Now we have settled the terms of payment . Is it possible to effect shipment during September ?
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user
I don't think we can .
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assistant
Then when is the earliest we can expect shipment ?
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user
By the middle of October , I think .
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assistant
That's too late . You see , November is the season for this commodity in our market , and our Customs formalities are rather complicated .
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user
I understand .
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assistant
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 .
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user
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 .
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assistant
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 .
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user
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 .
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assistant
That's too bad , but I sincerely hope you will give our request your special consideration .
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user
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 .
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assistant
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 .
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user
All right . We'll get in touch with our producers and see what they have to say .
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assistant