In cross-border e-commerce B2B business, transportation terms usually appear in the quotation. For conventional products, if the customer has no objection to the transportation terms, the corresponding terms can be included in the contract. However, for products with special circumstances, the salesperson can propose a transportation plan in advance. Customers sometimes take the initiative to make transportation requirements. The salesperson needs to negotiate the transportation terms with the customer to determine the final transportation plan. If the transportation costs exceed the original quotation, the customer shall bear the transportation costs. Emails that explain transportation issues are generally written around the following three parts.
(1) The beginning mentions the previous communication between the buyer and the seller and the transportation of the product.
(2) The main body/main information part specifically and in detail states the transportation method, delivery time, port information, etc.
(3) The end expresses expectations and hopes that the other party will respond in time.
The following example takes the case where the customer takes the initiative to make a transportation request and the salesperson responds.
1. The customer makes a transportation request.
The example is as follows.
Dear XXX,
Thank you for your quotation of No. 1920.
Generally speaking it is acceptable with the price, but I have some concerns about the transportation. According to the transportation clause you propose, the shipping time is 30 days after the payment. However, due to Chinese Spring Festival, 30days would reach 2 days before the spring festival. If Chinese logistics company can’t make the transportation work, the good delivery would be delayed to the timeaf ter the festival. It is too late for us. So could you please make the delivery oneweek before the spring festival? So we can pick up the goods earlier at the destination port
Your quick reply will be highly appreciated.
Good wishes,
XXX
2.The example of the salesman’s reply to transportation requirements is as follows.
Dear XX X,
Good morning.
I am happy that our negotiation has achieved essential progress
Thank you for pointing out an important problem about transportation, which l should notice earlier. 30 days are the usual time for us to produce the goods, bur due to the Spring Festival, I have applied to my boss for adjusting our production scheme to an early time. We will try to finish the production within 20 days after the payment.
Attached please find the revised sales contract. Please sign it and send me a copy.
Yours truly,
X XX