This procedure involves the necessary activities in the process of purchasing required goods or services. The customer contacts a potential supplier in writing and receives an offer in reply. As the customer is not completely satisfied with the terms stated in the offer, he contacts the supplier by (answer-)phone to arrange an appointment for a negotiation of these terms. The negotiation takes place and is successful. Therefore, the customer finally places an order.

You can work together in pairs or groups of three.

The following steps should be taken:

1. Introducing your company

2. Getting in touch with a potential supplier: enquiry and offer by letter

3. Leaving an answerphone message (suggesting an appointment for a negotiation) using the Online Voice Recorder (see link in Step 3)

4. Negotiating (one or several terms of the offer) with the potential supplier. Use the Online Voice Recorder to record the individual parts of the dialogue and then the Audio Joiner (see link in Step 4)  to join both of your audio files.

5. Placing an order by e-mail

The results of all 5 steps should be handed in!

Think of a company (ideally your own) that you'd like to use for this activity.

Give some background information about your firm (line of business, location, size, etc.). 

Choose a suitable way to present this information.

Decide on products or services your company requires.

Then get in touch with a potential supplier and write an enquiry. A week later you'll receive an offer.

Correspondece takes place by letter. To make sure it reaches the addressee, do not forget the full layout!

Customer and supplier meet to negotiate the terms of the offer.

After the successful negotiation, the customer places an order by e-mail on the new terms agreed upon.