1. Business Talks

In the course of making enquiries and offers, the parties very often meet to agree upon one or another question.

Here is a specimen business talk:

Seller:Well, let's get started. You know, with this delivery problem I'm sure there's a room for negotiation.

Buyer:Oh yes, we stressed in our enquiry that we needed the machine urgently. A speedy delivery is of vital importance for us.

Seller: Well, this is how we see it. We can deliver the machine in ten weeks and install it four weeks after that.

Buyer: Oh, I am afraid these periods are too long. We cannot agree with you.

Seller: These are in fact the usual periods. It's pretty normal in this kind of operation.

Buyer:When we mentioned speedy delivery we expected you to deliver the machine in 6 weeks at the latest and to install it 3 weeks after that.

Seller:I see what you mean. But that would be difficult. You see we have a lot of orders to handle at present, and moving just one machine is a major problem. Look, if I can promise you delivery in seven weeks, does that help?

Buyer:I am afraid I cannot agree to that.

Seller:Well, you are really asking us for something that is very difficult. I've already offered you seven weeks. I'll have to consult with my colleagues and let you know our reply this week.

Buyer: I've got a proposal. If you deliver the machine in 6 weeks we shall place another order for the second half of the year.

Seller: Well, on that basis I suppose we might be able to look at some kind of arrangement. In fact, if you can promise another order I think we could accept your terms.

Buyer:Very good. Let's consider it settled. I'll confirm our next order for the second part of the year in writing tomorrow.

Seller:I'm very glad we have come to an agreement.

2. Business Meeting

Blake: Good morning, Mr. Smirnov.

Smirnov:Good morning, Mr. Blake. I haven't seen you for ages. How are you?

Blake: I haven't been very well lately, you know. I've caught a cold.

Smirnov: I'm sorry to hear that. I do hope you get well again soon. How long have you been here, Mr. Blake?

Blake:Since Monday.

Smirnov:Where are you staying?

Blake:We're staying at the Rossia Hotel. We're very comfortable there.

Smirnov:How long are you going to stay here?

Blake:It will depend on our talks. Mr. Smirnov, I think we can get down to business. We've studied your offer and your draft contract for the delivery of complete equipment very carefully.

Smirnov:What do you think of it?

Blake: The equipment suits us, we need it very much. We are ready to place a big order.

Smirnov:Glad to hear that, Mr. Blake.

Blake:But we'd like to clear up several points first.

Smirnov:Well, what shall we take up?

Blake:You see, Mr. Smirnov, your prices are too high, I'm afraid. Can you reduce them?

Smirnov:I don't think we can. Our equipment is in great demand. We've sold the equipment at these prices to many customers this year.

Blake:We know that the world prices have recently gone up. But still your prices are too high.

Smirnov:Well, Mr. Blake, we'll think it over and see what we can do.

Blake:Thank you, Mr. Smirnov. We've done business with you for more than 10 years and I hope you'll meet our request.

III. Act out the dialogues on the basis of the following assignments:

1. Meet Mr. Blake in your office and speak about packing of goods.

2. You visit Mr. Hill's office and discuss the terms of payment and delivery.

3. Meet Mr. Green and express your opinion on the quality of his company goods.

	Writing Practice

I. Read and translate the models: