LESSON FOURTEEN PRICE ( I )
Bragg: What is your price per set for laser printer?
Zhang: Our price is two hundred dollars per set FOB Guangzhou. It can be supplied from stock for prompt shipment.
Bragg: I’m afraid your price is rather on the high side. To be honest with you, we have another offer for a similar one at a much lower price.
Zhang: I can assure you that our price is most realistic. A trial sale will convince you of what I say.
Bragg: But it will be impossible for us to make any sales at this price. If you can go a little lower, I’d be able to give you an order on the spot. You see, I have here a buyer who intends to book 50 sets. But the price he offers me is only one hundred and ninety dollars per set.
Zhang: This price of yours is out of the question. You must be aware that the cost of production has risen a great deal in recent years. What’s more, we have worked hard on improving the efficiency and reliability of this product. Advanced features have also been added. As a consequence, this product runs a lot more efficiently. It’s much easier to operate and user-friendly. Any other model in its class is not comparable with ours. Better quality deserves higher price, anyone in trade knows the rule.
Bragg: That all sounds very hi-tech. Still I can’t accept your price as it is well out of line with the market level. One hundred and ninety is my customer’s final bid and I can’t help it. That’s my actual position. I hope you’ll give a second thought to the bid. 50 sets is no small quantity.
\Zhang: (Writing something in calculation in his notebook) OK. Since it is a big order, I think I’ll accept your price of one hundred and ninety as an exception. It’s quite a bargain. I hope you will appreciate it.
Bragg: Thank you for your cooperation.
Zhang: it will leave us very little profit indeed. But I trust our first supply will induce your customers to place regular orders with us in future.
NEW WORDS
Bragg 布莱格(人名) advanced 先进的
set (一)件,台 feature 特征
laser 激光 add 增加, 加
printer 印刷机 consequence 结果
side 面,方面 efficiently 有效率的
stock 库存 operate 操作,经营
prompt 立即,迅速 user-friendly 方便使用者的
honest 诚实的 model 型号
assure 使……放心 comparable 相比较
realistic 现实的 deserve 应得
convince 使信服 rule 规则
impossible 不可能的 hi-etch 高科技的