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CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 6 Sample Answer: Customer Order Out of Stock

By David

A customer placed an order for a popular product through your store, but due to high demand, it's now out of stock with no immediate restock date. They're eager for it. You must explain to retain their loyalty.

Preparation
60 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds
Choice
Speak to person A or person B

The question

A customer placed an order for a popular product through your store, but due to high demand, it's now out of stock with no immediate restock date. They're eager for it. You must explain to retain their loyalty.

Choice:

Talk to the customer and explain the stock issue while offering alternatives or a discount on future purchases.

OR

Talk to the customer and explain why the product is in high demand, but suggest waiting for restock with priority notification.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

Thank you for choosing our store and placing your order—however, I must inform you that the product is temporarily out of stock following an unprecedented surge in demand that depleted our inventory faster than expected. I completely empathize with your frustration, as timely delivery is key to customer satisfaction, and I apologize for this setback. To address it effectively, I can suggest comparable alternatives from our range that match your needs, complete with detailed comparisons, or arrange for a priority alert when restocked, potentially within two weeks. Moreover, as a gesture of goodwill, we're extending a 15% discount on any substitute or future order. Your feedback on how to best resolve this would be invaluable, and we're committed to turning this around positively.

123 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

Hi there, I appreciate your order, but I'm afraid the item is currently out of stock due to overwhelming demand—we didn't anticipate it selling out so quickly. I understand this is disappointing, especially if you were counting on it soon. As options, we have similar products available that I can recommend, or I can process a full refund right away. Additionally, I'd like to offer a 10% discount on your next purchase as a token of apology. Please let me know how you'd like to proceed; we're here to help.

90 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

Hello, sorry but your order is out of stock now. It sold fast, and we don't have more. We can give you something else or a refund. Let me know what you want. Thanks.

34 words

The CLBs are estimates of the level each sample was written at, not official CELPIP scores. How we estimate CLB

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