Business Conversation 15

Sales Terminology

 Julian: I’m new to this job, could you explain some of the terminology?

Jack: That’s what I’m here for. Shoot.

Julian: What’s the difference between retail and wholesale?
Jack: Wholesale is to distributors. Retail to consumers.

Julian: Distributors? Consumers?
Jack: Distributors are stores that sell our merchandise. Consumers are the people who buy the products.

Julian: Oh, I see. What’s a bill of lading?
Jack: The bill of lading lists the merchandise shipped. It’s included with every shipment or delivery.

Julian: I get what pre-paid means. That means the merchandise has been paid for. But, what’s C.O.D.?
Jack: Cash on delivery.

Julian: What does that mean?
Jack: Exactly what it says: cash is paid upon receiving the goods. Of course, it could be a credit card or a check, as well.

Julian: Oh, I understand. What’s a delivery fee?
Jack: The delivery fee is an extra charge that the customer pays to have the goods delivered.

Julian: I think I’m beginning to understand now. 

Business conversation 15

Sales Terminology

Julian: I’m new to this job, could you explain some of the terminology?
Jack: That’s what I’m here for. Shoot.

Julian: What’s the difference between retail and wholesale?
Jack: Wholesale is to distributors. Retail to consumers.

Julian: Distributors? Consumers?
Jack: Distributors are stores that sell our merchandise. Consumers are the people who buy the products.

Julian: Oh, I see. What’s a bill of lading?
Jack: The bill of lading lists the merchandise shipped. It’s included with every shipment or delivery.

Julian: I get what pre-paid means. That means the merchandise has been paid for. But, what’s C.O.D.?
Jack: Cash on delivery.

Julian: What does that mean?
Jack: Exactly what it says: cash is paid upon receiving the goods. Of course, it could be a credit card or a check, as well.

Julian: Oh, I understand. What’s a delivery fee?
Jack: The delivery fee is an extra charge that the customer pays to have the goods delivered.

Julian: I think I’m beginning to understand now.

Business conversation 14

Funds Transfer and Deposits

Maria: Alice, have you transferred the funds to the Anderson account yet?
Alice: No, I haven’t done that yet.

Maria: Good, there are a few changes we need to make.
Alice: Really? It’s good I haven’t had a chance to go to the bank yet. What has changed?

Maria: They’ve asked how the funds are transferred into three different accounts. Here’s the updated information.
Alice: This looks more complicated.

Maria: It’s not that difficult. Just take along the account numbers, amounts and payment scheme to the bank with you.
Alice: Am I authorized to make these changes?

Maria: I can call ahead and let them know. Here’s the PIN number in any case.
Alice: Is there anything else I need to do?

Maria: Yes, could you make these deposits when you go.
Alice: Certainly, which accounts do you want to use.

Maria: Deposit the checks into our savings account. Put the cash into checking account.
Alice: OK, I’ll probably leave in about a half an hour. 

Business conversation 13

Directions to a Meeting

 Mark: Linda, do you know how to get to Daniels Co.? I’ve never been there before.

Heather: Are you driving or taking the subway?

Mark: The subway.
Heather: Right. Take the no. 9 from West 72nd street. Get off at Times Square and change to the shuttle. Go across town and get off at Grand Central station. Go above ground and walk north on Park Avenue.

Mark: Just a moment, let me write this down!
Heather: Take the no. 9 from West 72nd street. Get off at Times Square and change to the shuttle. Got it?

Mark: Yes, thanks. Now, once I get to Times Square, which train do I take?
Heather: Change to the shuttle. Go across town and get off at Grand Central station. Go above ground and walk north on Park Avenue.

Mark: Can you repeat that?
Heather: Change to the shuttle. Go across town and get off at Grand Central station. Go above ground and walk north on Park Avenue.

Mark: Thanks Heather. How long does it take?
Heather: It takes about a half an hour.

Business conversation 11

Taking a Message

 Receptionist: Janson Wine Importers. Good Morning. How can I help you?

Caller: Could I speak to Mr. Adams, please?

Receptionist: Who’s calling please?
Caller: This is Anna Beare.

Receptionist: Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.
Caller: Anna Beare. That’s B E A R E

Receptionist: Thank you. And where are you calling from?
Caller: Sun Soaked Vineyards

Receptionist: OK Ms Beare. I’ll try and put you through. … I’m sorry but the line’s busy. Would you like to hold?
Caller: Could I leave a message?

Receptionist: Certainly.
Caller: Could you tell Mr. Adams that our shipment will be postponed and that the 200 cases ordered should arrive next Monday.

Receptionist: Shipment delayed … arriving next Monday.
Caller: Yes, and could you ask him to call me back when the shipment arrives?

Receptionist: Certainly. Could you give me your number please?
Caller: Yes, it’s 503-589-9087

Receptionist: That’s 503-589-9087
Caller: Yes, that’s right. Thanks for your help.

Business Conversation 10

 Deliveries and Suppliers

 Susan: Doug, can I talk with you for a moment?

Doug: What can I do for you Susan?

Susan: I’m concerned about the delays we’re experiencing with some of our suppliers.
Doug: We’re doing everything to get back on schedule.

Susan: Could you give me an approximate timeline?
Doug: A number of deliveries are arriving tomorrow. Unfortunately, this time of year is often troublesome.

Susan: That’s not good. We can’t make excuses to our clients. Are all shipments affected?
Doug: No, but it is summer and some companies are cutting back until September.

Susan: Where are most of our suppliers located?
Doug: Well, most of them are in China, but there are a few in California.

Susan: How does that affect deliveries?
Doug: Well, there are weather delays and shipment delays due to reduced production. Sometimes, larger packages are delayed because of a bottleneck at the distribution point.

Susan: Is there any way around these delays?
Doug: Well, we often work with delivery services such as UPS, Fed ex or DHL for our most urgent shipping.

Chairman: I’d like to open today’s meeting. Kevin? 
Kevin: First, I’ll quickly go over the main points of the last meeting. 

(After discussing about last meeting.) 

Chairman: If no one has anything to add, let’s move on to today’s agenda. 
Kevin: I suggest we each give a little background on the suggestions we discussed last week. 

Chairman: Could you repeat that, please? 
Kevin: Let’s start by going over the research you’ve done on the suggestions. 

Chairman: You’ll find most of the information outlined in the summary documents in front of you. 
Kevin: These figures are interesting. It’s clear to me that customer communications are not working as they should. 

Chairman: Yes, our marketing efforts really haven’t been effective to date. 
Kevin: I suggest we break up into groups and discuss how we can improve our message. 

Chairman: Unfortunately, we’re almost out of time. I suggest you submit your ideas on marketing and we can discuss it by next week.   

Business Conversation 8

 Alice: We’re having a meeting tomorrow. Can you make it?

Kevin: When is it taking place? 

Alice: We’re planning on 10 o’clock. Is that OK? 

Kevin: Yes, that’ll be fine. 

Alice: We’re going to go over the suggestions to improve customer’s communication. 

Kevin: Good. I have some suggestions I’d like to make. 

Alice: Frank is also going to make some suggestions on improving sales in China. 

Kevin: That’ll be interesting. He’s got keen insights. 

Alice: Yes, he’s going to outline some new sales strategies. 

Kevin: Is Alan attending? 

Alice: No, he’s flying to San Francisco and won’t be able to make it. 

Kevin: Oh well.