MicroMax公司销售部主管Fred给客户Tom打电话，讨论涨价的事情。Fred要涨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.
对别人表示理解，可以说I feel your pain. 不过，Fred话锋一转说，we are also in hot water. 我们日子也不好过。In the end it still comes down to protecting our bottom line, 归根结底我们还是要保证公司利润。 The bottom line, 意思是赢利。
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同意涨价，但不肯接受25%. Fred跟Tom拉关系，you and I go a long way back. 咱俩可是老交情了，然后问Tom22%怎么样。Tom还是嫌多，说董事会会give me a hard time, 绕不了我。
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，他肯这样做，是因为the increase really came out of the blue, 这次涨价的要求确实很突然。Tom还是不肯点头。Fred说，you certainly know how to drive a hard bargain, 意思是真会杀价。最后两人同意这批货涨18%，下批货涨21%。 Tom说，Fred, you've got yourself a deal, 意思是成交。成交后当然还要寒暄一下。
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.