Purchasing English · One-to-one classes

English for Purchasing and Procurement: Online Course for Buyers

Break Into English offers an online English for purchasing course, taught one-to-one over video by a native teacher assigned to you. You practice the English of buying: sourcing suppliers abroad, sending RFQs and tenders, comparing offers, negotiating price, lead time, and terms, reviewing contracts, and managing supplier performance. Classes run 7 days a week on Zoom, Teams, or Meet, from €14.38 per class. Your first 30-minute class is free.

  • Your own native teacher
  • Sourcing, RFQs, negotiation
  • Built around your suppliers
  • Classes 7 days a week
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4.9/5· 39 Google reviews

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Free purchasing English trial class

30 minutes to assess your level, talk about your job and your suppliers, and try our method. No commitment and no credit card.

  • We contact you within 24 hours to schedule your class.
  • We assign you a native teacher based on your level and goals.
  • The class takes place on Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, with nothing to install.

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Reply within 24 hours · No commitment · No credit card

350,000+
Hours taught
150
Native teachers
17,000+
Satisfied students
64
Corporate clients
Cambridge Assessment English · Authorised Exam Centre ETS TOEIC · Authorized Test Provider
English for purchasing

Online English for purchasing course with a native teacher

The Break Into English purchasing course is taught one-to-one over video, with a native teacher you keep from start to finish. It starts from your job and your real situations: a new supplier to qualify at a trade show, a price increase from a manufacturer in Asia, a late delivery to sort out, a supplier audit to prepare.

In purchasing, English is how you get the best terms without damaging the relationship. You need to state a precise requirement, compare offers, set your limits in a negotiation, and stay clear in writing that commits your company.

That is why the classes start from your own documents and exchanges: you do most of the talking, through role-plays, and your teacher corrects what matters in front of a supplier. For import-export operations, see also our English for international trade course.

The Break Into English method

How the purchasing English classes work

Classes follow a dynamic method focused on speaking and listening. Your teacher combines several activities based on your goal and, if useful, uses our General English and Business English textbooks.

  • Oral presentations

    You present your company, a requirement, or a sourcing strategy to your teacher.

  • Listening activity

    You summarize a short audio clip, then summarize it again using the new vocabulary, and get used to different accents.

  • Picture description

    You comment on a bid comparison table or a price chart, then comment on it again using 3 to 7 new words.

  • Grammar in practice

    Grammar is practiced out loud, based on your own mistakes, with no fill-in-the-blank drills.

Sample 45-minute class

10 min · Your requirement

You present a current purchase as you would to a new supplier.

15 min · Listening and summary

You work on comprehension and vocabulary with an audio clip.

20 min · Role-play

You push back on a price increase from a supplier, played by your teacher, then go over your mistakes.

Course length and schedule

Course length depends on your starting level and your goal. To make fast progress, we recommend at least 2 hours of class per week, and more before a major negotiation.

Classes last 30, 45, or 60 minutes and are booked in packs of 5 to 40 sessions.

Classes run 7 days a week and can be canceled for free up to 6 hours before, so you can fit them around supplier calls in other time zones.

English for purchasing, by role

The course adapts to your role and to the goods and services you buy.

Buyers and category buyers

Source suppliers, compare offers, and negotiate price, lead time, and terms.

Supply planners and purchasing assistants

Place and follow up orders, chase deliveries, and handle delays or shortages.

Project and technical buyers

Write specifications, work with a supplier’s engineering team, and follow a development.

Procurement managers and directors

Present a sourcing strategy, manage a supplier panel, and lead annual negotiations.

English level needed in purchasing, by role

The CEFR measures language level in 6 steps, from A1 to C2. Here are benchmarks by role, with the TOEIC Listening & Reading score that matches each level according to ETS.

RoleRecommended CEFR levelTOEIC score (out of 990)
Purchasing assistant, supply plannerB1From 550
BuyerB1 to B2550 to 785
International buyer, project buyerB2From 785
Procurement manager or directorB2 to C1785 to 945

B2 is a common requirement for buyer roles with an international scope. The TOEIC does not measure C2.

English for purchasing course content

Your teacher builds each class around your role. Every situation is practiced in role-play, out loud and in writing.

  1. Sourcing and supplier selection

    Present your company, state a requirement, and qualify a new supplier, at a trade show or by video.

  2. RFQs, RFPs, and tenders

    Write a request for quotation or a tender and ask questions about an offer.

  3. Comparing and evaluating offers

    Compare offers, ask for clarification, and explain an award decision.

  4. Supplier negotiation

    Prepare a negotiation, get a discount, make a concession, and close the deal.

  5. Contracts and specifications

    Understand key clauses, penalties, warranties, and payment terms.

  6. Orders and delivery follow-up

    Place a purchase order, chase a supplier, and handle a delay or a quality issue.

  7. Supplier visits, audits, and performance

    Visit a supplier, run a supplier review, present KPIs, and prepare an audit.

  8. Complaints, escalations, and intercultural negotiation

    Escalate an issue firmly and politely, and adapt your style to suppliers from other cultures.

Training your whole procurement team? See our English classes for companies.

Essential purchasing English vocabulary

A few terms used every day in purchasing, each with a sample sentence you will practice in class.

TermMeaningSample sentence
Supplier / vendorCompany that sells to you“We are looking for a second supplier for this component.”
Request for quotation (RFQ)Request for a price offer“Please find attached our request for quotation.”
TenderFormal invitation to bid“Five suppliers have answered the tender.”
SpecificationsDetailed requirements“The offer must meet our technical specifications.”
Lead timeTime between order and delivery“Could you reduce the lead time to four weeks?”
Volume discountLower price for larger orders“We expect a volume discount for 10,000 units.”
Minimum order quantity (MOQ)Smallest quantity a supplier accepts“What is your minimum order quantity?”
Purchase order (PO)Official order document“We will send the purchase order today.”
Key performance indicator (KPI)Performance measure“On-time delivery is our main KPI.”
Supplier auditInspection of a supplier“We will carry out a supplier audit in March.”

Not sure where to start? Book a free trial class and your teacher will assess your level.

Prove your Business English with an official certificate

A certificate proves your level to employers and recruiters. Break Into English is an authorized Cambridge English exam center and is accredited by ETS for the TOEIC.

  1. Assess your level

    In the free trial class, your teacher assesses your level on the CEFR scale.

  2. Choose the exam

    Cambridge English or TOEIC, depending on what your employer asks for.

  3. Prepare in class

    You combine purchasing English with practice on the exam format.

  4. Take the exam

    You sit the exam with the level you need to prove.

Cambridge English exam centerETS TOEIC accreditationOne-to-one video classes

English for purchasing course pricing

from €14.38

per class, in packs of 5 to 40 sessions. Your first 30-minute class is free.

One-to-one classes, self-paced course, or live group?

FormatHow it worksBuilt around your role
Self-paced online courseModules, dialogues, and quizzes on your ownNo, and no speaking practice
Live group workshopFixed sessions with the same program for everyonePartly
One-to-one classes with Break Into EnglishA live native teacher, 7 days a week, free cancellation up to 6 hours beforeYes, based on your suppliers and documents
Book my free trial class

English for purchasing training for procurement teams

We train buyers, supply planners, and procurement managers with one-to-one classes: one native teacher per person and schedules that fit each calendar. 64 companies already trust Break Into English.

See training for companies Request a quote

Reviews of our online English classes

Break Into English

4.9Out of 5 stars

Overall rating out of 39 Google reviews

Verified by Google Reviews WordPress Plugin

Selma LEMDEWAR
a week ago

Giuliana Dall'Antonia
a month ago

Ich bin sehr zufrieden mit meiner Englischschule und insbesondere mit meiner Lehrerin Bakara. Sie gestaltet die Lektionen interessant, lernfördernd und abwechslungsreich – es macht richtig Spass, Englisch zu lernen! Man merkt, dass sie mit Herz bei der Sache ist und auf individuelle Bedürfnisse eingeht. Break Into English ist absolut empfehlenswert für alle, die ihre Englischkenntnisse effektiv und mit Freude verbessern möchten.

Gregory Benabu
a month ago

Un grand merci à Carmen, qui est vraiment géniale : très patiente, à l’écoute et toujours motivante. Les leçons sont ludiques, interactives et parfaitement adaptées au niveau de notre fils. Il progresse rapidement, tout en prenant plaisir à apprendre. Nous recommandons fortement Break Into English — c’est l’idéal pour progresser en anglais facilement et dans la bonne humeur !

Svetlana Kupriyanchik
a month ago

I've had a wonderful experience learning English at this school! The program is well-structured, engaging, and truly helps you improve naturally and confidently. All the teachers are highly professional and supportive, always creating a welcoming and motivating atmosphere. I want to give special thanks to Gabu Ithier – she is an outstanding teacher! Her energy, patience, and ability to explain even the most complex things in a clear and fun way made every class a joy. I’m incredibly grateful for the progress I’ve made with her help. Thank you to the entire team – I’m so glad I chose this school!

Théophile Robertaud
a month ago

Ivan Magnusek
Edited a month ago

Marie-Jo Golovine
a month ago

L'équipe prend le temps de trouver le prof idéal qui correspond à vos souhaits, à vos besoins et votre profil. Au début, ma fille a "testé" plusieurs professeurs qui ne l'ont pas satisfait (fuseau horaire et difficulté à trouver un horaire commun, méthode du professeur qui ne correspond pas à l'enfant, etc.), mais au bout de 4 professeurs on nous a enfin trouvé la perle rare et ça fait maintenant 3 ans que nous avons toujours le même professeur pour notre fille de 14 ans, et sa sœur de 12 ans a aussi commencé avec ce professeur il y a plus de 6 mois. Les progrès en anglais des deux enfants sont incroyables. Nous sommes ravis ! De plus le fait de pouvoir s'entendre sur les horaires avec les professeurs, qu'ils soient flexibles est un plus.

Fatimazahra Hdid
a month ago

Jimena C.
a month ago

Break Into English offers excellent one-on-one online lessons with skilled native-speaking teachers who tailor each session to your needs. Their professional approach make learning both effective and enjoyable. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to improve their English confidently and efficiently.

Sam Louwman
3 months ago

I've been taking classes with Break Into English for a while now, and it's honestly one of the best learning experiences I’ve had. All the teachers I've worked with are native speakers, super professional, and really good at adapting lessons to what I need What I love most is how personalized everything feels, it's not just a generic course. The classes are structured but flexible, and I can see real progress in my speaking and confidence. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants serious, high quality English lessons with great teachers

Olena Vrublevska
a month ago

This has been the best experience I’ve ever had — I truly enjoy every lesson with Kirstyn, and we’ve been having them for the past two years already (Wow!)!

Emma
a year ago

I can recommend. Staff are attentive and supportive. Break Into English is hearing to student's needs. What's more, I'm extremely satisfied with the quality of the courses' content. It was possible to make real progress thanks to the particular course.

Karenina Alvarenga (Karen)
a year ago

I took 5 classes with Krystin and she was very kind, gentle and helpful.It was an excellent approach to the learning process.

azadeh djalili
6 years ago

Great teachers & method

FAQ about our English for purchasing course

How much does an English for purchasing course cost?

One-to-one classes start at €14.38 per class, in packs of 5 to 40 sessions. Your first 30-minute class is free, with no commitment and no credit card.

Who is this course for?

It is for buyers, category buyers, project buyers, procurement specialists, supply planners, purchasing assistants, and procurement managers who work with suppliers abroad.

Do I need purchasing knowledge to start?

No. This is not a course on purchasing techniques but on the English you need to apply them. Your teacher builds the classes around the tasks you already do.

What level of English do I need to start?

There is no minimum level. Your teacher assesses your level on the CEFR scale during the free trial class, then starts with what you need most: sending an RFQ, chasing a delivery, or negotiating a price.

Does the course prepare me for supplier negotiations?

Yes. You practice preparing a negotiation, asking for a discount, making concessions, and defending your lead times and terms, in role-plays where your teacher plays the supplier.

Does it cover negotiating with suppliers from different cultures?

Yes. Your teacher helps you adapt your tone and strategy to suppliers in China, the US, the UK, or Germany, where negotiation styles and directness differ.

Can I work on my own documents?

Yes. You can bring a specification, an RFQ, a contract, or emails, without confidential data. Your teacher uses them to build role-plays close to your daily work.

Can I get a certificate at the end?

Yes. Break Into English is an authorized Cambridge English exam center and is accredited by ETS for the TOEIC. Your teacher can prepare you for the exam an employer asks for.

Do you train procurement teams?

Yes. We train teams with one-to-one classes: one native teacher per person and schedules that fit each calendar. Request a quote from our page for companies.

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