Part 1: You will hear a telephone conversation between a customer and an agent at a camera rental shop.
AGENT: Good morning, Focus Photography Rentals. This is Clara speaking. How can I help you today?
MARCUS: Hi Clara, I’m looking to rent some high-end camera lenses for an upcoming project. I haven’t used your service before, so I need to set up a new customer account.
AGENT: No problem, I can sort that out. Can I take your full name first, please?
MARCUS: Sure, it’s Marcus Trebbin.
AGENT: Is your surname spelled T-R-E-B-I-N with just one B?
MARCUS: Actually, it’s spelled T-R-E-B-B-I-N. There are two B’s in the middle.
AGENT: Got it, thank you. Are you a full-time professional photographer?
MARCUS: No, I just do photography as a side hobby. My main job is an architect.
AGENT: Excellent. I’ve updated that in your profile. Now, regarding the delivery, we can send it to your office or your residence. Where would you like the equipment delivered to?
MARCUS: My home address, please. That’s 82 Hawthorn Avenue.
AGENT: Let me just type that into our system. And what sort of project are you shooting? We like to know so we can suggest the best gear.
MARCUS: I’m covering a wedding next weekend.
AGENT: Oh, how lovely! What exactly are you looking to hire today?
MARCUS: I need a 50mm prime lens for the portrait shots. How much is that for three days?
AGENT: Let me check. For a standard three-day rental, it’s usually fifty pounds. However, we have a promotion running this week, so it’s actually forty-five.
MARCUS: Brilliant, I’ll take that. Does it come with a lens hood included in the price?
AGENT: I’m afraid it doesn’t include a hood. But we do provide a UV filter with it to protect the glass from any accidental scratches.
MARCUS: Perfect. I also need a telephoto zoom lens for the ceremony. I think I’ll need it for a bit longer to practise at home. Could I get it for five days?
AGENT: Yes, a five-day rental is fine. Just be aware that the zoom lens is quite heavy, but it comes securely packed in a hard case for safe transport. Do you need any extra memory cards or perhaps a tripod?
MARCUS: I’ve got a tripod, but I should probably rent a spare battery just in case.
AGENT: Good idea. I’ll add that to your order now. Finally, for the return, our courier will collect everything on Monday. Just ensure the items are ready for pickup by noon.
MARCUS: Understood. Thanks for your help, Clara.
AGENT: You’re very welcome, Marcus. I’ll email your confirmation right away.
