Returning an Unwanted Gift
A customer received an item as a gift that they don't want or already have, and seeks to return it for store credit or a refund, possibly without a receipt.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
return
To return something means to bring it back to a store to get money back or exchange it. Use it when you want to give back an item you bought or received.
receipt
A receipt is a small piece of paper from a store that shows what you bought and how much you paid. It's important for returns to prove your purchase.
gift
A gift is something someone gives you without expecting payment, like on a birthday. In stores, gifts can often be returned without a receipt.
store credit
Store credit is money value given by the store that you can use to buy other things there, instead of getting cash back. It's common when there's no receipt.
retailing
Retailing means the current price at which an item is sold in the store. Use 'retailing for' to talk about the selling price of something.
scan
To scan an item means to use a machine to read the barcode on it, often to check the price or process a sale or return.
issue
To issue something means to officially give or provide it, like issuing a card or document. In stores, clerks issue gift cards or credits.
fill out
To fill out a form means to write the required information on it, such as your name or address. It's a common phrase for completing paperwork.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'd like to return this item, if possible.
This is a polite way to start a return request. 'I'd like to' is a formal expression for 'I want to,' and 'if possible' shows politeness by acknowledging it might not be allowed. Use it when asking for a favor in a store.
Do you happen to have the receipt for it?
This is a gentle way to ask if someone has something, like a receipt. 'Happen to' makes it sound casual and not demanding. It's useful in service situations to check for important documents without being rude.
Unfortunately, no.
This is a polite way to say 'no' when giving bad news. 'Unfortunately' softens the response and shows regret. Use it in conversations to respond negatively but kindly, like when you don't have something needed.
In that case, we can offer you store credit for the current selling price of the item.
This sentence explains an alternative option using 'in that case' to connect to a previous situation. It's useful for customer service to suggest solutions, and 'offer you' is a polite way to propose something.
Store credit sounds fine. How much would that be?
This agrees to an option and asks for details. 'Sounds fine' is informal agreement, and 'how much would that be' uses conditional 'would' for hypothetical questions. Use it to accept and clarify in shopping scenarios.
Let me scan it for you.
This offers help politely with 'let me' meaning 'allow me to.' It's a common phrase in stores for processing items. Use it when assisting someone with a task like checking price or payment.
Could you please fill out this short form with your name and email?
This is a polite request using 'could you please' for courtesy. 'Fill out' is phrasal verb for completing forms. It's essential for service interactions when needing customer information.
Thanks for your help!
This is a standard way to express gratitude at the end of a helpful interaction. It's simple and always appropriate after receiving assistance, like in a store return.