Free Soft Corporate Offer (SCO) Template
The seller's opening pitch in a physical commodity trade | non-binding, indicative and just enough detail to let the buyer evaluate feasibility.
What this template includes
This Soft Corporate Offer template includes: Product and origin, Quantity and schedule, Price basis, Payment, Validity and subject to confirmation.
| Clause | What it does | Why it protects you |
|---|---|---|
| Product and origin | Commodity, grade or specification reference, country of origin and loading port. | Frames the offer so the buyer can check fit before any commitment. |
| Quantity and schedule | Trial and contract quantity, monthly delivery and contract duration. | Avoids misunderstanding over volumes that later drive price and financing. |
| Price basis | Gross price, Incoterms 2020 (FOB, CFR or CIF) and any index discount. | Makes clear which costs and risks are included in the price. |
| Payment | Instrument (MT700 LC, SBLC or TT), issuing bank rating, tolerance and partial shipments. | Signals the payment security the seller will require at FCO stage. |
| Validity and subject to confirmation | Offer open for X banking days and subject to the seller's final confirmation. | Keeps the SCO non-binding, so the seller is not bound before the FCO. |
Clause summaries are drafting guidance, not legal advice. Have the final document reviewed under its governing law.
Quick Summary: Soft Corporate Offer
What this document is, and is not
This SCO is a commercial drafting template that records what the parties intend or have agreed at one stage of a deal. It is not a bank instrument, not proof of product or funds, and not a substitute for qualified legal counsel in the governing-law jurisdiction.
Typical deal sequence: CIS → LOI or ICPO → SCO/FCO → SPA → LC/SBLC.
Next steps: price the payment instrument with the LC Cost Calculator, agree the delivery term with the Incoterms 2020 cost and risk split, and prepare documents with the LC documents checklist. Background: letter of credit guide.
A Soft Corporate Offer (SCO) is the seller's non-binding indicative offer. It captures product, origin, quantity, price basis (Incoterms), delivery window and payment outline without exposing either party to breach. It sets the commercial frame and drives the buyer to respond with a Letter of Intent or ICPO.
This template ships with a clear validity window so stale offers do not resurface, plus a subject-to-final-confirmation clause protecting the seller until FCO stage.
Word draft is fully editable; PDF is a print-ready sample.
Numerical Example: SCO Utilization
Typical application of the SCO in a standard bulk commodity transaction. Use TradeDox Pro for auto-drafting LC-compatible clauses.
What's inside
- Non-binding: opens dialogue without exposing either party to breach.
- Locks the commercial frame (product, origin, Incoterms, payment) early.
- Sets a clear validity window so stale offers do not resurface.
- Drives the buyer to respond with an ICPO instead of drifting.
Document preview
Frequently asked questions
Where can I download a free SCO template?
This page hosts a free Soft Corporate Offer template in Word (DOCX) and PDF format. Sign in to download the DOCX; the PDF preview is public.
Is an SCO legally binding?
No. The SCO is explicitly non-binding and subject to final confirmation. It sets the commercial frame and validity window without committing the seller to execute.
SCO vs FCO | when do I issue each?
Issue the SCO at first serious contact to test buyer feasibility. Progress to a Full Corporate Offer (FCO) once the buyer responds with an LOI or ICPO showing capacity and intent.
What should an SCO contain?
Commodity and origin, grade or spec reference, trial and contract quantity, monthly delivery, Incoterms price basis, indicative price, payment outline (LC or SBLC) and offer validity in banking days.
How long should the SCO stay open?
Typical validity is 5-15 banking days from issue, subject to final seller confirmation. Longer than that risks price and shipping-market moves eroding the offer.