Making a concession on price

W Si DUNBAR & SONS PLC 55 Castle Street, Glasgow, Scotland Telephone 595932 Fax 537824 Dear Mr. Dupont, Thank you for your letter of 29 December 1995. We are disappointed to hear that our price for Flame cigarette lighters is too high for you to work on. You mention that Japanese goods are being offered to you at a price approximately 10% lower than that quoted by us. We accept what you say, but we are of the opinion that the quality of the other makes does not measure up to that of our products. Although we are keen to do business with you, we regret that we cannot accept your counter offer or even meet you half way. The best we can do is to reduce our previous quotation by 2%. We trust that this will meet with your approval. We look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely,		Useful phrases Line 5 We are of the opinion that the quality of the other makes does not measure up to that of our products^ Line 7 Although we are keen to do business with you, we regret that... Line 9 The best we can do is to reduce our previous quotation by . . . Line 9 We trust that this will meet with your approval. Notes Para. 1 Identify the reference and express disappointment that your offer has not been accepted. Para. 2 Give an answer to the reason for the offer not being accepted. Para. 3 Decline the counter offer. Para. 4 Make a small concession on the price. This is probably what the customer is expecting.
Comments The vendor defends the price quoted for the product in the best way: by stressing quality. At the same time, he shows flexibility in offering a small concession on price.	Alternative Phrases Line 1 We are sorry to hear that the price of our . . .is too high for you to make a reasonable profit. Line 5 We do not deny the truth of what you say but. . . Line 5 ... the quality of the other brands is not as good as Line 9 We hope that you will accept this offer.