Asking a Supplier for a Small Discount
A buyer asks his supplier for a small discount — politely, concretely and with a counter-offer.
Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test. · Worksheet (PDF)
✓ To the comprehension testYou may also like
Comprehension test
Listen first, then answer. No penalties — every explanation points to the moment in the conversation.
Let's meet in the ___ — three per cent, and in return we pay the invoice within fourteen days instead of thirty.
Sorry — I mean ___. In German, "eventuell" means possibly, not eventually.
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode a buyer asks his packaging supplier for a small discount by phone: justifying the request, naming a number, making a counter-offer, fixing the compromise. You learn the key phrases for price negotiations in English (level B1) — and why "eventuell" never means "eventually".
Asking for a discount: justify first, then ask
Markus first gives two factual reasons — the three-year relationship ("a loyal customer") and the larger order volume — and only then asks: "Would you be able to offer us a small discount?" The pattern "Would you be able to …?" is softer than "Can you …?" and gives the other side room. Asking for a discount in English without a justification quickly sounds demanding.
The compromise: give and take
Instead of insisting on five per cent, Markus proposes a trade: "Let's meet in the middle — three per cent, and in return we pay the invoice within fourteen days." The "in return" is crucial — in English-speaking business culture a concession is almost always linked to something in exchange. Emma stays constructive too: she does not simply refuse but explains her position ("our margins are quite tight") and makes her own offer.
False friend: eventuell ≠ eventually
When Markus says "we could eventually increase our order volume", Emma hears a firm commitment — because English "eventually" means "in the end, at some point for certain". German "eventuell" only means "possibly". The correct translations are "possibly", "perhaps" or "we might …". In negotiations this difference is dangerous: a vague possibility accidentally becomes a promise the other side can hold you to.
Keep practising: Learn business English online — with real teachers from Simmonds, since 2004.
Frequently asked questions
What language level is this episode for?
Level B1 (CEFR). The negotiation uses clear everyday business English; all eight key phrases are explained bilingually.
How do I politely ask for a discount in English?
In three steps: give a reason ("We've been a loyal customer …"), ask softly ("Would you be able to offer us a small discount?") and, after a counter-offer, propose a compromise with something in exchange ("Let's meet in the middle — … and in return …").
What does "eventually" mean in German?
"Eventually" means "in the end, at some point (for certain)" — not German "eventuell"! For "eventuell" say "possibly", "perhaps" or "we might". This mix-up is one of the most common mistakes German speakers make in negotiations.
Is there a transcript to read along?
Yes, the full transcript with German support notes is on this page — listen first, then take the test, then read along.
Where can I practise price negotiations in English live?
In the online business English courses from Simmonds Language Services (englisch-lehrer.com/online): live lessons with real teachers on Zoom, for companies and individuals across Germany — book a free consultation directly on the page.
Want to practise these phrases in a real conversation?
The podcast trains your ear — in our online lessons you practise the conversation yourself, with real teachers. For companies across Germany since 2004.