Appliance Store – Video Lesson

Transcript:

Aubrey: Hello. Today, I would like to ask you, Randall, about appliances. Now you’re a homeowner, and you have had the amazing opportunity to upgrade the appliances in your home. Can you tell us the best way to get a good deal on home appliances?

Randall: Sure. And when you say upgrade, there could be different reasons why you need to upgrade. Just, things break. You know that happens, or you need something, a new model or something like that. I think first of all, a lot of times people wait for appliances to go on sale. Sometimes, you don’t have that luxury to do that, but sometimes people look at Black Friday, you know, at the end of November here in the United States, but anywhere you go, you can look for sales. The other thing is, is sometimes I use different websites to compare prices because sometimes one website might be having a special deal going on. I know that that happens, and so checking different websites I think is important. And when sometimes I go into a brick-and-mortar or traditional store, I might say, well, “I found this particular appliance at a different store, on a website or on your own website.” I think that’s important too. And sometimes I look for things that are open box, meaning someone maybe purchased an item and for whatever reason decided to return it. That can happen. And then sometimes you see floor models where let’s say you have a washer and dryer that had been on display, maybe for a month, two months. People have been opening it, checking it, closing the door. Sometimes, there’s a little wear and tear, and so those sometimes are discounted to provide you with an option rather than buying something in a box brand new. Sometimes those options, like a floor model, can actually give you some additional savings.

Aubrey: And when you buy your appliances, do you typically go to a brick-and-mortar store to look at the item, or do you just order online? What is your typical buying procedure?

Randall: Well, you know, that’s a hard thing because sometimes even with socks, and I know we’re not talking about socks, but sometimes I like to be able to feel it sometimes, especially if you’re paying a little bit of premium price for some item. So especially with appliances, I like to go actually into a store because sometimes when you turn the knobs, let’s say you’re buying an oven and sometimes you feel not only the texture but the actual material. Let’s say it’s a plastic knob or a metal knob. Sometimes, feeling those are really important, and then sometimes you might have doors and trays to open, and sometimes some things might open more smoothly, and I just like to be able to get in there and physically touch, as I already mentioned, turn some knobs and look inside. It gives me a better feel for it versus looking at something online. Now, of course, on certain websites, sometimes you actually see videos that you can see it from a three-dimensional perspective, and sometimes that provides you some information, but if I’m spending hundreds of dollars on an appliance, I want to see it in person.

Aubrey: That makes a lot of sense. Thank you so much for your insight.

Discussion Questions

Intermediate Level

1. What are two strategies Randall uses to find good deals on appliances?
2. Why does Randall think it’s important to physically inspect appliances in a store?
3. Would you prefer to shop online or in-store for appliances? Why?

Advanced Level

1. Randall mentions buying open-box and floor-model appliances as a way to save money. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of this approach?
2. How might Randall’s shopping strategies change if he lived in a country without Black Friday or similar sales events?
3. Do you think technology, such as 3D product videos, will replace the need to visit stores for physical inspection in the future? Why or why not?

Post-Listening Classroom Activity: “Appliance Shopping Role-Play Challenge”

Objective: Engage students in applying the tips and strategies discussed in the interview through a realistic and interactive activity.

Step 1: Setup (5 minutes)

• Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
• Assign each group a role: Shopper or Salesperson.

Step 2: Scenario Introduction (3 minutes)

• Present different scenarios like this one: The Shopper is looking to buy a new appliance (e.g., a refrigerator, washing machine, or oven) and wants to get the best deal using the strategies Randall mentioned in the interview. The Salesperson must use persuasive skills to close the sale, balancing discounts and upselling options.

Step 3: Preparation (5 minutes)

• The Shopper prepares questions and notes on what they’re looking for in an appliance, including budget, features, and strategies like checking for open-box deals or comparing prices.
• The Salesperson prepares their pitch, highlighting key features of their appliances, offering discounts, and addressing questions about open-box or floor-model items. See possible sales pitches.

Step 4: Role-Play (10 minutes)

• Each group conducts the role-play. The Shopper asks questions and negotiates, while the Salesperson responds and tries to make a sale.
• Encourage creativity: Students can include situations like finding a better deal online or inspecting the quality of knobs and trays, as mentioned in the interview.

Step 5: Debrief and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Have each group share their experience:
  • What strategies did the Shopper use, and how effective were they?
  • How did the Salesperson handle challenges, like price matching or explaining product quality?
• Discuss as a class how the strategies from the interview helped (or didn’t help) during the role-play.

Scenarios with Family Circumstances

1. A budget-conscious shopper: A single parent with two young kids, they’re looking for a refrigerator under $500 that can fit in their small apartment kitchen. They prioritize durability and affordability while ensuring it meets their family’s basic storage needs.
2. A high-tech enthusiast: A tech-savvy professional living with their partner, they want a smart oven with Wi-Fi connectivity, touch controls, and advanced cooking modes to simplify meal prep. They enjoy experimenting with recipes and need an appliance that supports their modern lifestyle.
3. A last-minute buyer: A family of five whose washer broke unexpectedly, creating a pile of laundry. They urgently need a dependable model with a large capacity, fast wash cycles, and quick delivery and installation to keep up with their household’s demands.
4. An eco-conscious shopper: A newlywed couple committed to sustainable living, they want an energy-efficient dishwasher to reduce their environmental footprint. They look for appliances with eco-friendly features to align with their values and lower their long-term utility costs.
5. A skeptical buyer: A retired couple on a fixed income, they’re interested in an open-box refrigerator but worry about potential issues. They need reassurance about warranties and performance since they can’t afford frequent repairs or replacements.
6. A bargain hunter: A college student furnishing a shared apartment with roommates, they’re focused on finding the best Black Friday deals on appliances. They’re on a tight budget and want to maximize savings by negotiating discounts or package deals.
7. A first-time buyer: A young couple moving into their first home, they need multiple appliances, including a refrigerator, stove, and washer. With a limited budget, they’re drawn to bundle deals that save money while equipping their new space efficiently.
8. A detail-oriented customer: A family with young children, they need a durable and safe oven. They thoroughly inspect knobs, doors, and trays to ensure they’re child-friendly and sturdy enough to withstand heavy use over time.
9. A returning customer: A family who recently bought a washer now needs a matching dryer. With two teenagers in sports, they require a high-capacity model with features like a steam cycle to handle large, sweaty loads efficiently.
10. A gift shopper: A grandmother looking for a compact microwave as a housewarming gift for her granddaughter moving into a small apartment. She wants something stylish, affordable, and easy to use, with features suitable for a beginner cook.