B1English

Prices & Bargaining

Use these phrases to ask about prices and politely negotiate a better deal at a market or informal shop.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking the price · 3 ways to say it

How much is this?

neutral

What are you asking for this?

casual

Often used at outdoor markets or yard sales.

Could you tell me how much this costs?

polite
Reacting to a high price · 2 ways to say it

That's a bit steep for me.

casual

The word 'steep' is a common informal way to say expensive.

That is a little over my budget.

neutral
Asking for a discount · 3 ways to say it

Can you do any better on the price?

neutral

Can you knock a few bucks off?

casual

US informal - 'bucks' means dollars.

Can you knock a few quid off?

casual

UK informal - 'quid' means pounds.

Making an offer · 2 ways to say it

I can offer you thirty dollars for it.

neutral

I'll give you twenty for it right now.

casual
Counter-offering

Meet me halfway at twenty-five.

casual

Suggesting a price exactly in the middle of two offers.

Refusing to lower the price

The price is firm, I'm afraid.

polite

Used by the seller to say the price will not change.

Walking away

I think I'll look around a bit more, thanks.

neutral

A polite way to leave, which can sometimes make the seller lower the price.

Agreeing on the price

Alright, you've got a deal.

casual

Practice Dialogue

Customer
Hi there. How much is this lamp?
Vendor
That one is forty-five dollars.
Customer
Right. That's a bit steep for me, honestly.
Vendor
It is an antique. I can do forty, though.
Customer
Well, I like it, but it's still a little over my budget.
Vendor
What price were you thinking of?
Customer
Would you take thirty for it?
Vendor
I can't go quite that low. Meet me halfway at thirty-five.
Customer
Sure, alright. You've got a deal.
Vendor
Great. Cash or card?

More Shopping & Money (B1)

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