1. Formal: Negotiating a Bulk Order (Business Setting)
Context: A business owner negotiates with a supplier for a bulk purchase of office supplies.
A: Good morning. I’m interested in placing a large order for printer paper. Could you offer a discounted rate?
B: Certainly. For orders over 500 reams, we provide a 10% discount. Would that suit your needs?
A: I was hoping for a 15% reduction, given our long-term partnership.
B: I can offer 12% if you commit to quarterly orders.
A: That sounds reasonable. Let’s proceed with that.
2. Semi-Formal: Haggling at a Furniture Store
Context: A customer negotiates the price of a sofa at a local store.
A: This sofa is lovely, but it’s slightly over my budget. Is the price negotiable?
B: We can offer a 5% discount if you pay in cash today.
A: Could you do 10%? I can make the purchase right now.
B: Let me check… Since it’s the last one in stock, I can give you 8%.
A: Deal! I’ll take it.
3. Informal: Bargaining at a Flea Market
Context: A tourist haggles over a handmade bracelet.
A: How much for this bracelet?
B: £15. It’s handmade.
A: That’s a bit steep. Would you take £10?
B: The lowest I can go is £12.
A: How about £11, and I’ll buy two?
B: Fine, you’ve got a deal!
4. Formal: Corporate Hotel Rate Negotiation
Context: A company representative negotiates hotel rates for employees.
A: We’re looking to book 20 rooms monthly. Do you offer corporate rates?
B: Yes, we provide a 15% discount for long-term corporate clients.
A: Our budget allows for a 20% reduction. Can we meet in the middle?
B: For guaranteed bookings, we can extend an 18% discount.
A: That works for us.
5. Semi-Formal: Car Dealership Negotiation
Context: A buyer discusses the price of a used car.
A: I like this model, but the price seems high compared to similar listings.
B: It’s in excellent condition, but I can reduce it by £500 if you’re serious.
A: Could you do £1,000 less? I’m ready to buy today.
B: Tell you what—£800 off, and we’ll include a free service.
A: Fair enough. Let’s finalize the paperwork.
6. Informal: Street Vendor Haggling (Souvenirs)
Context: A tourist negotiates for a souvenir.
A: How much for this keychain?
B: £8 each.
A: £8? I’ve seen them for £5 elsewhere.
B: These are higher quality. Best I can do is £6.
A: I’ll take two for £10.
B: Alright, sold!
7. Formal: Contracting a Freelancer
Context: A client negotiates rates with a freelance designer.
A: Your portfolio is impressive. What’s your rate for a logo design?
B: My standard rate is £500 per project.
A: Our budget is £400. Could we adjust the scope to fit that?
B: I can offer a simplified package at £450.
A: That’s acceptable. Let’s proceed.
8. Semi-Formal: Negotiating Rent with a Landlord
Context: A tenant discusses lowering the rent.
A: The rent is a bit high for this area. Is there any flexibility?
B: The price is fixed, but I can include utilities for the same rate.
A: If you lower it by £50, I’ll sign a two-year lease.
B: I can do £30 less with a one-year lease.
A: That works—thanks!
9. Informal: Market Haggling (Fresh Produce)
Context: A shopper bargains at a fruit stall.
A: How much for these apples?
B: £2 per kilo.
A: Can I get a discount if I buy three kilos?
B: For three, I can do £5.
A: Perfect, I’ll take them!
10. Formal: IT Services Contract
Context: A business negotiates software pricing.
A: Your annual license fee is higher than competitors’. Can we discuss terms?
B: We offer added support. However, for a three-year contract, we can reduce it by 12%.
A: We’d need 15% to proceed.
B: Agreed, with quarterly payments.
11. Formal: Negotiating a Printing Contract
Context: A marketing manager discusses bulk printing costs.
A: We need 10,000 brochures. What’s your best rate?
B: For that quantity, it’s £1,200, including design adjustments.
A: Our budget is £1,000. Can we adjust paper quality to meet that?
B: We can switch to recycled paper and reduce it to £1,050.
A: That works—thank you.
12. Semi-Formal: Negotiating Gym Membership
Context: A customer asks for a discount on a gym subscription.
A: I’m interested in a yearly membership, but the price is steep. Any promotions?
B: We offer 10% off if you pay upfront.
A: Could you waive the sign-up fee as well?
B: If you commit today, I can remove the fee.
A: Great, I’ll sign up.
13. Informal: Haggling for a Second-Hand Bike
Context: A buyer negotiates with a private seller.
A: Your bike looks good, but £200 is over my budget.
B: It’s in great condition—how much can you offer?
A: Would you take £150?
B: Meet me at £170, and it’s yours.
A: Deal!
14. Formal: Corporate Catering Discount
Context: A company negotiates catering rates for an event.
A: We need catering for 100 people. Do you offer volume discounts?
B: Yes, we can reduce the per-person cost by 8%.
A: Our budget allows for a 12% reduction.
B: If you book three events, we can do 10%.
A: Acceptable—let’s proceed.
15. Semi-Formal: Negotiating a Phone Repair
Context: A customer asks for a lower repair fee.
A: The screen repair costs £120—that’s more than I expected.
B: It includes a warranty, but I can do £100 if you pay cash.
A: £90, and I’ll leave a positive review.
B: Fair enough—done!
16. Informal: Bargaining at a Garage Sale
Context: A buyer haggles over an old lamp.
A: How much for this lamp?
B: £25—it’s vintage!
A: It’s a bit scratched. Would you take £15?
B: £18, and it’s yours.
A: Fine, here you go.
17. Formal: Negotiating Office Lease Terms
Context: A startup negotiates rent for a co-working space.
A: We need five desks. Is the monthly rate negotiable?
B: For a 12-month contract, we can reduce it by 10%.
A: We’d prefer 15% with a six-month commitment.
B: We can meet at 12% for six months.
A: Agreed.
18. Semi-Formal: Discount on Eyeglasses
Context: A customer asks for a price adjustment.
A: These frames are nice, but they’re over my budget.
B: We have a 10% student discount.
A: I’m not a student—can you still lower the price?
B: If you buy today, I can give you 5% off.
A: Okay, I’ll take them.
19. Informal: Street Food Bargaining
Context: A tourist negotiates for extra toppings.
A: How much for a falafel wrap?
B: £6 with all toppings.
A: Can I get extra hummus for the same price?
B: Just £1 more.
A: How about £6.50 with double hummus?
B: Fine, deal!
20. Formal: Negotiating a Consulting Fee
Context: A client discusses rates with a business consultant.
A: Your hourly rate is high. Can we agree on a fixed project fee?
B: For a full strategy, I charge £3,000.
A: Our limit is £2,500. Can we adjust deliverables?
B: I can reduce the report length and offer £2,700.
A: That’s acceptable.
21. Semi-Formal: Negotiating a Wedding Venue
Context: A couple asks for a discount on a venue.
A: We love this place, but it’s slightly over budget.
B: We offer a 5% discount for weekday bookings.
A: If we book for next year, could you do 10%?
B: For an off-season date, yes.
A: Perfect—we’ll confirm.
22. Informal: Bargaining for a Painting
Context: A buyer haggles at an art fair.
A: How much for this small painting?
B: £80—it’s an original.
A: Would you take £60?
B: £70 is my lowest.
A: Okay, I’ll take it.
23. Formal: Negotiating Software Training Costs
Context: A company requests a corporate training discount.
A: We need training for 20 employees. What’s the bulk rate?
B: Normally £200 per person, but we can do £180 each.
A: Our budget is £3,000 total. Can we adjust?
B: We can offer £160 per person for 20.
A: That works—thank you.
24. Semi-Formal: Negotiating a Tattoo Price
Context: A customer asks for a lower tattoo rate.
A: I love your work, but £300 is steep for this design.
B: It’s custom work, but I can do £250 if you pay upfront.
A: £220, and I’ll refer friends.
B: Deal—book your slot!
25. Informal: Haggling for a Used Book
Context: A buyer negotiates at a second-hand bookstore.
A: How much for this novel?
B: £10—it’s in great condition.
A: The cover is worn. Would you take £6?
B: £8 is my final offer.
A: Okay, here’s the cash.
26. Formal: Negotiating a Legal Retainer Fee
Context: A client discusses fees with a lawyer.
A: Your retainer fee is high. Can we adjust payment terms?
B: We can split it into two installments.
A: Would you consider a 10% reduction for long-term work?
B: For six months, yes.
A: Agreed.
27. Semi-Formal: Asking for a Discount on Shoes
Context: A customer notices a minor defect.
A: This pair has a small scuff. Can I get a discount?
B: I can take 15% off.
A: 25% and I’ll buy them now.
B: 20% is our policy for defects.
A: Fair enough—I’ll take them.
28. Informal: Bargaining for a Handmade Rug
Context: A tourist haggles in a market.
A: This rug is beautiful! How much?
B: £120—it’s handmade.
A: That’s too much. £80?
B: £100 is my lowest.
A: £90, and I’ll buy two.
B: Okay, sold!
29. Formal: Negotiating a Translation Service
Context: A business discusses bulk translation rates.
A: We need 50 documents translated. What’s your rate?
B: £25 per page, but for bulk, £20.
A: Our budget is £18 per page.
B: For repeat business, we can match that.
A: Excellent—let’s proceed.
30. Informal: Haggling for a Street Performer’s CD
Context: A tourist negotiates after a performance.
A: Your music is great! How much for a CD?
B: £10—it includes six songs.
A: I only have £7. Would that work?
B: Sure, enjoy the music!
🧑💼 Formal Situations (Business, Professional, or High-Stakes Negotiations)
1. Corporate Procurement: Office Equipment
Context: A procurement officer negotiates with a supplier for office chairs.
Buyer: We’re interested in purchasing 50 ergonomic chairs. Could you provide a bulk discount?
Seller: Certainly. The standard price is $200 per chair, but for 50 units, we can offer $180 each.
Buyer: That’s a start. If we increase the order to 70 chairs, can you reduce the price further?BBC
Seller: For 70 chairs, we can go down to $170 per unit.
Buyer: Agreed. Let’s proceed with 70 chairs at $170 each.
2. Real Estate: Apartment Rental
Context: A tenant negotiates rent with a landlord.
Tenant: The listed rent is $1,200 per month. Is there room for negotiation?ESL Fast+1ESL Fast+1
Landlord: The apartment is in high demand, but I’m open to discussion.
Tenant: I’m willing to sign a two-year lease if we can settle at $1,100 monthly.
Landlord: A two-year commitment? In that case, $1,100 is acceptable.
Tenant: Excellent. Let’s finalize the agreement.
3. Wholesale Purchase: Electronics
Context: A retailer negotiates with a distributor for smartphones.
Retailer: We’re looking to order 500 units of the latest model. What’s your best price?BBC
Distributor: The MSRP is $600, but for 500 units, we can offer $550 each.
Retailer: If we commit to 1,000 units, can you reduce it to $500 per unit?
Distributor: At that volume, $500 is feasible.
Retailer: Deal. We’ll place an order for 1,000 units at $500 each.ESL Fast+2BBC+2ESL Fast+2
4. Consulting Services: Contract Negotiation
Context: A company negotiates fees with a consulting firm.
Company Rep: Your proposal quotes $100,000 for the project. Is there flexibility in the pricing?
Consultant: We can offer a 10% discount if the payment is made upfront.
Company Rep: Upfront payment for a 10% discount? That works for us.
Consultant: Great. We’ll adjust the contract accordingly.
5. Event Venue Booking
Context: An event planner negotiates with a hotel for a conference hall.Educaplay+6englishfor2day.com+6ESL Fast+6
Planner: The quoted price for the hall is $5,000. Can we negotiate this rate?
Hotel Manager: If you also book guest rooms for attendees, we can reduce the hall fee to $4,000.
Planner: We’ll be reserving 20 rooms. Let’s proceed with the $4,000 rate.
Hotel Manager: Excellent. I’ll prepare the updated agreement.
🧑💼 Semi-Formal Situations (Everyday Transactions with Some Formality)
6. Car Purchase from Dealership
Context: A buyer negotiates the price of a used car.
Buyer: The car is listed at $15,000. Is there any wiggle room?
Dealer: We can offer it for $14,500.
Buyer: How about $14,000?ESL Fast+2ESL Fast+2ESL Fast+2
Dealer: Meet me halfway at $14,250?BBC+1Kenana Online+1
Buyer: Deal. Let’s proceed with $14,250.englishfor2day.com+5ESL Fast+5Educaplay+5
7. Furniture Purchase from Store
Context: A customer negotiates the price of a dining table.Scribd
Customer: This table is priced at $800. Can you offer a discount?Scribd+1Kenana Online+1
Salesperson: We can provide a 10% discount, bringing it down to $720.
Customer: If I also purchase the matching chairs, can we do $700 for the table?ESL Fast+4Scribd+4ESL Fast+4
Salesperson: With the chairs, $700 is acceptable.
Customer: Perfect. I’ll take the set.
8. Electronics Purchase
Context: A customer negotiates the price of a laptop.
Customer: This laptop is $1,200. Are there any ongoing promotions?
Salesperson: We have a 5% discount for members.
Customer: I’m not a member, but if I sign up now, can I get the discount?
Salesperson: Absolutely. Sign up today and enjoy the 5% off.
Customer: Great. Let’s proceed.englishfor2day.com+3ESL Fast+3ESL Fast+3
9. Home Appliance Purchase (continued)
Customer: This fridge is listed at $1,000. Can you offer a better price?
Salesperson: We can offer a $100 rebate, bringing it to $900.
Customer: If I pay in cash today, can you do $850?
Salesperson: Cash payment? That’s doable. $850 it is.
Customer: Thanks! I’ll take it.
10. Tailor Service for a Wedding Suit
Context: A client negotiates a price for a custom suit.
Client: You quoted $600 for the wedding suit. Can we discuss the price?
Tailor: For full customization, that’s our usual rate. What budget are you aiming for?
Client: Around $500, if possible.
Tailor: I can offer a simpler lining and reduce the price to $520.
Client: That sounds fair. Let’s do it.
11. Online Marketplace: Camera Equipment
Context: A buyer negotiates on a marketplace app.
Buyer: Hi, is the DSLR camera still available? I saw it’s listed at $750.
Seller: Yes, still available.
Buyer: Would you consider $650?
Seller: I could lower it to $700.
Buyer: Can we split the difference at $675?
Seller: Deal. $675 works.
12. Hiring a Freelance Graphic Designer
Context: A client is hiring someone for a logo.
Client: Your rate is $300 for a logo. Is there a possibility of a discount?
Designer: If you’re looking for something simpler, I can do it for $250.
Client: I’d appreciate that. $250 works.
Designer: Perfect. I’ll start today.
13. Tour Guide Services
Context: A traveler books a private guide for a day trip.
Traveler: You charge $100 for a day tour. Can you offer a better rate?
Guide: For solo travelers, I sometimes do $90.
Traveler: Make it $85 and we have a deal.
Guide: Alright, $85 it is!
14. Wedding Photographer Negotiation
Context: A couple negotiates a package.
Bride: Your package is $2,000. Is there any room for flexibility?
Photographer: I can take $200 off if you don’t need printed albums.
Bride: That’s fine. We’re okay with digital copies.
Photographer: Then $1,800 it is.
15. Language Tutoring
Context: A student arranges a weekly schedule.
Student: You charge $30 per hour. Can we do $25 for regular weekly lessons?
Tutor: If it’s a package of 10 lessons, I can offer $25 per hour.
Student: That works for me.
🧢 Informal Situations (Casual, Street Bargaining, Personal Deals)
16. Buying at a Flea Market
Buyer: How much for this antique lamp?
Seller: $40.
Buyer: I’ll give you $30.
Seller: Can’t do that. How about $35?
Buyer: Deal!
17. Negotiating with a Friend Over Used Textbooks
Friend A: You want $100 for this textbook?
Friend B: Yeah, it’s still in great shape.
Friend A: I’ll give you $70 and buy you lunch.
Friend B: Make it $80 and you’ve got a deal.
Friend A: Alright, $80 it is.
18. Garage Sale
Customer: This bike’s $100?
Seller: Yep.
Customer: I’ve only got $80 on me.
Seller: Hmm… Alright. It’s yours.
19. Local Food Market
Customer: These apples are $5 a kilo. Can I get two kilos for $8?
Vendor: Hmm… okay, just for you.
20. Street Vendor – Souvenirs
Tourist: How much for this T-shirt?
Vendor: $15.
Tourist: Too much. I’ll give you $10.
Vendor: $12 is final price.
Tourist: Deal!
21. Buying a Used Bike Online
Buyer: Is $120 the lowest you’ll go?
Seller: I can do $110.
Buyer: $100 and I’ll come pick it up today?
Seller: Alright, it’s yours.
22. Negotiating a Babysitting Rate with a Neighbor
Parent: You usually charge $15/hour, right?
Babysitter: Yep.
Parent: Can you do $12 for regular weekends?
Babysitter: Sure, since it’s regular.
23. Splitting Rent with a Roommate
Roommate A: You want me to pay $600?
Roommate B: Yeah, your room’s bigger.
Roommate A: What about $550 and I handle internet?
Roommate B: That works.
24. Renting a Surfboard at the Beach
Customer: $25 for an hour?
Vendor: Yes.
Customer: I’ll be out there for two hours. Can you do $40?
Vendor: Sure thing!
25. Dog Walker Price Discussion
Dog Owner: You charge $20 per walk?
Walker: Yup.
Dog Owner: Can we do $18 if it’s every day?
Walker: Daily? Yeah, that works.
26. Negotiating the Price of a Phone with a Friend
Friend A: I want $300 for it.
Friend B: $250 and I’ll help you move next weekend?
Friend A: Tempting… okay, $250 and you’re booked.
27. Art Commission from an Instagram Artist
Buyer: I love your portraits. How much for a custom one?
Artist: $100.
Buyer: Can you do it for $80?
Artist: Meet me in the middle at $90?
Buyer: Deal!
28. Asking for Discount at a Small Boutique
Customer: I love this dress, but it’s $95. Any discount?
Shopkeeper: How about 10% off?
Customer: Sounds good. I’ll take it.
29. Used Furniture on Facebook Marketplace
Buyer: Is this couch still available?
Seller: Yes, $200.
Buyer: Will you take $150?
Seller: I’ll let it go for $170.
Buyer: Alright, I’m coming over.
30. Negotiating at a Craft Fair
Customer: These earrings are beautiful. $50, right?
Vendor: Yes.
Customer: Any chance you’ll do $40?
Vendor: For you, yes.
Summary of Key Bargaining Phrases:
Informal: “That’s too much—how about a Green shirt?” / “I’ll buy it now if you do [price].”
Formal: “Could we discuss a volume discount?” / “Is there flexibility in pricing?”
Semi-Formal: “Would you consider lowering the price?” / “Can we meet halfway?”