A phone call from a customer
Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.
Preparation
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.
Do you ever do favours or make exceptions for important clients?
Yes, I made exceptions for important client. I agreed on free delivery to the buyer's base. Later we entered into a long-term contract with free delivery included
In one hand, I’ll do favours or make exceptions for important clients if they give the proof of their difficulties during a short time. If they think ask my help frequently, then I will refuse it.
In the other hand, if clients are key customers, I could suggest an exceptional schedule about the payment terms and an the payment extension in the medium term.
It was very helpful to me, thanks for helping us to learn English
No, I have never found myself in the role of a supplier, but I imagine that there is an intermediate position both parties have to meet on it. The fact that the customer asks for the exception is a proof of difficulties in managing the cash flow. However, the supplier would have already planned their future activities, accounting the payment terms. The client can negotiate by proposing something that interests the supplier, e.g., a new order.
I'm a little afraid of answering this question because I was not a supplier. But, if I were a supplier, i would do a great favor for my important clients.
hello again
results about today training
preparation 6/8
task1 6/6
task2 8/8
I really liked this exercise, I learned sentences that I can use as a supplier or as a client.
Good to go
Literally, many times. I am such a helpful woman for everyone at work. My colleagues always rely on me when they are in trouble or don't know what to do. And of course, I do that with pleasure.
Yes, if I see that they have made payments correctly before, I can sometimes make an exception for them.