商务英语情景口语100主题029

Hard bargainers VS. soft bargainers

Dialogue 1

A: We've got a problem...it looks like we'll need more spotlights¹ on the exhibition booth. The client thinks it's too dark,and they want to add halogen lighting². We've already got 3 sets of track lighting from you guys,do you think you could help us out and throw in some halogens?

B:Oh...Um...I don't think so. you know the halogen lighting is much more expensive than your track lighting system. Plus I'm going to have to call in some guys to install it for you. That's not going to come cheap.

A: But it would only be adding to the existing structure. We're not talking about anything new here...

B: It doesn't matter because we will still have to call the electrician out, and they are union labor³. It'll cost you a pretty penny....

A: How much do you think it would cost?

B: Ummm,I estimate it'll run in the neighborhood of ....$500 per light.

A: $500per light?!That's ridiculous!It can't possibly be that expansive!

B:It is,I'll tell you why. We'll have to call in the electrician, he's going to charge overtime⁴ now because it's already 5PM, and it will probably take him an hour a light. Plus, the halogen lights take more electricity,so your electrical cost is going to be higher as well.

A: Can't you give me a break on this？ We've already spent so much money on lighting,I hate to have to blow so much more on halogens.

B: No, that's the cost, and that's what it's going to cost us. We can't go in the hole with this. I am giving you my best price,so take it, or leave it.

1 spotlights   

n.聚光灯（的光）( spotlight的名词复数 )；公众注意的中心v.聚光照明( spotlight的第三人称单数 )；使公众注意，使突出醒目

参考例句：

• The room was lit by spotlights. 房间被聚光灯照亮。
• The dazzle of the spotlights made him ill at ease. 聚光灯的耀眼强光使他局促不安。 来自辞典例句

2 lighting   

n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光

参考例句：

• The gas lamp gradually lost ground to electric lighting.煤气灯逐渐为电灯所代替。
• The lighting in that restaurant is soft and romantic.那个餐馆照明柔和而且浪漫。

3 labor   

n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦

参考例句：

• We are never late in satisfying him for his labor.我们从不延误付给他劳动报酬。
• He was completely spent after two weeks of hard labor.艰苦劳动两周后，他已经疲惫不堪了。

4 overtime   

adj.超时的，加班的；adv.加班地

参考例句：

• They are working overtime to finish the work.为了完成任务他们正在加班加点地工作。
• He was paid for the overtime he worked.他领到了加班费。