Negotiating a Price Politely at a French Brocante: Intermediate French
Learn to make a polite offer and ask for a small discount at a French brocante using 'Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix?' and 'un petit effort'.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
At a brocante, you often want to negotiate, but in French the goal is to stay friendly and respectful. This lesson teaches you two key phrases: 'Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix?' to ask if the seller can offer a price, and 'un petit effort' to request a small discount. You will also learn how to ask questions about the object and respond politely whether the seller agrees or refuses. The register is diplomatic and warm, suitable for a casual market or vide-grenier.
By the end, you can…
- ask a seller if they can offer a price using 'Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix?'
- request a small discount with 'un petit effort' and respond politely to the seller's answer.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix ?
Can you offer a price?
ess-kuh voo poo-vay fair un pree
Use this as a polite opening to ask if the seller is open to negotiation. It is softer than directly stating a lower price.
Vous pouvez faire un petit effort ?
Can you make a small effort?
voo poo-vay fair un puh-tee ef-or
This is a common way to ask for a discount. 'Un petit effort' implies a modest reduction, not a huge one.
Ça fait combien ?
How much is it?
sa fay kom-byan
Ask this first to know the starting price. It is neutral and works for any item.
Je vous en propose 15 euros.
I offer you 15 euros.
zhuh voo zan pro-poz kenz uh-ro
State your offer politely with 'Je vous en propose' + amount. Use this after the seller has given a price.
C'est un peu cher pour moi.
It's a bit expensive for me.
say tun puh shair poor mwa
A gentle way to signal that the price is too high without being confrontational. Often invites a counter-offer.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask for a discount politely, use 'Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix ?' or 'Vous pouvez faire un petit effort ?'. The first is a general request; the second specifically asks for a small reduction. For example, if an item is 20 euros, you can say: 'Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix ?' The seller might reply 'Je peux faire 18 euros.' You can also make a counter-offer: 'Je vous en propose 15 euros.' Always use 'vous' with sellers unless they invite 'tu'. The phrase 'un petit effort' is idiomatic and softens the request.
When to use it
Use these phrases at brocantes, vide-greniers, or flea markets where prices are often negotiable. Start by asking about the item: 'Ça fait combien ?' Then, if you want a lower price, say 'Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix ?' If the seller hesitates, you can add 'Un petit effort, s'il vous plaît ?' Avoid using these phrases in regular shops where prices are fixed. In some regions, like the south of France, negotiation may be more common; in others, it may be less expected. Always keep a friendly tone and be ready to accept 'non' gracefully.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, ça fait combien pour ce vase ?
Hello, how much is it for this vase?bon-zhoor, sa fay kom-byan poor suh vazBonjour, c'est 25 euros.
Hello, it's 25 euros.bon-zhoor, say van-senk uh-roEst-ce que vous pouvez faire un petit effort ? Je vous en propose 20 euros.
Can you make a small effort? I offer you 20 euros.ess-kuh voo poo-vay fair un puh-tee ef-or? zhuh voo zan pro-poz van uh-roJe peux faire 22 euros, c'est mon dernier prix.
I can do 22 euros, that's my final price.zhuh puh fair van-duh uh-ro, say mon der-nyay preeA little context goes a long way
At a brocante, negotiation is usually welcome but should remain polite and light. A smile and a friendly tone matter more than the exact words. Sellers may refuse or counter-offer; accept either with 'D'accord, merci' or 'Je vais réfléchir'. In some regions, like Brittany or Alsace, haggling may be less common than in the south, so gauge the seller's openness. Never insist after a firm 'non'.
One thing to watch for
Translating 'Can you do a price?' literally as 'Pouvez-vous faire un prix ?' without 'Est-ce que' or using 'tu' with a stranger.
Try this instead: Use 'Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix ?' or 'Vous pouvez faire un prix ?' to be polite. With strangers, always use 'vous'. For example: 'Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix ?' is correct; 'Tu peux faire un prix ?' is too familiar unless the seller is a peer and invites 'tu'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask a seller if they can offer a price for a lamp?
Show a sample answer
Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix pour cette lampe ?
This uses the polite 'vous' form and the key phrase 'faire un prix'. You could also say 'Vous pouvez faire un prix ?' with a rising intonation.
2What phrase would you use to ask for a small discount after hearing the price?
Show a sample answer
Vous pouvez faire un petit effort ?
This is a standard polite request for a modest reduction. Alternatives include 'Un petit effort, s'il vous plaît ?' or 'Est-ce que vous pouvez baisser un peu ?'
3The seller says 'C'est 30 euros.' You want to offer 25 euros. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
Je vous en propose 25 euros.
This politely states your offer. You could also say 'Est-ce que vous pouvez faire 25 euros ?' Both are acceptable; the first is more direct but still polite.
At a brocante, negotiate with a smile: ask 'Ça fait combien ?', then 'Est-ce que vous pouvez faire un prix ?' or 'Vous pouvez faire un petit effort ?'. Always use 'vous' and accept the answer gracefully.
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