Initial Price Inquiry
A customer asks the seller for the price of an item they are interested in, setting the stage for potential bargaining.
Dialogue5
Excuse me, I'm interested in this ceramic vase here. How much is it?
Ah, excellent choice! That's a handmade piece, just arrived this morning. It's 350 yuan.
350 yuan, I see. It's beautiful, but that's a bit higher than I expected.
It truly is. The craftsmanship is excellent, and it's a unique design. We actually price these very competitively.
I understand. Is that your best price for it?
Vocabulary6
- interested
Means you want to know more or buy something. Use it when starting a conversation about an item, like 'I'm interested in this shirt.'
- handmade
Something made by hand, not by machine, which makes it special and often more expensive. Common in shopping for crafts.
- craftsmanship
The skill and quality in making something by hand. Use it to praise the work on an item during bargaining.
- unique
One of a kind, not like others. Helpful in shopping to highlight why an item is worth the price.
- competitively
At a price that is good compared to others, meaning fair or low. Sellers use this to defend their price.
- best price
The lowest price the seller can offer. Ask this when bargaining to push for a discount.
Key Sentences5
- 1
Excuse me, I'm interested in this ceramic vase here. How much is it?
This is a polite way to start asking about an item's price. 'Excuse me' gets attention, and 'How much is it?' is a simple question for price. Useful for beginning any shopping inquiry.
- 2
Ah, excellent choice! That's a handmade piece, just arrived this morning. It's 350 yuan.
Seller praises the customer's pick to build interest. 'Excellent choice' is a compliment; 'just arrived' suggests it's fresh. Use this pattern to respond positively and state the price clearly.
- 3
350 yuan, I see. It's beautiful, but that's a bit higher than I expected.
Customer acknowledges the price and gives a soft objection. 'I see' shows understanding; 'a bit higher than I expected' politely says it's too much. Great for starting bargaining without being rude.
- 4
It truly is. The craftsmanship is excellent, and it's a unique design. We actually price these very competitively.
Seller defends the price by highlighting quality. 'It truly is' agrees with the customer; 'very competitively' means the price is fair. Use this to justify a price in negotiations.
- 5
I understand. Is that your best price for it?
Customer shows empathy before asking for a better deal. 'I understand' is polite; 'best price' directly asks for the lowest offer. Essential phrase for advancing bargaining.