negotiate a price

Meaning

To negotiate a price means to discuss the cost of a product or service with a seller or buyer to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties. It is a common practice in business deals, purchasing, and sales. The tone is professional and strategic.

Examples

• We managed to negotiate a price that fits within our annual budget.

  We managed to negotiate a price that fits within our annual budget.

• It is always a good idea to negotiate a price when buying in bulk.

  It is always a good idea to negotiate a price when buying in bulk.

• The supplier was unwilling to negotiate a price, so we looked elsewhere.

  The supplier was unwilling to negotiate a price, so we looked elsewhere.

• She is highly skilled at helping clients negotiate a price for consulting services.

  She is highly skilled at helping clients negotiate a price for consulting services.

• Before you sign the contract, try to negotiate a price that includes shipping.

  Before you sign the contract, try to negotiate a price that includes shipping.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to negotiate about the price.

  ✓ We need to negotiate a price.

  While 'negotiate about something' is sometimes used generally, when discussing a specific cost or deal, 'negotiate a price' (direct object) is the standard business collocation.

• ✗ They negotiated a cheap price.

  ✓ They negotiated a lower price.

  In professional settings, using 'cheap' can sound low-quality. It is better to negotiate a 'lower', 'better', or 'fair' price.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If we buy one thousand units, we can probably ___ with the manufacturer.

  💡 Talk to them to get a better deal on the cost.

  Show answer

  negotiate a price

• It took us three hours to ___, but we finally agreed on fifty dollars per hour.

  💡 Discuss and decide on the cost of the service.

  Show answer

  negotiate a price