Instructions
Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.
Transcript
Junko: Hello, Junko Mori speaking. How can I help you?
Andrea: Hi, Junko, it's Andrea here from Red Band. I'm calling about our latest order.
Junko: Everything arrived OK, right? We got the delivery confirmation at our end.
Andrea: Yes, everything's fine with the order. I'm calling about the invoice and the payment terms. I need a favour.
Junko: A favour? What do you need?
Andrea: This is a little, er ... difficult, but I need an extension on the payment terms. I know they're usually 30 days, but we're having some cash flow problems. You'd really be helping us out if you could extend it to 60 days.
Junko: I'm not sure if I can do that, Andrea. We've got regulations at our end, and also have to manage our own cash flow.
Andrea: I promise this won't become the norm, Junko. Actually, I also want to place another new order. The same size order as last time. It's for an important customer and they pay on delivery.
Junko: I see. So your cash flow problem will be solved after this new order is delivered.
Andrea: Exactly.
Junko: That sounds good. Hold on, Andrea. Let me see what I can do. Yes, I think we can make an exception this time.
Andrea: That's great, Junko. I appreciate your help.
Junko: And we appreciate your business, Andrea. It works both ways.
Andrea: Thanks again, Junko. Can you send me a quick email confirmation of the payment terms extension?
Junko: Sure, no problem. We're happy to help you.
Andrea: Great. And I'll email you the new order.
Junko: Thanks. I'll keep an eye out for it. Talk to you soon.
Andrea: You too. Goodbye.
Well, This topic reminds me the time when I was a shopkeeper. I had been the shopkeeper before I do my current work. And sure while I was working at a shop, a shop patron came to shopping. He had bought grocery before he had a favour. He forgot to bring money with. He asked me for help. And of course I was happy to help him. He wanted to pay it later. I said "didn't worry about it, let pay it next coming". He was really grateful for what I did. And he had appreciated my help. In short, I have done a favours for my clients
Exceptions happen and I always try to help my clients.
Yes. At the time my client requested to wait for one week to deeply analyze the contract
It depends on the customer history if it good l will extend the payment sure
Yes, when customer is very important and his record is good then I'll make exceptions and do this. If customer record is not good then it's become risky to do this.
Agree. I will accept an exception if customer record is good.
I have ever done a favour for my customer. I gave my students an extension on payment for the tuition.
Yes, I do if the client deserves this helping, it's all about the situation.
I agree with you, if you isn't flexible you could loose the client, because he will know that he doesn't ever have support on you.