The dealer from whom you have been buying books informs you that henceforth he can give only 15% instead of 20% discount. What is the most advisable course of action?

• A. Cancel the order
• B. Increase price
• C. Accept the discount
• D. Investigate the discounts offered by other book dealers.

Answer: (D)

Maintaining buying power means not locking yourself into a single supplier when terms change. A drop from a 20% discount to 15% means the library will pay more for the same purchases, so the best move is to check what other book dealers are offering. By comparing discounts and terms across several vendors, you can judge whether the new rate is still competitive or if you can negotiate a better deal with the current supplier. You also test availability, shipping times, and service, all of which affect library operations. If other dealers present more favorable terms, you have leverage to negotiate further or switch providers. This approach protects the budget, keeps supplies reliable, and helps ensure you get the best overall value rather than accepting a smaller discount without question.