Buying Home Appliances

Rahul and Priya visit an appliance store to buy a refrigerator, washing machine, and other essentials for their home.

Meanings in Rahul, Priya, Store salesperson

Key words and phrases

refrigeratoran appliance used to keep food coldThey bought a new refrigerator for the kitchen.

washing machinea machine used to wash clothesThe washing machine saves them a lot of time.

microwave ovenan appliance used to heat or cook food quicklyShe warmed the food in the microwave oven.

warrantya promise to repair or replace a product if it breaksThe refrigerator comes with a two-year warranty.

energy efficientusing less electricity while working wellThey chose an energy efficient model.

installationthe process of setting up an appliance for useFree installation was included in the price.

deliverythe act of bringing goods to a locationThe delivery is scheduled for Saturday.

capacityhow much an appliance can holdThey chose a washing machine with a larger capacity.

instalmentone of several regular payments made over timeThey paid for it in monthly instalments.

brandthe company name a product is sold underThey preferred a trusted brand.

exchange offera deal where you give an old item and pay less for a new oneThey got a good exchange offer on their old fridge.

invoicea document listing goods bought and their pricePlease keep the invoice safely for the warranty claim.

discounta reduction in the usual priceWe offered a ten percent discount on the whole set.

spare partsreplacement parts kept for repairing a machineSpare parts for this model are easily available.

voltage stabilizera device that protects appliances from power fluctuationsUse a voltage stabilizer to protect the refrigerator.

user manuala booklet explaining how to operate a productRead the user manual before switching on the machine.

star ratinga rating system showing how energy efficient an appliance isA five-star rated appliance uses less electricity.

out of stocknot currently available for saleThe red model is out of stock right now.

service centrea place where appliances are repaired or servicedThere is an authorised service centre near their home.

demoa short demonstration of how a product worksThe salesperson gave them a quick demo of the washing machine.

Useful sentences

Ask Which brand of refrigerator would you recommend?
Answer This one is very reliable and energy efficient.
Ask Does the washing machine come with installation?
Answer Yes, free installation is included.
Ask When can we expect the delivery?
Answer It should arrive by Saturday.
Ask Can we pay for this in instalments?
Answer Yes, we offer easy monthly instalments.
Ask How long is the warranty on this microwave oven?
Answer It comes with a one-year warranty.
Ask Is there any exchange offer on our old fridge?
Answer Yes, you'll get a discount if you exchange it.
Ask Do you have this model in stock?
Answer Yes, but the white colour is currently out of stock.
Ask Where is the nearest service centre for this brand?
Answer There is one just two kilometres from here.
Ask Can you give us a quick demo of this washing machine?
Answer Sure, let me show you how it works.
Ask Will you keep the invoice safe for us?
Answer Yes, it will be emailed to you along with a copy in the box.

Dialogue

PriyaWe need a new refrigerator and a washing machine for the house.

Store salespersonOf course. Are you looking for any specific capacity or brand?

RahulWe'd prefer an energy efficient model, if possible.

Store salespersonThis model is very popular and comes with free installation.

PriyaThat sounds great. Can we pay in monthly instalments?

Store salespersonAbsolutely. We'll also schedule the delivery for this weekend.

RahulBy the way, do you have any exchange offer for our old refrigerator?

Store salespersonYes, we'll give you an extra discount if you exchange it today.

PriyaThat's helpful. Please also give us the invoice and the user manual.

Store salespersonOf course, and I'll note down the nearest service centre for you as well.

Common mistakes

Saying "I bought fridge" instead of "I bought a fridge" or "I bought a refrigerator" (don't drop the article "a").
Saying "Pay in installment" instead of "Pay in instalments" (use the plural form for regular payments).
Saying "Machine has big capacity" instead of "The machine has a large capacity" (use "large," not "big," in this formal context, and include the article).
Saying "Give me bill" instead of "Please give me the invoice" or "Please give me the bill" (use "the" and a polite request form).
Saying "It is out of stocks" instead of "It is out of stock" (the phrase "out of stock" is always singular, without an "s").
Saying "Service center is very far" instead of "The service centre is very far" (don't drop the article "the" before a specific noun).

Quick quiz

1. What appliance is used to keep food cold?

2. Complete: "They chose an ___ model." (uses less electricity)

3. What word means one of several regular payments made over time?

4. What do you call a deal where you give an old appliance and pay less for a new one?

5. Which word means 'not currently available for sale'?

6. What document lists the goods bought and their price?

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