Making a purchase

Making a purchase
The process of paying for a product can differ from country to country. Here are some things to be aware of when buying something in the US.

1. Numbers at the cash register

Listen for numbers when you make a purchase in a store. In the US, dollars (written as $) and cents indicate the amount you owe. They may also shorten the amount to just the numbers.

• That comes to $7.64.
• With tax, your total is $459.75

In the UK, listen for pounds (written as £) and pence. You may also hear pence said in the same way as the letter p.

• That's £78.22.
• £321.28, please.
• That's 58p, please.

2. Paying for the purchase
Nowadays, few people write checks for their purchases. Cards and cash are quick and convenient. It's important to understand that debit cards and credit cards are very different. When you use a debit card, the money is taken directly from a bank account. When you use a credit card, you are borrowing the money from a financial company and have to pay the money back in the future.

3. Taxes
Most states in the United States have a sales tax, money collected for the government. The sales tax is a percentage of the purchase price.

4. Returning an item
When you buy something, ask about the store's return policy, the rules for bringing back something that you don't want. There is usually a time limit for returns – for example, 30 days – and some items may not be returnable. To return an item, you must have the receipt, the piece of paper that shows the price and that you bought the item at that store. The store will usually give you a refund, the money you paid for the item.

Listen for numbers with a time period like days or weeks when talking about a return policy.

• You can return anything before 90 days for a full refund.
• You can bring the item back within 30 days.

Listen for numbers with a percentage when talking about fabric.

• The blouse is 100 percent cotton.
• It's 90 percent cashmere, 10 percent polyester.

MAX: Good morning.
CASHIER: Good morning. So, just this belt?
MAX: Yes, thanks, just the belt.
CASHIER: OK. With tax, that's $67.93. How would you like to pay?
MAX: I'll use my card.
CASHIER: Credit or debit?
MAX: Uh, Credit card.
CASHIER: OK. Just slide your card.
MAX: OK.
CASHIER: Please sign here.
MAX: Here you go.
CASHIER: And here's your receipt. Have a wonderful day.
MAX: You, too. Oh, by the way, what's your return policy?
CASHIER: You can return anything before 90 days for a full refund. But keep your receipt.
MAX: Great. Thanks.