Phrases to Use When Trying to Get a Lower Price: Examples and Meanings

Effective Phrases for Negotiating Lower Prices

Negotiating prices is a valuable skill, especially when you want to get the best deal possible. Whether you're shopping in a market, discussing a contract, or trying to save on services, knowing the right phrases can make all the difference. This lesson will guide you through various phrases to use when trying to get a lower price, including soft, assertive, and negotiation phrases, complete with examples and detailed meanings.

By the end of this lesson, learners will understand how to:

• Use soft phrases to politely ask for a better price.
• Apply assertive phrases when they need to be more firm in their negotiation.
• Utilise negotiation phrases to strategically discuss prices and conditions.
• Enhance their bargaining skills in everyday situations.

This lesson is designed to be beginner-friendly, using simple language and practical examples to ensure comprehension. Let’s explore the useful vocabulary and practical applications of negotiating lower prices.

Useful Vocabulary for Negotiating Lower Prices

Soft Phrases

1. "Do you have any flexibility on the price?"

   • Use this phrase to gently ask if the price can be lowered.
   • Example: "This dress is beautiful. Do you have any flexibility on the price?"

2. "That's too expensive."

   • A straightforward way to indicate that the price is higher than expected.
   • Example: "I love this lamp, but that's too expensive for me."

3. "Can you work with me on this?"

   • This phrase asks the seller to consider a lower price.
   • Example: "I like this car. Can you work with me on this price?"

4. "I haven't the budget for that amount."

   • Use this to explain that the price exceeds your budget.
   • Example: "This painting is stunning, but I haven't the budget for that amount."

5. "That's above my budget."

   • Another way to express that the price is too high for your budget.
   • Example: "This hotel room is lovely, but it's above my budget."

6. "Is there any room for negotiation?"

   • Politely inquiring if the price is fixed or negotiable.
   • Example: "This sofa is perfect. Is there any room for negotiation?"

7. "Can you do any better on the price?"

   • Asking if the seller can offer a lower price.
   • Example: "I really like this camera. Can you do any better on the price?"

8. "Is this your best price?"

   • Gently challenging the initial offer to seek a better deal.
   • Example: "This is a nice watch. Is this your best price?"

9. "Are there any discounts available?"

   • Inquiring about potential discounts or special offers.
   • Example: "I'm interested in this course. Are there any discounts available?"

10. "Could you offer a discount for cash payment?"

    • Suggesting a lower price in exchange for immediate cash payment.
    • Example: "I'm ready to buy this today. Could you offer a discount for cash payment?"

Assertive Phrases

1. "You've got to be joking!"

   • Use this to express shock or disbelief at a high price.
   • Example: "£500 for this chair? You've got to be joking!"

2. "What!"

   • A strong, concise way to show surprise or disagreement with the price.
   • Example: "£150 for a haircut? What!"

3. "I'm not made of money."

   • Use this to humorously express that the price is too high for you.
   • Example: "£200 for these shoes? I'm not made of money!"

4. "You're not even in the same city with that price."

   • This phrase indicates that the price is far from what you expected.
   • Example: "£1000 for a weekend trip? You're not even in the same city with that price."

5. "That's ridiculous."

   • A blunt way to express that the price is unreasonable.
   • Example: "£50 for a sandwich? That's ridiculous."

6. "That's way out of my price range."

   • Use this to express that the price is much higher than what you can afford.
   • Example: "This holiday package looks great, but that's way out of my price range."

7. "I can't justify spending that much."

   • A polite way to say that the price is too high for your needs.
   • Example: "This jacket is stylish, but I can't justify spending that much."

8. "That's far too expensive for me."

   • Use this phrase to clearly state that the price is too high.
   • Example: "I like this phone, but that's far too expensive for me."

9. "That price is absurd."

   • A strong expression of disagreement with the price.
   • Example: "£30 for a cup of coffee? That price is absurd."

10. "I can't see how that's worth it."

    • Use this to indicate that the value doesn't match the price.
    • Example: "£400 for a simple desk? I can't see how that's worth it."

Negotiation Phrases

1. "That's not going to work."

   • Use this to indicate that the price offered is unacceptable.
   • Example: "£300 for this service? That's not going to work for me."

2. "Way too expensive."

   • A straightforward way to express that the price is much higher than expected.
   • Example: "This gadget is nice, but it's way too expensive."

3. "Well, this isn't really an attractive price for me."

   • A polite way to suggest that the price is not appealing.
   • Example: "I like this laptop, but this isn't really an attractive price for me."

4. "You're not quite in the ballpark."

   • Use this to indicate that the price is not even close to your expectations.
   • Example: "£500 for this jacket? You're not quite in the ballpark."

5. "I can't bring that price back to [my boss] [my wife/husband]. If you can get down to [amount], I can sell it at [my office] [home]."

   • This phrase is useful in professional negotiations, showing a need to justify the price.
   • Example: "I can't bring that price back to my boss. If you can get down to £300, I can sell it at the office."

6. "If you can't get down to [amount], I can't sell it...."

   • Use this to indicate that the deal is contingent on a lower price.
   • Example: "If you can't get down to £250, I can't sell it to my clients."

7. "How flexible are you on...?"

   • This phrase gently probes for potential price adjustments.
   • Example: "How flexible are you on the price of this watch?"

8. "We could sign if you..."

   • A conditional phrase that links signing a deal to meeting certain terms.
   • Example: "We could sign if you can lower the price by 10%."

9. "We may accept your offer on condition that..."

   • Use this to set terms for accepting an offer.
   • Example: "We may accept your offer on condition that you include free delivery."

10. "We understand your position; however..."

    • A respectful way to acknowledge the seller's stance while expressing your own needs.
    • Example: "We understand your position; however, we need a better price to proceed."

11. "Can you come down a bit on the price?"

    • A polite request for a reduction in price.
    • Example: "I like this couch, but can you come down a bit on the price?"

12. "What would be your best price?"

    • Asking for the lowest price the seller can offer.
    • Example: "I'm interested in this phone. What would be your best price?"

13. "Is there any way we can lower this price?"

    • Suggesting a discussion to reduce the price.
    • Example: "This table is perfect. Is there any way we can lower this price?"

14. "Could we negotiate the price?"

    • Directly asking if the price is open to negotiation.
    • Example: "Could we negotiate the price for this service?"

15. "I'm looking for a better deal."

    • Indicating that you want a lower price.
    • Example: "I need a new laptop, but I'm looking for a better deal."

16. "Is this the final price?"

    • Checking if the price is fixed or if there's room for adjustment.
    • Example: "This seems a bit high. Is this the final price?"

17. "Can you offer any special discounts?"

    • Asking if there are any available discounts or offers.
    • Example: "I'm buying several items. Can you offer any special discounts?"

18. "What can you do for me on the price?"

    • A general request for a price reduction.
    • Example: "I like this camera. What can you do for me on the price?"

19. "Could we discuss a more reasonable price?"

    • Suggesting a conversation to find a mutually agreeable price.
    • Example: "This quote seems high. Could we discuss a more reasonable price?"

20. "I'd be willing to buy it if we can agree on a lower price."

    • Expressing readiness to make a purchase if the price is reduced.
    • Example: "I want to buy this bike, but I'd be willing to buy it if we can agree on a lower price."

Summary and Takeaways

Exercises to Practise Alone

To practice these phrases alone, try creating dialogues or role-playing scenarios where you negotiate for a lower price. Record yourself to see how naturally you can use these expressions and refine your responses.

Lesson Summary

This lesson focused on how to negotiate for a lower price in English, providing learners with practical phrases and examples for various situations. From soft phrases like "Do you have any flexibility on the price?" to assertive statements like "That's ridiculous," and strategic negotiation phrases like "We could sign if you..." we covered a range of expressions to enhance your bargaining skills.

What Learners Gained

Learners gained a comprehensive understanding of how to negotiate prices appropriately, improving their conversational skills and confidence. This knowledge is crucial for everyday interactions, ensuring polite and clear communication while seeking the best deals.

Key Phrases Learnt

Key phrases learners should remember include "Do you have any flexibility on the price?", "You've got to be joking!", "That's not going to work.", and "How flexible are you on...?". These phrases will help you navigate various bargaining scenarios smoothly.

Tips for Remembering

To retain these phrases, practice regularly by incorporating them into daily conversations. Creating flashcards with the phrases and their meanings can also be helpful. Engaging in role-plays with friends or language partners will further reinforce your learning.

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