Quoting Costs & Timeline
The technician provides an estimate for the repair cost (parts and labor) and the expected time for completion.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
diagnostic
A quick check or test to find out what is wrong with something, like a computer. Use it when talking about identifying problems.
hard drive
The part inside a computer that stores data and programs. It's like the computer's memory storage.
failing
Not working properly or starting to break down. Use this to describe something that is stopping functioning well.
corrupted
Damaged or changed in a way that makes files or data unusable. Common in computer contexts for broken software files.
replace
To put a new part or thing in place of an old or broken one. Useful when discussing repairs or updates.
labor
The work done by people, especially the cost for someone's time and effort in a service like repair.
in stock
Available to buy or use right away in a store or shop. Say this when checking if items are ready.
budget
The amount of money you have planned to spend. Use it when discussing costs you can afford.
backing up
Making a copy of your data to protect it from loss. Important advice for computer users to say regularly.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
What would be the total cost for that, including parts and labor?
This is a polite way to ask for the full price of a service. It's useful in shopping or repair situations. Note the structure: 'What would be...?' for hypothetical or estimated questions, and 'including' to specify what's covered.
It would come out to about $180 to $220, depending on the specific drive we have in stock.
This gives an estimated cost range. Useful for quoting prices. 'Come out to' means 'total up to'; 'depending on' shows conditions; 'in stock' explains availability. Great for service providers.
Okay, that's within my budget.
This means the price is affordable for you. Use it to agree when costs fit your planned spending. 'Within' means 'inside the limits of'; simple and direct for positive responses.
How long do you think it would take to complete the repair?
Asks for an estimated time. Helpful in service contexts. 'Do you think' softens the question; 'would take' is conditional for future estimates; 'complete' means finish.
Assuming we have the drive in stock, we could likely get it done by tomorrow afternoon.
Gives a timeline with a condition. Useful for planning. 'Assuming' means 'if we suppose'; 'could likely' shows possibility; 'get it done' is informal for finishing a task.
We'll send you a text notification as soon as it's ready for pickup.
Promises communication when something is finished. Common in customer service. 'As soon as' means immediately after; 'ready for pickup' refers to collecting an item.
We also recommend backing up your data regularly in the future.
Gives advice for prevention. Use to suggest good habits. 'Recommend' means suggest strongly; 'regularly' means often or on a schedule; 'in the future' specifies time.