20 May 2005
    Kee & Co., Ltd
    34 Regent Street
    London, UK

    Dear Sirs:

    In the past, our purchases of steel pipes from you have normally been paid by confirmed, irrevocable letter of credit.

    This arrangement has cost us a great deal of money. From the moment we open the credit until our buyers pay us normally ties up funds for about four months. This is currently a particularly serious problem for us in view of the difficult economic climate and the prevailing high interest rates.

    If you could offer us easier payment terms, it would probably lead to an increase in business between our companies. We propose either cash against documents on arrival of goods, or drawing on us at three months' sight.

    We hope our request will meet with your agreement and look forward to your early reply.

    Yours faithfully,

    Tony Smith
    Chief Buyer

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ——先生:

    本公司与贵公司订购钢管，向以保兑不可撤销的信用证付款。

    由开立信用证至收到客户付款，所需时间约为四个月。在现今经济气候不佳和利率高企的环境下，这种付款方法占去大量资金。

    如蒙贵公司惠允较宽松的付款方法，则可扩展双方业务。建议日后采用货到后凭单据支付现金的方法或由本公司开立见票第三个月付款的汇票交易。

    专候佳音。

    采购部主任
    托尼.斯密思谨上
    2005年5月20日