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Level: B1

Returning a Faulty Product (Customer & Manager)

Make a polite complaint, explain the problem, and ask for a refund or replacement.

CEFR B1 · 235 words · ~2 min read · US English

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In the reader, tap any word or sentence to hear it in English, translate it, or look up a definition.

Words to know

headphones
small speakers that you wear on or in your ears
cable
a covered wire that carries sound or power
manual
a small book that explains how to use something
options
the different things that you can choose
identical
exactly the same, with no difference at all
reviews
the things people write to say if a product is good
warranty
a promise to fix or replace a product if it breaks
apologize
to say that you are sorry for something

Customer: Hello. I bought these headphones here last Tuesday, and unfortunately there seems to be a problem with them.

Manager: I am sorry to hear that. Could you describe exactly what is wrong?

Customer: The left side stopped working after two days. I charged them completely and tested them with two different phones, but the result is always the same โ€” no sound on the left.

Manager: I understand. Do you have the receipt with you today?

Customer: Yes, here it is, and everything is still in the original box, including the cable and the manual.

Manager: Thank you. Since the purchase was less than thirty days ago, you have two options: we can replace them with an identical pair, or we can give you a complete refund.

Customer: Before I decide โ€” is this a common problem with this particular model?

Manager: Honestly, you are the second customer this month with the same complaint. If you prefer a different brand, I can apply the refund to any other pair in the store.

Customer: That sounds reasonable. Which model would you recommend for about the same price?

Manager: This pair here receives the best reviews from our customers, and it comes with a two-year warranty instead of one.

Customer: Great, I will take those instead. Thank you for making this so easy.

Manager: Of course. We apologize for the trouble, and we appreciate your patience.

Check your understanding

  1. What is wrong with the headphones?

    Show answer

    There is no sound on the left side โ€” The customer says the left side stopped working after two days, with no sound on the left.

  2. What two options does the manager offer at first?

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    An identical replacement or a complete refund โ€” The manager offers to replace them with an identical pair or give a complete refund.

  3. What does the customer take in the end?

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    A different pair with a two-year warranty โ€” The customer takes the recommended pair, which comes with a two-year warranty instead of one.

  4. The customer is the first person to report this problem.

    Show answer

    False โ€” The manager says the customer is the second customer this month with the same complaint.

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