您正在看的商务英语是:商务谈判：协定和约。

　　Dan Smith是一位美国的健身用品经销商，来向Robert Liu的公司采购货品。这是他们第一次交手。在短短几分钟的交谈中，双方都感到对方是久经沙场的老将。谈判就在拉锯中开始了。双方第一回过招如下：

　　D: I'd like to get the ball rolling(开始)by talking about prices.

　　R: Shoot(洗耳恭听). I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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

　　R: You think we should be asking for more? (laughs)

　　D: (chuckles) 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.

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

　　D: Please, Robert, call me Dan. (pause) Well, if we promise future business--volume sales(大笔交易)--that will slash your costs(大量减低成本)for making the Exec-U-ciser, right?

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

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

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