Can I ask the publisher to open LC for print order?

Question

I am in South East Asia. A US publisher has asked me to print a book in my country because the cost is so cheap. But can I ask him to open a letter of credit to safeguard my interest? Any help, please

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Answer 1

Yes.  You can ask for anything.  The problem is what the other party is willing to grant.

I think both parties need protection.  

On your side you should check out the publisher to make sure they are legitimate and financially reliable.  Next, you should write the contract so that you submit a sample to them and don't proceed until they sign off on the quality of the printing, paper, binding, etc.  Then, as long as the production run, meets or exceeds the quality of the sample you should be okay.  You should ask them to either advance the cost of the paper and other materials or to make a substantial down payment so that most of the material cost is covered.

You can expect them to be concerned about timely delivery, your sticking to your quoted price with no surprises and the quality of the finished prouct.  

The negotiations over these and other details may prove frustrating because the two parties are from different cultural backgrounds.  Customs you each take for granted may not be usual in the other parties culture.

Hope this helps

Jrry-the-bookkeeper