Vocabulary【Major Documents】
quotation
A quotation is an offer to sell a good or service.
It should clearly state details of the price, quality, quantity, payment terms and incoterms.
The foreign buyer might be unfamiliar with the details of the product they are purchasing.
So the description of the product in an overseas quotation normally includes more details than a domestic quotation.
quotation: 引文，报价
pro-forma invoice
A pro-forma invoice is an initial bill of sale provided by a supplier.
It states the exact quantity of goods, their price, and specifications such as size and weight.
While it's subject to change, a pro-forma invoice is a good estimate of what the buyer will need to pay.
It's not an official demand for payment, but the final commercial invoice is usually based on the pro-forma invoice.
forma: 正式的
shipping advice
A shipping advice is a document sent by the seller to inform the buyer that the goods have been shipped.
It contains details such as information of carriers and expected time of arrival.
It is issued by the seller and is dispatched to the buyer within three days after the date of shipment.
Having the details of the shipment in advance allows the importer to arrange transport insurance under EXW, FOB, and CFR terms.
dispatch: 派遣，发送
bill of lading
A bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier that acts as a receipt of shipment when the goods are finally delivered.
It contains the type and quantity of goods being transported, as well as their destination.
It also acts as proof of ownership of the cargo.
When shipped goods arrive, they must come with a bill of lading that has been signed by the carrier, the shipper, and the receiver.
bill of lading: 提货单
lading: 提货
carrier: 运输公司
cargo: 货物
Question
- How does having the details of the shipment in advance benefits the importer?
> if allows them to arrange transport insurance if needed - The representative and driver signed the bill of lading after loading the goods onto the truck.
