MicroMax公司銷售部主管Fred給客戶Tom打電話，討論漲價的事情。Fred要漲25%，Tom嫌太多。

F: I feel your pain, Tom. We are also in hot water these days. The global financial crisis is hitting all of us hard.

T: Is there anyway we could cut costs in other areas? Could we find a new shipping agent?

F: Yes, we could do that. But in the end it still comes down to protecting our bottom line.

對別人表示理解，可以說I feel your pain. 不過，Fred話鋒一轉說，we are also in hot water. 我們日子也不好過。In the end it still comes down to protecting our bottom line, 歸根結底我們還是要保證公司利潤。 The bottom line, 意思是贏利。

T: Look, I understand that prices for everything are going up these days. It's a tough time to be in business. My company had to lay off over 100 employees last summer; but 25% is just too much.

F: You and I go a long way back, Tom. I'll do everything in my power to be flexible....how about 22%?

T: It's still too high. Our board of directors is already going to give me a hard time over this. Can you do better?

Tom同意漲價，但不肯接受25%. Fred跟Tom拉關系，you and I go a long way back. 咱倆可是老交情了，然后問Tom22%怎么樣。Tom還是嫌多，說董事會會give me a hard time, 繞不了我。

F: Tom, seeing as I've known you for over 10 years and because this price increase really came out of the blue, I think I can go down to 20%. But that's really the best I can do.

T: How about this: I'll pay 15% more for this shipment. Then for the next order we'll boost it up to 18%.

F: You certainly know how to drive a hard bargain. Ok....how about 18% for this one and a 21% increase for next time?

T: I think I can do that. Ok....Fred, you've got yourself a deal.

Fred降到20%，并表示，that's really the best I can do. 不能再低了，他肯這樣做，是因為the increase really came out of the blue, 這次漲價的要求確實很突然。Tom還是不肯點頭。Fred說，you certainly know how to drive a hard bargain, 意思是真會殺價。最后兩人同意這批貨漲18%，下批貨漲21%。 Tom說，Fred, you've got yourself a deal, 意思是成交。成交后當然還要寒暄一下。

F: I appreciate your understanding, Tom. And I'm sorry for the trouble this has caused you.

T: Ah, that's all right. I know it's not your fault. Prices for everything these days are insane.

F: Still, I appreciate your understanding. Let's get together for lunch next time you're in town.

T: Sure thing. And say hi to your lovely wife, Katrina.

F: Will do. Thanks again, Tom.