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Clarifying Sale Terms and Conditions

A customer is confused about the terms of a sale (e.g., 'buy one get one free', 'minimum purchase required') and asks an employee for clarification.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Excuse me, I have a quick question about the 'buy one get one free' offer on these cereals.
2
Michael (Male)
Certainly, what can I help you with? Are you referring to the Special K cereals?
3
Sarah (Female)
Yes, exactly. It says 'buy one get one free,' but then there's a small note here saying 'minimum purchase of two items required.' Does that mean I have to buy four to get two free, or just two total?
4
Michael (Male)
Ah, I see the confusion. The 'minimum purchase of two items required' simply means you need to buy at least two items to qualify for the 'buy one get one free' deal. So, if you pick up two boxes, one will be free, and you'll pay for the other one.
5
Sarah (Female)
Oh, I understand now! So it's effectively a 50% discount if I buy two. That makes a lot more sense.
6
Michael (Male)
Exactly. Some people get tripped up by that wording. Is there anything else I can clarify for you?
7
Sarah (Female)
No, that clears it right up. Thanks so much for your help!
8
Michael (Male)
You're very welcome. Enjoy your shopping!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

offer

A special deal or promotion in a store, like a discount on products. Use it when asking about sales, e.g., 'What's the offer on this item?'

referring

Pointing to or mentioning something specific. In conversations, say 'Are you referring to...?' to confirm what the other person means.

confusion

A state of being unclear or mixed up about something. Use it to describe misunderstanding, e.g., 'I see the confusion here.'

minimum purchase

The smallest amount you need to buy to get a deal. Common in sales, e.g., 'There's a minimum purchase required for this offer.'

qualify

To meet the requirements for something, like a promotion. Say 'Do I qualify for the discount?' when checking eligibility.

deal

An agreement or bargain, often a good price. Use in shopping contexts, e.g., 'This is a great deal!'

clarify

To make something clear or explain it better. Polite way to offer help, e.g., 'Can you clarify that for me?'

discount

A reduction in price. Useful for sales talk, e.g., 'Is there a discount on this?'

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Excuse me, I have a quick question about the 'buy one get one free' offer on these cereals.

This is a polite way to start a conversation and ask about a promotion. Use it in stores to get attention without being rude. The structure uses 'Excuse me' for interruption and specifies the topic clearly.

Certainly, what can I help you with?

A helpful response from a store employee. 'Certainly' means 'of course,' and it invites the question. Useful for service roles to show willingness to assist.

It says 'buy one get one free,' but then there's a small note here saying 'minimum purchase of two items required.'

This sentence points out a confusing detail in a promotion. Use it to describe reading labels and seeking explanation. It uses contrast with 'but' to highlight the issue.

Ah, I see the confusion. The 'minimum purchase of two items required' simply means you need to buy at least two items to qualify for the 'buy one get one free' deal.

This clarifies a misunderstanding politely. 'Ah, I see' acknowledges the issue, and 'simply means' simplifies the explanation. Great for customer service to resolve doubts.

So, if you pick up two boxes, one will be free, and you'll pay for the other one.

This rephrases the deal clearly with a conditional 'if' clause. Useful for explaining offers step-by-step, helping learners practice future actions in shopping scenarios.

Oh, I understand now! So it's effectively a 50% discount if I buy two.

Expresses realization and summarizes the benefit. 'Effectively' means 'in practice,' and it's useful for confirming understanding in conversations. The exclamation shows relief.

Is there anything else I can clarify for you?

Offers further help after explaining. Polite closing question in service interactions. Uses 'can I' for offering assistance, common in retail.

No, that clears it right up. Thanks so much for your help!

Thanks the helper and ends the talk. 'Clears it right up' is an idiom meaning 'makes it completely clear.' Use it to show gratitude and satisfaction in similar situations.