Well , we've settled the question of price , quality and quantity . Now what about the terms of payment ?   We only accept payment by irrevocable letter of credit payable against shipping documents .   I see . Could you make an exception and accept D / A or D / P ?   I'm afraid not . We insist on a letter of credit .   To tell you the truth , 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'll tie up my money and increase my cost .   Consult your bank and see if they will reduce the required deposit to a minimum .   Still , there will be bank charges in connection with the credit . It would help me greatly if you would accept D / A or D / P . You can draw on me just as if there were a letter of credit . It makes no great difference to you , but it does to me . 