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Addressing Delivery Issues (Damage/Missing Parts)

The customer discovers a damaged item or missing parts during or after delivery and needs to report the issue to the delivery team or the store for resolution.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Emily (Female)
Hi, I'm calling about a recent furniture delivery. My order number is 23456. We just unpacked the coffee table, and it seems like the top is scratched.
2
Michael (Male)
I'm sorry to hear that, ma'am. Could you please describe the extent of the scratch? Is it a minor surface scratch or something more significant?
3
Emily (Female)
It's quite noticeable, about five inches long. It looks like it happened during transit. Also, we're missing the assembly instructions and a few screws for the bookshelf we ordered.
4
Michael (Male)
Understood. For the coffee table, we can arrange for an exchange or a repair. Could you send us a photo of the damage to our email [email protected] so we can assess it?
5
Emily (Female)
Yes, I can do that right away. What about the missing parts for the bookshelf?
6
Michael (Male)
For the missing instructions and screws, we can ship those out to you immediately. They should arrive within 3-5 business days. Would you like us to proceed with shipping those out?
7
Emily (Female)
Yes, please do. And for the coffee table, I'd prefer an exchange if possible, as it's brand new. I'll send those photos over now.
8
Michael (Male)
Alright, once we receive the photos, we'll process your request for an exchange. You'll receive a confirmation email with the next steps shortly after. Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
9
Emily (Female)
No, that should cover it for now. Thank you for your help, Michael.
10
Michael (Male)
You're most welcome, Emily. Have a good day!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

scratched

Past tense of 'scratch', meaning a mark or cut on a surface, often from damage. Use it when describing issues with items like furniture.

extent

The degree or size of something, like how bad a problem is. Common in customer service to ask for details about a issue.

noticeable

Easy to see or notice. Use this adjective to describe something obvious, like a visible damage on an item.

transit

The process of transporting goods from one place to another. Often used in delivery contexts to explain how damage might occur.

assembly

The act of putting together parts of furniture or items. Related to instructions for building something like a bookshelf.

exchange

To replace a faulty item with a new one. A polite way to request a swap in shopping or delivery situations.

assess

To evaluate or judge the condition of something. Used in service calls to check damage before deciding on a solution.

ship out

To send or mail items to a customer. A phrasal verb common in business for delivering replacement parts quickly.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

I'm sorry to hear that, ma'am.

A polite apology in customer service. Use 'ma'am' for female customers to show respect. This expression builds rapport when handling complaints.

Could you please describe the extent of the scratch?

A question to get more details about a problem. Uses 'could you please' for politeness. Useful for clarifying issues in reports or calls.

It looks like it happened during transit.

Explains the cause of damage. 'Looks like' softens the statement. Good for describing suspected reasons in complaints without blaming.

Could you send us a photo of the damage to our email?

Requests evidence politely. Includes specific details like email address. Essential in modern customer service for visual assessments.

We can ship those out to you immediately.

Offers a quick solution. 'Ship out' means to send. Use this to assure customers of fast action in delivery problems.

Would you like us to proceed with shipping those out?

Seeks confirmation before acting. 'Proceed with' means to continue. Polite way to confirm customer approval in service interactions.

I'd prefer an exchange if possible.

Expresses a preference politely. 'If possible' adds flexibility. Useful when requesting options like replacement over repair.

Is there anything else I can assist you with today?

Standard closing question in service calls. Checks for more needs. Helps end conversations professionally and ensures satisfaction.