A:Mr.Gao,would you give us an idea of the price you regard as workable?

B:As I said before,your price is so high that we find it difficult to make a bid.We hope you will take the initiative and bridge the gap.

A:We’re ready to reduce the price by 5 percent.I hope this concession of ours will set the ball rolling.

B:So do we.I’m afraid though,Mr.Hoffmann,that the ball can hardly roll very far.Certainly it’s a step forward on your side.But the gap is still too wide.

A:The ball is with you,Mr.Gao.What price would you suggest?

B:To make your offer workable,I think you should take another step down as big as the one you’ve just taken.

A:That won’t do.You see,our profit margin is very narrow.It simply can’t stand such a big cut.

B:I hate to disappoint you,Mr.Hoffmann,but if that’s the case,we have no alternative but to cover our requirements elsewhere.Do think it over,please.We sincerely hope our discussion will come to a success.

A:Well,I’m not authorized to agree to such a big reduction.Would you mind waiting a day or two,until I get a reply from the home office?

B:Not at all.Shall we meet again,say,on Friday morning?

A:Good,Friday morning at 9:00.