买卖过招第一回 Buy and Sell 

   
Dan Smith是一位美国的健身用品经销商，此次是Robert第一回与他交手。就在短短几分钟的交谈中，Robert即感到这位大汉粗犷的外表下，藏有狡黠如脱兔的心思－－他肯定是名沙场老将，自己绝不可掉以轻心。双方第一回过招如下：

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英文正文
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Dan: I'd like to get the ball rolling by talking about prices.

Robert: Shoot. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Dan: Your products are very good. But I'm a little worried about the prices you're asking.

Robert: You think we should be asking for more?

Dan: That's not exactly what I had in mind. I know your research costs are high, but what I'd like is a 25% discount.

Robert: That seems to be a little high, Mr. Smith. I don't know how we can make a profit with those numbers.

Dan: Please, Robert, call me Dan. Well, if we promise future business -- volume sales that will slash your costs for making the Exec-U-Ciser, right?

Robert: Yes, but it's hard to see how you can place such large orders. How could you turn over so many? We'd need a guarantee of future business, not just a promise.

Dan: We said we wanted 1000 pieces over a six month period. What if we place orders for twelve months, with a guarantee?

Robert: If you can guarantee that on paper, I think we can discuss this further.

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中文翻译
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D: 我想就从价钱方面开始谈吧！

R: 洗耳恭听！我很乐意答复任何问题。

D: 贵公司的产品很出色；但你们开的价码，让我觉得有点困难。

R: 你是觉得我们应该把价钱开高一点啰？

D: 我不是这个意思。我知道你们投入很高的开发费用，但是，我想要七五折。

R: Smith先生，这个折扣似乎多了点。这样的价格，我们公司怎么能有利润可赚！

D: Robert，请叫我Dan好了。这样吧！若我们答应以后继续合作，而且是大笔的生意，就可以使你们大幅降低‘健你乐’的制造成本，对不？

R: 嗯！不过，我看不出您怎能下这么大笔的订单?!贵公司如何销售这么多的货呢？我们要的可是保证，而不是随口答应就算数的哦！

D: 我们本来说半年内订货1000件。如果现在我们保证一年内都会跟你们订货，你意下如何？

R: 如果你们能以书面保证，我想我们可以再谈。