Export Management Task Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Export Management Task - Article Example For all of you who are involved in the industry and to those of you who have had the occasion to become involved on a personal level, You will no doubt agree with me when I say that it is an industry which is predicated on logistics, scheduling, and documents. Moreover, all of the logistics must be arranged far in advance, the scheduling must all come together into one unit at a specific time, and at a specific place, and all of the documentation must be accomplished accurately, and on time, in accordance with previously stipulated agreements. Having said that, I will now present the various components and aspects which comprise the Export Management Task. Export sales contracts can be formal or informal, depending on the foreign buyer. One should be cautioned that any contract which is made quickly and informally when some of the conditions are assumed or left to be clarified later, is a dangerous, ill advised, and not a good practice standard. Of course, most of us are aware of off ers to sell which are presented over the phone, which covers the product to be sold, the quantity, the price per unit, outlining delivery, the terms, and the medium of payment, which is often accepted by the foreign buyer. Also, we are familiar with a call from the buyer, with an offer to buy. offer to buy. 2This type of contract may be preceded by a series of offers and counter offers before the final offer and acceptance. This type of contract remains informal if it is not confirmed in writing. This type of contractural practice is most common and acceptable between branches of the same company, or between long standing trade partners, or between very reputable companies who trade in commodities which are prone to rapid changes in prices. It is my caution to you, that unless one of the three above-mentioned conditions are characteristic of your transaction, then this informal mode, should not be your practice. The most assured way to a void any and all misunderstandings, is to get the buyer to agree to the use of what is commonly referred to as General Standard Conditions. "These are standardized contract terms that permit the parties to refer to a pre- established set of rules that can be incorporated into the contract"(SIT). If you elect to choose this standardized proforma, then you must by all means, become keenly familiar with the contents, because once the generalized Standard Conditions have been adopted, they are legally binding whether or not both parties are aware of and understand every provision"(SIT) According to the Secrets in International Trade, an offer to sell may also be made via telex, courier, air mail, cable, facsimile and today even via e-mail. The exporter confirms the terms and stipulations of the sale via a proforma invoice: the proforma invoice will detail the entire order, The type of shipment ( i.e., f.o.b. Plymouth) quantity, type of item, unit cost, and total cost. As an addendum one might also include certain terms such as the name and address of the preferred bank, and the preferred shipping3 date. Upon receipt of the proforma invoice, the buyer will confirm his acceptance by