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Making a Counter Offer

The customer, after hearing the initial price, proposes a lower price they are willing to pay for the item.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
James (Male)
Excuse me, how much is this ceramic vase?
2
Emily (Female)
That one is 120 dollars, sir. It's a handmade piece.
3
James (Male)
Hmm, 120 is a bit steep for me. Would you consider 80 dollars?
4
Emily (Female)
Oh, 80 is too low, I'm afraid. This piece takes many hours to create. I could do 110 for you.
5
James (Male)
I appreciate that it's handmade, but I'm on a bit of a budget. How about 95 dollars?
6
Emily (Female)
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.
7
James (Male)
Alright, 100 it is then. I'll take it.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

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 Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

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.

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.

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.

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.