We are going to need confirmation on these orders today, and delivery must be made before next Tuesday. Do you think you can handle that?
We are willing to work with you, but do you think it would be possible to extend your confirmation deadline? We need to check the warehouse to make sure the products are in stock. The earliest I will be to get back to you is tomorrow morning.
No, I must know today because we have to go to press for the advertisements. Is there anyway you can speed up the process of checking inventory?
We can do that, but it will cost. . . If we have to check our inventory with all our guys on overtime, you're looking at an increased cost of, I'd say, maybe 10 %.
Are you kidding?
No, and let me tell you why. . . If I make my guys stay over to check the inventory, I'll have to pay them at an overtime rate, which is time and a half. I estimate it will probably take 3 guys two hours to finish, that will be an increase on your labor fee by at least 10 %. . . if you need the numbers that urgently, I can have them do it. Otherwise, we can wait until tomorrow morning, and I'll call you with the numbers after they're done. It's your call. . .