Idioms /2.1

to give you an edge over the competition - to give you an advantage when you compete against other firms

No kidding! - You must be joking! - I find it hard to believe what you say

to run up against problems - to meet unexpected problems

to get it right - to solve/overcome the problem

PART 2 BUSINESS TERMS /2.2/

on display - being shown to potential buyers

sales technique - a method used to increase sales

to install - to put in position (a machine) ready for use

after-sales service - service provided by the manufacturer or supplier of the machine to keep that machine in good working order after it has been sold

spare parts - the parts of a machine kept ready to replace those at present in use

to break down - to stop working

competitive price - a price which is as low as or lower than that of competitors

complete package - a combination or group of sales features

guarantee - a promise given by the company that a product is of good quality and that they will be responsible for any faults

service manual - a book giving information about the care and maintenance of the machine

deal - a business arrangement, usually a sale, which has advantages for both sides

to despatch - to send

in stock - kept/stored ready for use or sale

Idioms /2.2/

to set up a visit - to organise a visit

to praise to the skies - to say something is wonderful, marvellous

to move heaven and earth - to make an enormous effort

UNIT 3 CLINCHING A DEAL

PART I BUSINESS TERMS /3.1/

to clinch a deal - to make a sales agreement final, to do/make a deal

to negotiate (a deal) - to discuss a deal formally

firm order - an order which is definite

delivery - carrying goods to their destination

substantial order - a large order

large textile group - a number of textile companies which are linked together to form a group. Usually the group consists of a parent company and several subsidiary or affiliate companies

to work below capacity - to produce less than the maximum output

to work at full capacity - to produce the maximum output

insurance - the business of providing protection against certain risks such as loss, damage, or theft of goods

invoice - a bill for the sale of goods. It is given by the seller to the buyer and it shows details of the goods sold.

to invoice - to make out an invoice and send it to a customer

f.o.b. /free on board/ - The seller's price includes all charges and risks up to the point where the seller delivers the goods on board the named ship at the named port of shipment. From that point, the buyer bears the charges and risks.

CIF /Cost, Insurance and Freight/ - The seller's price includes all charges and risks up to the point where the ship carrying the goods arrives at the named port of destination.

f.a.s. /free alongside ship/ - the seller's price includes all charges and risks up to the point where the goods are placed alongside the named ship ready to be taken on board

ex works /ex factory/ - The price excludes all delivery charges. The buyer has to arrange for collection of the goods at the works or factory, and pays all expenses such as loading, insurance, carriage

Franco quay - the same as f.a.s.

CF /Cost and Freight/ - the price paid to the seller includes packing and freight to the named port of destination, but does not include insurance. This must be paid by the buyer.

discount - a reduction made in the price of the goods

concession - a special right or advantage given to the buyer

list price - the supplier's invoice price before any discount is taken off