Question 1 Report
State two distinguishing features between each of the following;
(a) Tramps vessels and ocean liners
(b) A factor and a broker
(c) A commissioned agent and a del credere agent
(d) consular invoice and proforma invoice
(e) Insurance and assurance
Two distinguishing features between each pair are given below.
(a) Tramp vessels and ocean liners
| Tramp vessels | Ocean liners |
|---|---|
| They have no fixed routes or timetable; they sail wherever cargo is available. | They follow fixed routes and operate to a regular published timetable. |
| Freight charges are negotiable and vary with demand. | Freight charges are fixed and stated in advance. |
(b) A factor and a broker
| Factor | Broker |
|---|---|
| Takes physical possession of the goods he sells. | Does not take possession of the goods; he only brings buyer and seller together. |
| Can sell in his own name and give credit. | Sells in the name of the principal and merely negotiates the contract. |
(c) A commission agent and a del credere agent
| Commission agent | Del credere agent |
|---|---|
| Receives only ordinary commission for selling on behalf of the principal. | Receives an extra commission (del credere commission) for the added responsibility he bears. |
| Does not guarantee payment; the principal bears the loss if a buyer defaults. | Guarantees the payment of the customer's debt and bears the loss of any bad debt. |
(d) Consular invoice and pro-forma invoice
| Consular invoice | Pro-forma invoice |
|---|---|
| Used in foreign trade and certified by the consul of the importing country. | Not certified; it is a provisional invoice sent to a prospective buyer. |
| Certifies the correctness of the goods and their value for customs purposes. | Serves as a quotation, or accompanies goods sent on approval or on sale-or-return, and does not demand payment. |
(e) Insurance and assurance
| Insurance | Assurance |
|---|---|
| Covers risks that may or may not happen, e.g. fire, theft, accident. | Covers an event that is certain to happen, e.g. death, or attaining a certain age. |
| The insured is compensated only if the loss actually occurs (indemnity). | The sum assured is paid whenever the certain event occurs, so it is not strictly indemnity. |
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