The Office - Closing The Deal (C0205)

Mr. Smith:	I’m glad you could find time to meet with me, Mr. Johnson. I can’t think of a nicer environment for our meeting today, the ambiance here is lovely!
Mr. Johnson:	No problem, if possible I always combine business with pleasure. Now, let’s hear more about these chocolates you’re offering.
Mr. Smith:	Well, as you know, I have recently become the sole distributor for Grangers Gourmet Bon-bons here in the United States. They’re a new manufacturer and are looking to break into the luxury market. Naturally, your restaurant sprang into my mind immediately. I think your brand exemplifies many ofthe same traits as Grangers and serving these chocolates would really add to your reputation for providing elegant, luxurious, first class dining.
Mr. Johnson:	Hmmm, sounds interesting…. gourmet chocolates , where are they produced? Belgium?
Mr. Smith:	Actually, the factory is located in Scotland.
Mr. Johnson:	Really? I didn’t think they were known for their luxury chocolate production…
Mr. Smith:	That’s what makes this such a fantastic opportunity! The government is one hundred percent supportive of creating new export markets and has guaranteed a low tariff for all wholesale orders of over one thousand units. They’ve also reduced the red tape involved at customs as well. Here, I brought these especially for you, try one!
Mr. Johnson:	Oh, thanks. Mmm, hmm, creamy texture, smooth….
Mr. Smith:	Unique aren’t they? I bet you’ve never tasted anything like it! Quality is assured as I personally visit the factory to make sure no one’s cutting corners with the ingredients. Only the crème de la crème make it through inspection.
Mr. Johnson:	Yes, very interesting flavors……. Slightly spicy, very unique, that’s for sure. Exactly what ARE the ingredients?
Mr. Smith:	I have it on highest authority that this traditional secret recipe has been handed down inthe Granger family for generations. I’m sure you can keep a secret. Buttermilk, cacao beans, sugar and Haggis.
Mr. Johnson:	Haggis? What’s Haggis?
Mr. Smith:	It’s a traditional Scottish delicacy; you take sheep’s liver, heart and lung and stuff it inside ofthe sheep’s stomach.
Mr. Johnson:	Ah, get back to you.
Mr. Smith:	Mr. Johnson? Mr. Johnson?

Key Vocabulary

ambience		the atmosphere of a place
distribuitor		a person or business that sells to retail stores
manufacturer		a company that makes goods
break into		enter quickly
spring		To appear or come into being quickly
exemplify		sets an example, a demonstration
trait		a characteristic feature or quality
factory		place where goods are made
know		famous for, easily recognized
tariff		a tax or amount of money to be paid
wholesale		The sale of goods in large quantities.
red tape		procedures required to gain bureaucratic approval
cutting corners		To do something in the easiest or most inexpensive
hand down		to pass from one family member or generation to th
Haggis		made of sheep's viscera minced with oatmeal, suet,
stuff		to pack tightly, to cram inside

Supplementary Vocabulary

Angel Investors		Individuals who back emerging entrepreneurial ventures, usually as a bridge to get from the self-funded stage to the level of business that would both need and attract venture capital.
Joint Venture		A legal entity created by two or more businesses joining together to conduct a specific business enterprise with both parties sharing profits and losses.
Venture Capital		A form of financing for a company in which the business gives up partial ownership and control of the business in exchange for capital over a limited time frame, usually 3-5 years.
Merger		A joining together of two previously separate corporations.
Audit		an evaluation of a person, organization, system, process, enterprise, project or product.

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