Shopping

Asking About a Product

Customer: Excuse me. Can you help me?
Shop Assistant: Of course! What are you looking for?


Customer: I’m looking for a smartphone.
Shop Assistant: We have several models. Do you want a small or large screen?
Customer: A large screen, please.
Shop Assistant: This model is very popular. It has 128 GB storage and a good camera.


Customer: How much does it cost?
Shop Assistant: It costs $600.


Customer: Do you offer a warranty?
Shop Assistant: Yes, one year warranty is included.


Customer: Great. I will take it.
Shop Assistant: Perfect. I’ll get it for you.

When shopping, whether it’s for clothes, electronics, groceries, or any other items, asking the right questions can help you make informed decisions, get the best deals, and ensure your purchases meet your needs. Here’s a list of essential questions to ask when shopping:

Product Information
  • What are the key features and specifications of this product?
    Understand the essential details about the product, including size, material, functionality, and special features.
  • Are there different models, sizes, or colors available?
    Check if there are variations of the product that might better suit your preferences.
  • Is this product in stock, and do you offer online or in-store availability?
    Confirm availability to ensure you can purchase the item immediately or need to wait for a restock.
  • Does this product have any warranties or guarantees?
    Learn about the warranty terms, what’s covered, and the duration of coverage.
Pricing and Discounts
  • What is the price of this item, and are there any current promotions or discounts?
    Ask about the price and any applicable discounts, coupons, or promotional deals.
  • Is this the best price available, or do you offer price matching?
    Check if the store matches lower prices found at competitors or offers any additional price adjustments.
  • Are there any additional fees or costs (e.g., delivery, assembly, or extended warranties)?
    Understand the full cost of the product, including any potential extra charges.
  • Do you offer a discount for bulk purchases, students, seniors, or loyalty members?
    Inquire about special discounts that may apply to you or your purchase situation.

Returning an Item

Customer: Hello. I would like to return this item, please.
Store Clerk: Sure. May I ask why you are returning it?
Customer: It is damaged.


Store Clerk: I’m sorry about that. Do you have your receipt?
Customer: Yes, here it is.


Store Clerk: Thank you. Would you like a refund or an exchange?
Customer: I would like a refund, please.


Store Clerk: No problem. I’ll process it right away.
Customer: Thank you very much.
Store Clerk: You’re welcome! Have a nice day.

Returns, Exchanges, and Refunds
  • What is your return, exchange, and refund policy?
    Learn about the store’s policies on returns, including the time frame, condition requirements, and whether refunds are in cash, credit, or store credit.
  • Do you charge restocking fees for returned items?
    Check if there are any fees associated with returning products, particularly for electronics or large items.
  • Can I return or exchange items purchased on sale or clearance?
    Some stores have different return policies for discounted items, so it’s good to verify.
  • What is the process for returning items purchased online?
    Understand if online purchases can be returned in-store or if they must be shipped back, including any associated costs.
Quality and Reviews
  • What do other customers say about this product?
    Ask about customer reviews or ratings to get a sense of the product’s quality and satisfaction from other buyers.
  • Has this product been tested or certified for quality and safety?
    Especially for electronics, appliances, or products for children, check if the product has certifications or has passed safety tests.
  • Is there a way to test or try this product before purchasing?
    For items like electronics or appliances, see if you can test the product in-store to ensure it meets your expectations.
Availability and Ordering
  • Can I order this item if it’s not available in-store, and how long will it take to arrive?
    Find out the process for ordering out-of-stock items and the expected delivery timeline.
  • Do you offer shipping or delivery services, and what are the costs?
    Ask about delivery options, times, and associated costs, especially for large or bulky items.
  • Is there a way to reserve this item online or for in-store pickup?
    Check if you can reserve the item to ensure it’s available when you visit the store or place your order.
Payment and Financing
  • What payment methods do you accept (e.g., credit cards, cash, digital payments)?
    Ensure your preferred payment method is accepted.
  • Do you offer financing or installment payment options?
    For more expensive items, inquire about financing options, including interest rates, terms, and eligibility requirements.
  • Are there any incentives for using a specific payment method, like store credit cards or cash payments?
    Some stores offer additional discounts or benefits when you use their credit cards or pay in specific ways.
Customer Service and Support
  • Is there a customer service contact for support after purchase?
    Find out how to get help if you have issues with the product after purchase.
  • Do you offer assistance with setup, installation, or assembly?
    For items like furniture or electronics, ask if the store provides support with setup or assembly.
  • Can you provide information on how to care for or maintain this product?
    Learn about proper care, maintenance, or any accessories needed to keep the product in good condition.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
  • Is this product environmentally friendly or sustainably sourced?
    For those concerned with sustainability, inquire about the product’s environmental impact.
  • What are the ethical standards of the brands or manufacturers you carry?
    Ask about fair trade, ethical labor practices, or other social responsibility commitments of the brands.
Miscellaneous
  • Do you have a loyalty program, and what are the benefits of joining?
    Learn about any customer loyalty programs that offer points, discounts, or other perks.
  • Can I get a receipt or proof of purchase via email?
    Ensure you can get a receipt for record-keeping or in case of returns.
  • What happens if the price drops shortly after I purchase this item?
    Some stores have policies where you can get a refund of the price difference if the cost drops within a certain period.

These questions will help you gather important information, make better decisions, and ensure a smooth shopping experience.

Shopping Online

When buying items online, it’s important to ask questions that ensure you’re making a safe, informed purchase and getting the best value. Here are key questions to consider when shopping online:

Product Details and Quality
  • What are the full specifications and details of the product?
    Make sure you fully understand the product specifications, including size, material, features, and functionality.
  • Are there detailed photos and videos of the product from different angles?
    Look for multiple images or videos that show the product clearly and accurately.
  • Are there any product reviews or ratings from other customers?
    Check customer reviews to gauge the quality and satisfaction level of previous buyers.
  • Is the product new, refurbished, or used?
    Confirm the condition of the item to ensure it meets your expectations.
  • Are there any variations available (e.g., size, color, model)?
    Check if there are different options available that might better suit your needs.
Pricing and Payment
  • What is the total price, including taxes, fees, and shipping?
    Confirm the full cost of the item, including any additional charges.
  • Are there any discounts, promo codes, or sales currently available?
    Look for opportunities to save money through promotions or discount codes.
  • What payment methods are accepted (e.g., credit card, PayPal, digital wallets)?
    Ensure that your preferred payment method is accepted.
  • Is the payment process secure?
    Check for secure payment processing symbols, such as SSL certification or payment services like PayPal.
  • Are there any hidden fees or subscription charges?
    Make sure there are no unexpected recurring costs or hidden charges associated with the purchase.
Shipping and Delivery
  • What are the shipping options and costs?
    Check the available shipping methods, costs, and delivery times.
  • What is the estimated delivery date?
    Ensure the delivery timeline fits your needs, especially if the item is time-sensitive.
  • Is there free shipping, and if so, are there minimum purchase requirements?
    Look for options to save on shipping costs.
  • Can I track my order once it has shipped?
    Confirm that you’ll receive a tracking number or status updates for your order.
  • What should I do if the item doesn’t arrive on time?
    Understand the steps to take if your order is delayed or lost.
Returns, Refunds, and Exchanges
  • What is the return policy, and are returns free?
    Learn about the return process, including any costs or conditions for returning items.
  • How long do I have to return or exchange an item?
    Know the time frame within which you can return or exchange a product.
  • What is the process for refunds, and how long does it take?
    Ask how refunds are issued and how long it will take to receive your money back.
  • Are there items that are final sale or non-returnable?
    Be aware of any exceptions to the return policy, such as clearance or customized items.
  • What happens if I receive a damaged or incorrect item?
    Understand the procedure for handling defective or incorrect orders.
Seller and Website Credibility
  • Is the website legitimate and secure?
    Look for security indicators, such as a padlock in the URL bar and “https” in the web address.
  • Are there clear contact details for customer service?
    Ensure there are easy ways to contact customer service in case you have issues with your order.
  • Is the seller reputable, and do they have good ratings or reviews?
    Check the seller’s feedback, ratings, and history to ensure they are trustworthy.
  • Is the website affiliated with well-known and reputable brands?
    Verify that the website has a good reputation and legitimate brand associations.
  • Are there any buyer protection policies in place?
    Check if the website or payment provider offers protection in case of fraud or non-delivery.
Product Availability and Inventory
  • Is the item in stock, or will it ship later?
    Confirm whether the item is immediately available or back-ordered.
  • Can I reserve or pre-order items that are not yet released?
    Find out if you can secure items before they’re available for immediate shipping.
  • What happens if the item is out of stock after I place my order?
    Ask about the policy for handling orders placed for items that become unavailable.
Additional Considerations
  • Are there any assembly or setup instructions available?
    Especially for complex items, ensure there are instructions provided.
  • Does the item come with a warranty or guarantee?
    Check if there is any warranty coverage or satisfaction guarantee for the product.
  • Are there any care or maintenance requirements?
    Understand how to properly care for the item to ensure it lasts.
  • Do you offer gift wrapping or personalized messages for gifts?
    If buying a gift, check if additional services like wrapping are available.
  • Are there loyalty programs or rewards for frequent purchases?
    Ask if you can earn points or receive discounts for future purchases.

By asking these questions, you can make sure you’re making an informed and safe purchase when shopping online.