dialogue: #Person1#: Now we have settled the terms of payment. Is it possible to effect shipment during September?
  #Person2#: I don't think we can.
  #Person1#: Then when is the earliest we can expect shipment?
  #Person2#: By the middle of October, I think.
  #Person1#: That's too late. You see, November is the season for this commodity in our market, and our Customs formalities are rather complicated.
  #Person2#: I understand.
  #Person1#: 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.
  #Person2#: 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.
  #Person1#: 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.
  #Person2#: 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.
  #Person1#: That's too bad, but I sincerely hope you will give our request your special consideration.
  #Person2#: 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.
  #Person1#: 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.
  #Person2#: All right. We'll get in touch with our producers and see what they have to say.
summary: #Person1# thinks the earliest shipment #Person2# can provide is too late and requests #Person2# to advance the time of delivery. #Person2# refuses due to several specific reasons, but finally #Person2# is persuaded to contact the producers to see if they can help.
topic: time of delivery