A Foreign Trade Talk A company in America wants to import some toys and dolls from China. Mr. Baker, the representative of the American side, was sent to Shanghai to hold a business talk. Mr. Li from Shanghai Toys Import and Export Corporation makes him an offer . Mr. Li — A Mr. Baker — B A: Look, all of these articles are our best - selling products. B: Oh, how marvelous ! Please give me two samples — each of the toy cars and dolls. What price do you quote for the two items? A: They are all on the catalogues . This is the price list. You see, all the prices are very competitive. B: Do you quote CIF or FOB ? A: Our prices are FOB with a commission of 5% for you. B: But I ’ d rather have your lowest quotation. A: That can be done easily. We will work out a best offer this evening and give it to you tomorrow morning. But could you give us a rough idea of the quantity you require? B: I think it ’ s better for you to quote your price first. The size of our order depends mainly on your price. A: All right, we will see what we can do. B: How long do you generally keep your offers open? A: The prices on the catalogue are without engagement . In case of firm offers, we usually keep our offers open for 3 days. B: Would you make the offer firm for 7 days? You see, I ’ ll have to send a telegram to my customers and ask about their opinion. A: We ’ ll consider it. Why does Mr. Baker ask Mr. Li to make the offer firm for seven days?