You are learning negotiation english: you will read the scene it happens in, learn 10 words and phrases, take apart the pattern behind them (negotiation language: proposing, counter-offering, compromising), hear them in a conversation, rehearse them, and finish by saying one thing out loud to be graded.
A food supplier's office in the Hunts Point Market, the Bronx
Hunts Point Market in the Bronx is the largest wholesale food market in the world. Everything that feeds New York comes through here. Today I'm negotiating a produce contract for our restaurant.
The supplier, Mr. Ortiz, is a veteran. He's been selling to restaurants for thirty years. 'We'd like to offer you a weekly delivery of seasonal produce at our standard wholesale rate,' he begins. 'Twenty crates, delivered Tuesdays and Fridays.'
'That's a fair offer,' I say. 'But we were hoping for a slightly lower rate, given that we're committing to a twelve-month contract.' He nods. 'I understand. But our margins are already tight. What exactly are you looking for?' I show him our numbers. 'Would you be open to an eight percent discount on orders over fifteen crates?'
He thinks for a moment. 'How about we meet in the middle — five percent on all orders, and I'll guarantee priority delivery before 6 AM.' I consider the offer. Early delivery means fresher ingredients, which means better food, which means happier customers. 'That works for me,' I say. We shake on it. Both of us walk away satisfied. That's negotiation: nobody gets everything, but everybody gets enough.