Have you got any specific proposal about the terms of payment ?   I wonder if we can make payment for this order by documentary collection .   I'm sorry to say the only term of payment we can accept is 100 % irrevocable letter of credit payable against shipping documents .   But our order this time is very large . To open an L / C for such a large amount at a bank is costly . Can you be a bit more flexible and bend the rule a little ?   I'm afraid not . We insist on a letter of credit , because as seller , we also have the problem of funds being tied up .   To be frank , a letter of credit would increase the cost of my import . When I open a letter of credit with a bank , I have to pay a deposit . That will tie up my money and add to my cost .   Consult your bank and see if they will reduce the required deposit to a minimum . 