原汁原味商务英语播客第123课:通过电话解决欠款问题

 　　In this Business English Pod lesson we're going to look at discussing problems over the phone. For example today, we'll focus on chasing up an outstanding invoice¹, or a bill that hasn't been paid on time. 在今天的原汁原味商务英语播客中我们将谈论的是手机问题。比如今天，我们将围绕追讨未及时偿还的发票和账款。

　　In business, it's not unusual to have a customer who's late with a payment. Sometimes an invoice just hasn't been received; other times the customer might not have the funds to cover the bill. Eventually, you need to call, discuss the problem, and try and work out a solution. 在商务交易中，客户没有及时付款的现象很常见。有时可能是发票没有及时收到，有时可能是客户没有现金偿还。最终，你需要给他们打电话，跟他们说这件事，然后试着解决这个问题。

　　In today's podcast, we'll practice phrases for introducing the problem, clearly stating the details in a polite but firm manner, making an offer and proposing a solution. 在今天的播客中，我们将来练习解决这个问题的短语，清楚地用礼貌和肯定的方式来处理这样的问题，提出一个解决问题的办法。

　　The dialog features Marcy, who works for Computer Solutions. Marcy's company provided software and training for Jack² Fountain's department at ATI Communications. Months have passed since Marcy submitted her first invoice, but no payment has been made. Now she's calling to find out why. First, she speaks with Donna in the Accounts Payable³ department. 对话的主角马尔西的职责是解决电脑的故障。马尔西的公司为ATI通信公司杰克源泉部门提供软件和培训。自从马尔西开出第一份发票至今没有收到付款。她现在需要打电话给客户问明原因。首先，她要那个公司的负责付款的部门负责人唐娜交谈。

　　Listening Questions:

　　1. Where does Jack think Marcy's invoice might be?

　　2. What are the payment terms that Jack agreed to?

　　3. What solution does Jack suggest?

1 invoice   

vt.开发票；n.发票，装货清单

参考例句：

• The seller has to issue a tax invoice.销售者必须开具税务发票。
• We will then send you an invoice for the total course fees.然后我们会把全部课程费用的发票寄给你。

2 jack   

n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克

参考例句：

• I am looking for the headphone jack.我正在找寻头戴式耳机插孔。
• He lifted the car with a jack to change the flat tyre.他用千斤顶把车顶起来换下瘪轮胎。

3 payable   

adj.可付的，应付的，有利益的

参考例句：

• This check is payable on demand.这是一张见票即付的支票。
• No tax is payable on these earnings.这些收入不须交税。