Making a Counter Offer
The customer, after hearing the initial price, proposes a lower price they are willing to pay for the item.
Dialogue7
Excuse me, how much is this ceramic vase?
That one is 120 dollars, sir. It's a handmade piece.
Hmm, 120 is a bit steep for me. Would you consider 80 dollars?
Oh, 80 is too low, I'm afraid. This piece takes many hours to create. I could do 110 for you.
I appreciate that it's handmade, but I'm on a bit of a budget. How about 95 dollars?
Let me see... 95 is still quite a discount. I can meet you in the middle at 100 dollars, but that's the absolute lowest I can go.
Alright, 100 it is then. I'll take it.
Vocabulary5
- steep
Means too high or expensive, especially for prices. Use it when something costs more than you expected, like 'That's a bit steep.'
- handmade
Something created by hand, not by machine. It's often used to explain why an item is valuable or costs more, like in crafts or art.
- budget
The amount of money you have available to spend. Say 'I'm on a budget' when you can't afford high prices.
- discount
A reduction in the original price. Shoppers ask for discounts during bargaining to pay less.
- consider
To think about or be willing to accept something, like a price offer. Use it politely in negotiations: 'Would you consider this price?'
Key Sentences4
- 1
Would you consider 80 dollars?
This is a polite way to make a counter offer in bargaining. 'Would you consider' softens the request, making it less direct. Use it when suggesting a lower price after hearing the initial one. Grammar: Question form with 'would' for politeness.
- 2
How about 95 dollars?
A casual way to propose a new price in negotiation. 'How about' invites agreement and keeps the conversation going. Useful for intermediate learners in shopping; it's simple and common in bargaining.
- 3
I can meet you in the middle at 100 dollars.
Means agreeing on a price halfway between the original and the offer. 'Meet in the middle' is an idiom for compromise. Use this when settling on a fair deal; it shows flexibility in bargaining.
- 4
Alright, 100 it is then. I'll take it.
Accepts the final price and decides to buy. 'It is then' emphasizes agreement. This closing sentence is practical for ending a successful negotiation; use it to confirm the purchase.