Checking for Upcoming Stock
A customer wants a specific book that isn't currently in stock and asks the bookseller if they expect to get it in soon or if they can be notified when it arrives.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
stock
Stock means the supply of items available for sale in a store, like books in a bookstore. Use it when asking if something is available, for example, 'Do you have this in stock?'
popular
Popular describes something that many people like or buy. In a store, you might say a book is popular if it sells quickly.
waiting list
A waiting list is a record of people who want an item that's not available yet. It's useful when asking about reservations for sold-out items.
delivered
Delivered means goods are brought to a place, like new books arriving at a store. Say 'When will it be delivered?' to ask about arrival times.
notify
To notify means to inform or tell someone about something important. In shopping, you might ask a store to notify you when an item arrives.
hold
In this context, hold means to reserve or keep an item for someone for a short time. Use it like 'Can you hold this book for me?'
shipment
A shipment is a batch of goods sent together to a store. It's common in retail to refer to new deliveries of products.
appreciate
Appreciate means to feel grateful for help or kindness. Say 'I appreciate your help' to politely thank someone.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I was wondering if you might have 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig in stock?
This is a polite way to ask if something is available. 'I was wondering' softens the question, making it more courteous. Use it in stores to inquire about specific items without sounding demanding.
It looks like we just sold our last copy this morning.
This explains that an item is out of stock politely. 'It looks like' is a gentle way to give information. It's useful for shop assistants to inform customers without disappointing them too much.
Do you happen to know if you'll be getting more copies in soon?
This asks about future availability indirectly. 'Do you happen to know' is a polite phrase for seeking information you think someone might have. Great for inquiring about restocks in shops.
I can take your name and number and give you a call if it comes in.
This offers to help by contacting the customer later. It's a service-oriented response in customer service. Use it to build goodwill when something isn't available right away.
That would be fantastic! I'd really appreciate that.
This expresses strong thanks and enthusiasm. 'I'd really appreciate' shows gratitude politely. Use it when someone offers helpful service to make the interaction positive.
We usually hold them for about 48 hours for notified customers.
This describes a store policy on reservations. 'Usually' indicates it's a general rule, and 'for notified customers' specifies the condition. Helpful for explaining terms to customers clearly.
I'll probably stop by next week just in case too.
This shows the customer will visit again as a backup plan. 'Just in case' means to prepare for if something doesn't go as expected. Use it to express caution or follow-up intentions.