Franklin: Now we have settled the terms of payment. Is it possible to effect shipment during September?
Mr. Brown: I don't think we can.
Franklin: Then when is the earliest we can expect shipment?
Mr. Brown: By the middle of October, I think.
Franklin: That's too late. You see, November is the season for this commodity in our market, and our Customs formalities are rather complicated.
Mr. Brown: I understand.
Franklin: Besides, the flow through the marketing channels and the red tape involved take at least a couple of weeks. Thus, after shipment it will be four to five weeks altogether before the goods can reach our retailers. The goods must therefore be shipped before October ; otherwise we won't be in time for the selling season.
Mr. Brown: But our factories are fully committed for the third quarter. In fact, many of our clients are placing orders for delivery in the fourth quarter.
Franklin: Mr. Brown, you certainly realize that the time of delivery is a matter of great importance to us. If we place our goods on the market at a time when all other importers have already sold their goods at profitable prices, we shall lose out.
Mr. Brown: I see your point. However, we have done more business this year than any of the previous years. I am very sorry to say that we cannot advance the time of delivery.
Franklin: That's too bad, but I sincerely hope you will give our request your special consideration.
Mr. Brown: You may take it from me that the last thing we want to do is to disappoint an old customer like you. But the fact remains that our manufacturers have a heavy backlog on their hands.
Franklin: But can't you find some way to get round your producers for an earlier delivery? Make a special effort, please. A timely delivery means a lot to us.
Mr. Brown: All right. We'll get in touch with our producers and see what they have to say.
Franklin thinks the earliest shipment Mr. Brown can provide is too late and requests Mr. Brown to advance the time of delivery. Mr. Brown refuses due to several specific reasons, but finally Mr. Brown is persuaded to contact the producers to see if they can help.