Passage 2Mr. Liu, shall we discuss the packaging now?Sure. Since this is the first time you purchase from us, I'd like to listen to your opinion about packaging for the products.Your products should be competitive not just in price and quality, but in packaging as well. I like the packaging which is novel and attractive. Could you tell me your usual way of packaging your garments when you export them?Actually we keep making improvements in our method of packaging in order to meet the needs of keen competition in the world market. Our packaging now is wrapping each garment in a transparent plastic bag first and then packing it in a small box which is exquisitely designed. The design of packaging has our own style. Our clients from other countries respond that the packaging is very competitive in their markets. As to the blouses you would like to order, we use a polythene wrapper for each article, all ready for window display.That's good. A wrapping that catches the eye will certainly help push the sales. To get an edge over our competitors, we have to make sure the merchandise is not only of good value but also looks attractive.You have got a point here. We will see to it that the blouses appeal to the eye as well as to the purse.I'm glad to hear that. Can I have a look at a packaging model?Very sorry,.I don't have a model at hand. But you may look at the pictures of some packaging models in this catalogue.Not bad. They are really beautifully designed. But perhaps I should say that your packaging lacks a sense of expensiveness. And I think the color of your packaging really should be more eye-catching. My opinion is that the packaging should give the buyer an idea of what is packed inside.That's really a good idea. I'll pass it onto our designers and ask them to improve it.Then what about the packing for transport?For the outer packaging, we usually use corrugated cardboard boxes. They are standard export cartons. We'll pack them 10 dozen to 1 carton, gross weight around 20 kilos a carton.I'm afraid the cardboard boxes are not strong enough for such a heavy load. Could you use something stronger for the packing, say, wooden cases?If you prefer wooden cases, we shall do as you request. But a wooden case is much heavier than a carton, and you may be aware that the ocean freight is by weight but not by size. That is to say, using wooden a case will cost you more. As a matter of fact, we have improved our cartons. Our new cartons are strong enough to stand even rough handling in transit. The cartons are comparatively light and therefor easy to handle. They won't be stowed away with the heavy cargo.Maybe you are right, but the goods are to be transshipped at Chicago or New York. If the boxes are moved about on an open wharf, the dampness or rain may get into them. That would make the blouses spotted or even ruin them.No need to worry about that. The cartons lined with plastic sheets are water-proof, and as the boxes are made of cardboard, they will be handled with care.I don't want to take any chance. Besides, cartons are easy to cut open, and this increases the risk of pilferage.Tampering with cartons is easily detected. I should say that this rather discourages pilferage.Maybe so, but I'm afraid that in case of damage or pilferage, the insurance company will refuse compensation on the ground of improper packaging, or packaging unsuitable for sea voyage.But in fact, cartons are quite seaworthy. They are extensively used in our shipments to continental ports. Never are there any complaints from our clients, and such packaging has also been approved by our insurance company for W.P.N and T.P.N.D.If you could guarantee compensation in case the insurance company refuses to honor a claim for faulty packaging, we would be quite willing to accept cartons.I'm sorry, but we accept no responsibility for matters that are beyond our functions and powers. We will make sure the packaging is seaworthy, but we can't commit ourselves to being responsible for every kind of mishap.I can understand your position. Perhaps I'm asking too much.We will use wooden cases if you insist, but the charge for packaging will be considerably higher, and it also slows down delivery.Can I get back to you on this later? I'll phone our head office for the final confirmation on the matter.Please do. I'll be waiting for your reply.刘先生，我们现在谈谈包装吧？好的。