BEC情景对话：Discussing the Bottom Line

Dialogue 1

A: Is there any way you can cut us a better deal on your wholesale price for this order?

B:  We did the best that we could to give you a low price.  Did you get our recent estimate?

A:  Based on the estimate you gave us, by the time we figure in transportation and other expenses,  our profit is short. With the offer you've given me,  we're making next to nothing. Can't you do any better?

B: I've already given you a discount of 20% off of our normally charge.  If I go any lower,  we'll have loss on this project.  I really want to work with you on this.  But we've already gone as low as we can go. 

A:  I'll be honest with you,  our budgeted cost can't exceed more than $150 per unit. That is our bottom line.  If you can meet that price,  you've got the deal. Otherwise. . . 

B:  I'll tell you what,  I'll go over the number again with our financial team and see what I can do.  I can't give you any guarantees.  But we can try. 

Dialogue 2

A:  You got our email with all the specifications for the project.  We'll be accepting bids until noon on Tuesday.  If you have any questions between now and then.  Please let me know. 

B:  Actually,  I did have a question.  We'd like to know what you had in mind for the budget on this project.  We are hoping to put together a really competitive bid.  But at the same time,  we'd like to hit your target price, too. 

A:  I understand.  But unfortunately,  it is our policy not to disclose our bottom line.  You can be assured that price is a weighty consideration when we review the proposals.  We also consider other elements,  including design and praticality.  We also give weight to the reputation of the submitting company. 

B:  Do you have any price range? Is there any way you can give me any idea of what direction to go or how high is too high?

A:  We're just looking for a reasonable price according to the specifications in our project blueprint.  That's all I can say.