When You’re a Customer‏

“Born to shop!” Does this describe you? Or do you try to avoid going to the store? Whether
loving or hating it, everybody is a customer at one time or another. Being able to communicate makes all the difference in getting just what you want. For best results, remember to be courteous

and positive. But don’t be pushed into buying something you don’t want.
「生來就是逛街好手！」這句話是在形容你嗎？或是你盡可能地不去逛街呢？不論你是
愛逛街還是憎恨逛街，每個人在某些時候都會作一名顧客。有效的溝通對於你是否能確
實地買到你想要的東西，是一件很重要的事。為確保購物如意，記住態度要有禮，要好
，不過不要被人強行推銷，買了自己並不想要的東西。
Conversation 1(in a clothing store)
Clerk: May I help you?
Becky: Yes, I want a summer dress.
Clerk: We have some on sale today. Excellent bargains!
Becky: Thank you. I’ll have a look.
Clerk: This yellow one looks so cheerful, and the blue dress matches your eyes!
Becky: Thank you. I’ll look around.
會話一
（在一家服飾店裡）
店員： 我能為你服務嗎？
貝琪： 是的，我想要一件夏天的洋裝。
店員： 我們今天有一些洋裝是特價，很划算喔！
貝琪： 謝謝你，我看看。
店員： 這件黃色的看起來很有喜氣，還有這件藍色的很配你的眼睛。
貝琪： 謝謝，我會到處看看。
Becky: I found several I’d like to try on. Where are the dressing rooms?
Clerk: Here on the left. You can take five garments in at one time.
(at the cash register)
Becky: I’ll take this blue dress.
Clerk: Only the blue? The red one is just right for you!
Becky: Just the blue one, thanks.
Clerk: Well, all right. Will that be cash or credit card?
Becky: Credit card.
Clerk: OK. Just sign here.
貝琪： 我找到幾件想要試穿的，試衣間在哪兒？
店員： 左邊這兒，你一次可以試穿五件。
（在結帳處）
貝琪： 我要這件藍色的。
店員： 只要這件藍色的嗎？這件紅色的真的很適合你耶！
貝琪： 藍色的就好了，謝謝你。
店員： 喔，好吧。付現還是刷卡？
貝琪： 刷卡。
店員： 好，在這兒簽名就好了。
Knowing what to say not only helps with the buying process, but can guarantee
your satisfaction after you’ve used the things you’ve bought. Learn to read
labels and ask questions so you can be an informed buyer.
Conversation 2
(at a sidewalk sale)
Bonnie: Are all of these items half price?
Clerk: Yes, everything on these tables.
Bonnie: Here’s a beautiful sweater. The material is so soft. Is it washable?
Clerk: No, the label says “Dry Clean Only.”
懂得該說什麼不只有助於購物的過程，還能夠擔保你對所購之物使用後的滿意程度。
學會看標籤和提出問題能夠使你成為一個清楚貨品的購物者。
會話二
（在人行道上的特賣）
邦妮：這些所有的東西都是半價嗎？
店員：是的，桌上的所有東西都是。
邦妮：這兒有一件漂亮的毛衣，質料很柔軟，可以水洗嗎？
店員：不行，標籤上面說是「只能乾洗」。
Sometimes you may find it necessary to return a product. Businesses want to keep you coming back, so they will work hard to make sure you are satisfied. Be prepared to explain to the customer service representative what’s wrong with the item. And remember to take the receipt!
有時候你可能發現需要退還商品，做生意的總希望能讓你再度光顧，所以他們會努力
盡可能讓你滿意。準備好告訴顧客服務處的服務員，你的商品有什麼問題。而且要記
得帶收據！
(a few moments later)
C.S. Rep.: You’re right. It doesn’t work. Would you like to exchange it or receive credit?
Richard: I’d like my money back. I’ve found a better price in another store.
C.S. Rep.: O.K. I’ll be right back with the paperwork.
Improving your communication skills builds confidence and makes it fun to be a customer.
Practice every time you shop. Speak to the clerks. Ask questions. Before long, you’ll be an expert shopper!
（幾分鐘後）
服務員： 你說的沒錯，不能用。你想要換一台還是換其他東西？
理　查： 我想要退錢，我在別家店裡找到更好的價格。
服務員： 好，我去拿一些要填的表格馬上回來。
加強你的溝通技巧可以建立自信心，並且使購物更有樂趣。每次購物的時候都練習
一下。與店員談話，多問問題，要不了多久，你就會變成購物專家了！
Conversation 3
(approaching the counter)
Richard: I want to return this VCR. Here’s the receipt and the warranty.
C.S. Rep: What seems to be the problem?
Richard: The machine won’t rewind my videotapes. I’ve read the instruction book and tried
everything, but it just doesn’t work.
C.S. Rep.: Let me plug it in and give it a try.
會話三
（走向櫃檯）
理　查： 我要退這個錄放影機，收據和保證書在這兒。
服務員： 它有什麼問題嗎？
理　查： 這機器無法倒帶，我已經讀過說明書，也試過所有的辦法了，可是就是不行。
服務員： 我來插一下電試試看。


⊙Word Bank
courteous (adj) 殷勤有禮的
bargain (n) 交易；廉售的物品
match (v) 相配；適合
garment (n) 衣服

guarantee (v) 保證；擔保
satisfaction (n) 滿意
label (n) 標籤

customer service representative (n phr) 客服代表
receipt (n) 收據

paperwork (n) 文書工作

plug something in (v phr) 將某電器之插頭插入通電
give something a try (v phr) 嘗試某事物

@The Day's Phrase
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
酒能使人褻慢, 濃酒使人喧嚷; 凡因酒錯誤的, 就無智慧.
What is Mr. Yang going to do now? I don't know, let's wait and see.
楊先生現在要怎麼辦? 我不知道, 我們等著看吧What kinds of food can you
eat to increase your energy?
能量食物解碼
你該吃什麼食物來增加活力能量？
Sometimes it helps to have connections when looking for a good job.
有時候有認識的熟人，有助於找到好工作。

My successes – and failures – at studying German abroad
德語何其難
我在海外研習德語的成功與失敗經驗

Is studying in another country really a good idea?
到外國求學真的是個好主意嗎？
How should you treat an unpopular student?
一個人坐
你該如何對待不受歡迎的學生？
The hot spring in WuLai is really refreshing. You might like it.
烏來的溫泉真是令人心曠神怡, 你可能會喜歡

Bringing cultures and people closer together
令人歎為觀止的橋
拉近文化與民眾間的距離
Guess what? I got the job! That's great!
你知道嗎, 我得到那份工作了! 真是好極了
This amazing young basketball player is taking the game and her life to a new level
奧運籃球金牌選手之路
這位神奇的年輕籃球員，把籃球這項運動以及自己人生帶向新的境界
I love taking the MRT to work instead of driving. It's faster.
我喜歡搭捷運上班, 因為它比開車快