Words (Core Vocabulary)
- payment methods: debit, credit, cash, mobile wallet (Apple/Google Pay), gift card
- tap / chip & PIN / swipe; pre-authorization (temporary hold)
- receipt / proof of purchase / order number / invoice
- refund / exchange / store credit / gift receipt
- return window / policy / final sale / restocking fee
- original packaging / tags attached / unused condition
- defective / damaged on arrival (DOA)
- chargeback / dispute / reversal
- refund method (back to original payment)
Phrases (At checkout → returns desk)
Paying
- Can I tap to pay, or do you need chip & PIN?
- Could you email the receipt, and print a gift receipt as well?
Starting a return
- I’d like to return/exchange this—it’s unused and within the return window.
- Here’s the receipt/order number—could I get a refund to the original payment?
- This item is defective—could we process a replacement?
If refused
- Could you point me to the written return policy?
- If a refund isn’t possible, is store credit available?
Card disputes
- The refund hasn’t posted yet—what’s the expected timeline?
- I need to dispute a charge—do you require a written statement?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Tap: I’ll tap to pay—could you email the receipt to me?
- Return: Hi—I’d like to exchange this for a larger size—tags are attached and I bought it yesterday.
- Defect: This kettle stops heating—could we process a replacement under warranty?
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Checkout
- tap to pay
- insert the card
- approve the total
- print/email a receipt
- apply a gift card
Returns
- start a return
- request a refund
- process an exchange
- issue store credit
- waive a restocking fee (if applicable)
Disputes
- open a chargeback
- submit evidence
- track the refund
- confirm the posting date
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Many stores require original packaging and proof of purchase; gift receipts hide prices but allow exchanges/store credit.
- Pre-authorizations (e.g., hotels, gas) temporarily hold funds; they drop off after settlement.
- Refund timing varies (often 3–10 business days); keep the case/return number.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Return ask: “I’d like to return this—unused, tags on, within 14 days. Refund to original payment, please.”
- Policy check: “Could you show me the return policy for electronics?”
- Defect: “It’s defective out of the box—could we do a replacement or refund?”