Asking About Pricing and Payment
A customer asks about the cost per wash/dry cycle and the accepted payment methods (coins, card, app).
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
laundromat
A self-service place where people go to wash and dry their clothes using coin-operated or card machines. It's common in the US for people without home laundry.
wash cycle
One complete process in a washing machine that cleans clothes, usually lasting 30-60 minutes. Use this term when asking about laundry services.
drying
The action of using a dryer machine to remove moisture from clothes after washing. It's often charged separately from washing.
quarters
US coins worth 25 cents each, commonly used to operate older laundry machines. Many places still require them.
credit card
A plastic card that lets you pay for services or goods and pay the bill later. It's a common payment method in the US.
mobile app
A software application on your smartphone that can handle payments or services, like paying for laundry remotely.
QR code
A square pattern of black and white squares that your phone camera can scan to access links, payments, or information quickly.
straightforward
Something simple, easy, and without complications. Use it to describe processes that are user-friendly.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm new to this laundromat. Could you tell me how much it costs per wash?
This is a polite way to start a conversation and ask for prices. 'Could you tell me' is a formal request structure using 'could' for politeness. Useful when you're in a new place and need information about costs.
A standard wash cycle is $3.50, and the large capacity machines are $5.00.
This sentence explains prices clearly using 'is' for stating facts and 'and' to connect options. It's useful for service workers to describe different machine types and their costs in everyday situations.
What about drying? Is it priced per minute or per cycle?
A follow-up question using 'What about' to ask for more details. 'Priced per' shows how something is charged (by time or use). Great for clarifying service details in stores or services.
What payment methods do you accept here? Do I need quarters, or can I use a card?
This asks about accepted ways to pay using 'do you accept' and alternatives with 'or'. It's practical for any service to avoid confusion and prepare for payment.
We're pretty flexible! You can use quarters, credit or debit cards, and we also have a mobile app you can download and pay through.
This lists options with 'you can use' and 'and' for additions. 'Pretty flexible' means very accommodating. Useful for customer service to reassure and explain multiple choices.
Just scan it with the app and follow the prompts. It's very straightforward.
Imperative instructions using 'just' to simplify steps and 'follow the prompts' for on-screen guidance. Helpful for explaining tech-based processes in modern services.