Lesson 4: Requesting Movement or Concessions

Key Phrases

Basic patterns:

Would you be able to [action]?

Is there any flexibility on [issue]?

Could you reconsider [request]?

Would you be open to [proposal]?

Is there any possibility to [action]?

Softened requests:

We were wondering if [request]

Would it be possible to [action]?

Could we explore whether [possibility]?

Is there room to move on [issue]?

Might there be any way to [action]?

Additional expressions:

Would you consider [proposal]?

Could we discuss [possibility]?

Would you be willing to [action]?

Is there any chance of [outcome]?

Example Sentences

Would you be able to extend the deadline by two weeks?

Is there any flexibility on pricing for larger orders?

Could you reconsider the payment terms?

Would you be open to adjusting the delivery schedule?

Is there any possibility to bring the delivery date forward?

We were wondering if you could include installation in the package.

Would it be possible to make an exception?

Could we explore whether there's room to move on the delivery date?

Is there room to move on this issue?

Would you consider extending the payment period by two weeks?

Could we discuss a possible exception to the standard process?

Would you be willing to consider a one-time adjustment?

Dialog: Payment Terms & Conditions

note:
Net 30 means the payment is due in full 30 days from the invoice date

Customer: Our position is that the current payment terms are difficult for us.

Supplier: Unfortunately, we're not able to change the terms at the moment.

Customer: Would you be open to extending the payment period by two weeks?

Supplier: We could consider that, provided payments are made on schedule going forward.

Customer: That works for us and would help us manage our cash flow.

Supplier: Then we're agreed on the revised payment schedule.

Variation:

Customer: Our view is that the current payment terms of Net 30 are quite difficult for us.

Supplier: Unfortunately, we cannot change the standard terms easily right now.

Customer: Would you consider extending the payment period by two weeks, to Net 45?

Supplier: We could agree to that, provided that future payments are made on time as agreed.

Customer: That suits us and would really help with managing our cash flow.

Supplier: Excellent. We are agreed on the new Net 45 terms.