Contents
Part One
Basic Knowledge Concerned
Part Two
Letter-writing Guide
Other Commonly Used Expressions and Sentences Part Three
Part Four
Sample Letters
Par
LOGO
Part One
1. Offer and Quotation (1) An offer is a promise to supply or buy goods on the terms and conditions
stated. In an offer, the offeror not only quotes the price of the goods he wishes to sell or to buy but also indicates all necessary terms of transactions for the offeree’s consideration and acceptance. (2) A quotation is not an “offer” in the legal sense. A quotation is merely a notice of the price of certain goods at which the sellers are willing to sell. It is not legally binding as a firm offer if the sellers later decide not to sell. The price is subject to change without previous notice. However, if a quotation is made together with all necessary terms and conditions of sales, it amounts to an offer. So, these two words are sometimes confusing in use.
LOGO
Part Two
LOGO
Part One
4. The Contents of an Offer A satisfactory offer usually includes the following:
(1) an expression of thanks for the inquiry, if any (2) the name of commodities, quality, quantity, packing and specifications (3) the details of prices, discounts and terms of payment (4) a statement or clear indication of what the prices cover (5) the date of delivery (6) the period for which the offer is valid
LOGO
Part One
2. Offer and Bid (1) An offer is a response made in reply to an inquiry or an expression made
voluntarily with a view to expanding business. An offer may be made by a seller or a buyer. (2) A bid refers to the offer made by the buyer. It has the same features as any offers made by the seller.
LOGO
Part One
3. Firm Offer and Non-firm Offer (1) A firm offer is a promise to sell at a stated price and condition within a
stated period of time (a certain time limit). It usually contains such expressions as “for acceptance within... days”, “firm offer”, “be valid before...”, etc. The firm offer creates a power of acceptance permitting the offeree by accepting the offer to transform the offeror’s promise into a contractual obligation. Thus, once it has been accepted it cannot be withdrawn. (2) A non-firm offer is an offer made without engagement. It is subject to confirmation by the seller after being accepted by the buyer. It usually contains the words “subject to our final confirmation”, or similar qualifying words. Nowadays, a non-firm offer is usually taken as an inducement to offer rather than an offer.