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Unit4

What you think exactly

Henry: Excuse me, I wonder if you could somehow get them done in the same way that you did
last time.

Yoon: I’m sorry, Mr. Henry, but may I ask you to elaborate on that? What do you exactly think of
the quality, quantity, and prices of our products?
Henry: Sure, I’ll explain it to you. What I really want to know is if it’s possible to expect any reduc-
tion on these prices for Silk Scarves SS2004/7.
Yoon: Well, I see what you mean now. I’m afraid it’s not possible. These really are our bottom
wholesale prices for these products. I don’t think we can afford to lower the prices any fur-
ther.
Henry: Well, I understand your position. So there is no way that you can do it now? Can you at least
consider it or make another review of the prices? I don’t want our preliminary negotiations to
go to waste.
Yoon: Actually, due to the current oil price, the cost of materials have soared up compared to the
prices last year. That’s the main reason why we can’t afford to lower the price. However, I will
do my best to have this reconsidered by our board. Can you wait for the decision on this?

1. How do you maintain honesty with your business partners and colleagues?

Sample answer:
I try to be honest but I still maintain respect. I say what I think and feel, but I always do it in a
polite way.

2. Do you have a strategy or tip that helps you to be candid with business part-
ners?

Sample answer:
I find ways to express what I really think. If I can’t do it personally, then I write a letter to my
business partner and state what I really feel or think in the letter.

3. Can you tell or sense if a business partner is hesitant to tell you something,
keeping a piece of information from you?

Sample answer:
Yes, I can sense it quite well because I’m a very observant person. I can sense if a business
partner is keeping information from me by merely looking at his facial expression or listening

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