Problem with Payment/Receipt
Although primarily a pre-order, sometimes there are last-minute payment issues or you need a physical receipt for your company expenses. You discuss this with the staff.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
to-go order
This means food prepared for you to take away and eat elsewhere, not in the restaurant. Use it when ordering takeout.
pick up
To collect something you have ordered or reserved earlier, like food from a restaurant. It's a common phrasal verb in service situations.
order number
A unique code or number given to your order to help staff find it quickly. Always have it ready when picking up.
payment
The act of paying money for goods or services. In English, we often discuss payment methods like card or cash.
confirmed
Means something has been verified or approved as correct. Use it when checking if an action, like a payment, is complete.
receipt
A printed or digital document that shows what you bought and how much you paid. Important for returns or expense reports.
company expenses
Money spent on work-related things that your employer reimburses. Mention this when needing a receipt for business costs.
tap
To lightly touch a contactless card or phone to a payment machine to pay quickly without inserting it.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hi there. I'm here to pick up a to-go order under the name David Miller. Order number 789.
This is a polite way to start when collecting an order. It includes your name and order number for quick identification. Useful for any pickup situation; 'under the name' means in the reservation of that person.
The payment didn't go through completely online.
This explains a payment problem politely. 'Go through' is an idiom meaning to be processed successfully. Use it to describe failed online transactions and suggest alternatives.
Can I just pay here now then?
A polite request to make a payment in person. 'Just' softens the request, and 'then' connects to the previous issue. Great for handling unexpected problems smoothly.
Will you be paying with card or cash?
This asks for the payment method in a service role. It's a yes/no question with alternatives, using future tense 'will you be' for polite inquiry. Essential for customer service dialogues.
Could I also get a printed receipt for this? It's for company expenses.
A polite request using 'could' for permission. 'Also' adds to previous actions. Explain the reason to make it clear; useful when you need proof of purchase for work reimbursement.
Just tap your card here.
Simple instruction for contactless payment. 'Just' makes it casual and easy. Use this in stores to guide customers on modern payment methods.
It's packed and ready to go.
Means the food is prepared and available to take. 'Ready to go' is an idiom for something prepared for immediate use. Common in fast-food or delivery contexts to confirm order status.
Enjoy your meal!
A friendly closing phrase in food service. It's a wish for good experience, like 'bon appétit.' Use it to end interactions positively and build rapport.