Clarifying Payment and Deposit Procedures
The customer asks about acceptable payment methods, the pre-authorization process for the security deposit, when the final payment is due, and any potential hidden fees.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
pre-authorization
A temporary hold on your credit card to reserve funds without actually charging you yet; common in rentals to secure deposits.
security deposit
Money set aside as a guarantee against damage or extra costs; it's not a full payment but a temporary reserve.
hold
A freeze on part of your credit limit, like blocking funds temporarily until the condition is met, such as returning a rented item undamaged.
upfront
Paying in advance or at the beginning, before receiving the service or item; used for full payments at pickup.
pickup
The moment you collect or take possession of something, like a rented car from the agency.
hidden fees
Unexpected extra costs not clearly mentioned upfront; always ask about them to avoid surprises in transactions.
transparency
Being open and clear about all details, like costs and terms, to build trust in business dealings.
mandatory
Required by law or rules, cannot be avoided; often used for taxes or fees that must be included.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
How does that typically work?
This is a polite way to ask for an explanation of a process; useful for clarifying procedures in services like rentals. It uses 'how' for methods and 'typically' to mean 'usually'.
We accept most major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
A common response in customer service to list payment options; 'accept' means allow, and 'like' introduces examples. Useful for inquiring about payments in stores or rentals.
It's a pre-authorization, not an actual charge.
This clarifies a financial process by contrasting two ideas with 'not'; helpful for understanding deposits. Use it when confirming if something is temporary or permanent.
We place a hold on your credit card for the deposit amount.
Describes a banking action; 'place a hold' is a phrasal verb meaning to reserve funds. Practical for discussing security in rentals or hotels.
The full rental amount is due at the time of pickup.
Explains payment timing; 'due' means when payment is required, and 'at the time of' specifies when. Use this pattern for deadlines in contracts.
Are there any potential hidden fees I should be aware of?
A cautious question to uncover extra costs; 'potential' means possible, 'be aware of' means know about. Essential for avoiding surprises in bookings.
We pride ourselves on transparency.
Expresses company values; 'pride ourselves on' is an idiom meaning take pride in. Useful in professional responses to reassure customers about honesty.
The quote you receive includes all mandatory taxes and fees.
Informs about included costs; 'includes' means contains, and 'mandatory' emphasizes required items. Good for confirming what's covered in a price.