Brokers

　　Brokers neither physically handle products being distributed nor work on a continuing __1__ with their principals. __2__, a broker is an independent wholesaling middleman that brings buyers and sellers together and provides market information to either party. Most brokers work for sellers, __3__ a small percentage represent buyers.

　　Brokers have no authority to set prices. They simply negotiate a sale and leave it up to the seller to accept or __4__ the buyer's offer. They also furnish considerable market information __5__ prices, products, and general market conditions.

　　Because of the limited services provided , brokers receive relatively small commissions-5 percent or less. __6__, brokers need to operate on a low -cost basis.

　　Food brokers __7__ buyers and sellers of food and __8__ general-merchandise items to one another and bring them together to complete a sale. They are well __9__ about market conditions, terms of sale, sources of credit, price setting, potential __10__, and the art of negotiating. They do not actually provide credit but sometimes store and deliver goods. Brokers also do not __11__ goods and usually are not allowed to complete a transaction __12__formal approval. Like other brokers, food brokers generally represent the seller, who pays their commission.

　　Food brokers, __13__manufactures' agents, operate in specific geographic locations and work for a limited __14__ of food producers within these areas. Their sales force calls on chain-store buyers, store managers, and institutional purchasing agents. Brokers work __15__with advertising agencies. The average commission for food brokers is 5 per cent of sales.

　　EXERCISE:

　　1. A) basic B) basical C) basically D) basis .

　　2. A) Instead of B) Instead C) So D) Therefore .

　　3. A) for example B) as a result C) since D) although.

　　4. A) raise B) take C) reject D) lower .

　　5. A) regards B) in relation C) with regard D) regarding.

　　6. A) However B) Therefore C) For instance D) Because.

　　7. A) introduce B) to introduce C) take D) bring .

　　8. A) relating B) relate C) to relate to D) connected with .

　　9. A) informed of B) informing C) known D) informed .

　　10. A) sellers B) people C) buyers D) agents.

　　11. A) take title to B) take title of C) have title of D) give the title to .

　　12. A) with B) have C) in the possession of D) without .

　　13. A) alike B) like C) resemble D) look like .

　　14. A) number B) sum C) amount D) quantities.

　　15. A) close B) loose C) closely D)closer.

　　Key: DBDCD BABDC ADBAC