箱包装很容易办到，不过成本就得高一些。
史：那么，李先生，你的意见呢？

L: It's all up to you, Mr. Smith. But we would think cardboard cartons good enough for such lightweight articles as shirts.
S: You're probably right. But they are to be transshipped on the way. Don't you think they might be spoiled by dampness or rain?

李；这就得由你决定烟，史密斯先生。但我们认为象衬衫这类轻货，硬纸板箱是够好的了。
史：也许你说的对。但这批货中途要转运，你认为货物可能会受潮或被雨淋湿吗？

L: Don't worry about that, Mr. Smith. Every carton is lined with waterproof material. And to make them strong enough to stand rough handling, we use metal angles at each corner.
S: Well, Mr. Li. I'd rather play safe. Cartons are easier cut open, and there's the risk of pilferage to be taken into account.

李：史密斯先生，这一点你甭担心。每个纸板箱都衬防水材料。另外，每个箱角都用金属片加固，可以使它经得住碰撞。
史：哦，李先生，我宁愿稳当一些。纸板箱比较容易割破，还得把被偷盗的风险考虑进去。

L: On the other hand tampering with cartons can be easily detected. That would discourage people from trying their hand on such packing.
S: But still I'm afraid that in case of damage or pilferage, the insurance company might refuse indemnification on the grounds of improper packing. I mean, if the packing is considered unsuitable for sea voyage, the insurance company will not be responsible for compensation.

李：从另一方面讲，撬破纸板箱很容易被人发现。这就使人对这种包装不敢轻举妄动。
史：但我仍然担心万一发生损坏或偷盗，保险公司可能会以包装不当为理由拒绝赔偿。我是说，如果保险公司认为包装不适合海运要求，他们可以不负责赔偿。

L: You may take it from me that cartons are quite seaworthy. They are extensively used for such articles in international trade, and insurance companies can have no occasion to refuse indemnification on such grounds.
S: Well, Mr. Li, if you could guarantee that, we'd be quite willing to accept cartons.

李：你尽管相信我好了，纸板箱是适合海运的。国际贸易中广泛使用硬纸板箱包装这类商品，保险公司根本不可能以这个为理由来拒绝赔偿。
史：好吧，李先生，如果你能担保这一点的话，我是非常愿意接受纸板箱的。

L: Well, look, Mr. Smith, don't you think you'd better take this up with your insurance agent? The most we can do is to assure you that the packing will be seaworthy, but we can't commit ourselves to anything beyond that.
S: Perhaps I'm asking too much. I merely wish to be on the safe side.

李：嗯，这样吧，史密斯先生，你最好把这个问题向你们保险公司提出来。我们所能作到的是保证包装将适合海运。但是超越这以外的任何事情，我们不能承担责任。
史：可能我的要求太过分了。我只是想办事要稳当一些。

L: Well, MR. Smith, it's perfectly all right for you to do so .But wooden cases will cost a lot more, of course, My advice is to cable home and see what they say.
S: I guess you're right. I'll do so right away. It may take a couple of days, Mr. Li.
L: That'll be al right. Let us know as soon as you hear from your home office.

李：哦，史密斯先生，你提出这个问题是完全可以的。不过用木箱成本就高多了。我建议你打电报回去，征求一下他们的意见。
史：我看也是，马上就这么办。李先生，这可能要花好几天时间啊。
李：不要紧的。一得到你们总公司的答复，马上就告诉我们。