Essential Business English 10 — Negotiating an Order

Summary

In this negotiation scenario, a supplier and a buyer discuss an order of computer equipment, specifically flash drives and external hard drives. The supplier is preparing to expand its business on the East Coast and seeks to supply the buyer with 1000 units of each item. The conversation focuses on agreeing on quantities, prices, and the potential for discounts on larger orders. Both parties aim for a smooth agreement, with the supplier promising to send a proposal shortly. The key phrases of the discussion emphasize negotiation tactics like pricing, quantity, and delivery time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script involves a business negotiation for opening a dozen shops on the East Coast and sourcing supplies.
• 😀 The conversation covers the purchase of accessories such as scarves and belts, specifically in large quantities (500 of each).
• 😀 The supplier offers a general pricing range: $10 for belts and $20 for scarves, but remains flexible depending on the exact models.
• 😀 The buyer expresses concerns about the pricing, asking for a possible discount on larger orders.
• 😀 The supplier agrees to check with their boss about providing a discount for larger quantities and promises to get back to the buyer.
• 😀 There is a focus on delivery times and payment details, although these aspects are not explored in-depth in the initial conversation.
• 😀 The supplier commits to sending a proposal to the buyer within a couple of days.
• 😀 A casual invitation is extended by the supplier to show the buyer some of the sights of New York, providing a friendly, personal touch.
• 😀 Key phrases to practice include terms like 'Let's get down to business,' 'What sort of items will you be needing?' and 'What's the best price you can offer us?'
• 😀 The roleplay section demonstrates how a buyer in the computer equipment industry might engage in similar negotiations, using flash drives and external hard drives as the product focus.
• 😀 The buyer in the roleplay requests a quantity of 1,000 flash drives and hard drives and receives an offer of a 10% discount, with a promise to send the proposal the next day.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the conversation in the transcript?

The main purpose is to conduct a business negotiation between a buyer and a supplier, discussing product orders, pricing, discounts, and proposal timelines.

Which products are being negotiated in the first scenario?

The products are fashion accessories, specifically scarves and belts.

How many units of each item does the buyer initially request?

The buyer initially requests 500 units of each item.

What pricing does the supplier offer for scarves and belts?

The supplier offers approximately $20 per scarf and $10 per belt as a ballpark figure.

How does the buyer respond to the initial pricing offer?

The buyer considers it a bit high and asks whether a discount could be offered for a larger order.

What action does the supplier take after the discount request?

The supplier states they will check with their boss and get back to the buyer.

What is the agreed timeline for sending the proposal?

The supplier agrees to email the proposal in a couple of days for the fashion items, and in the computer equipment scenario, the proposal will be emailed the next day.

What products are being negotiated in the computer equipment scenario?

The products are flash drives and external hard drives.

What quantity does the buyer request for computer equipment?

The buyer requests 1,000 units of each item.

What discount does the supplier offer for the computer equipment order?

The supplier offers a 10% discount for the requested quantity.

What key phrases are highlighted for negotiation practice in the transcript?

Some key phrases include: 'Let's get down to business, shall we?', 'I'm sure we can come to an agreement.', 'What sort of items will you be needing?', 'What quantities did you have in mind?', 'What's the best price you can offer us?', 'Could you offer a discount for a larger order?', 'I'll check with my boss and get back to you.', and 'How soon could you send us your proposal?'

What additional activity does the transcript suggest for the learner?

The transcript suggests a roleplay exercise where the learner acts as a buyer negotiating with a supplier, using the key phrases and sample answers to practice negotiation skills.