place an order

Question

For example, someone is looking for one title at a bookstore, but unfortunately it's out of stock.

As a customer, should the person say to a storeclerk

> I'd like to place an order for the book.

or

> I'd like you to place an order for the book.

Also, from the salesclerk's standpoint, do the sentences below sound unnatural or wrong in any way?

Sorry, we're out of stock now.

> We need to order it from the publisher.
> You need to order it from the publisher.

> Shall I place an order with the publisher for you?
> Do you want to place an order with the publisher?

> Shall I order it from the publisher for you?
> Do you want me to order it from the publisher?

Thanks in advance.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

draqueomeone is looking for one title at a bookstore, but unfortunately it's out of stock.As a customer, should the person say to a storeclerk> I'd like to place an order for the book.or> I'd like you to place an order for the book.

Just 'I'd like to order...[title] by [author]'

draqueAlso, from the salesclerk's standpoint, do the sentences below sound unnatural or wrong in any way? Sorry, we're out of stock now.

That makes it seem that the clerk didn't hear the customer's request.

draque> We need to order it from the publisher.> You need to order it from the publisher.> Shall I place an order with the publisher for you?> Do you want to place an order with the publisher?> Shall I order it from the publisher for you?> Do you want me to order it from the publisher?

Those are all bookstore procedures that needn't concern the customer. Here is the conversation:

Cust: Do you have Swansong by Ima Duck?
Clerk: Sorry, it's out of stock. Would you like to order a copy?
Cust: How long will that take?
Clerk: It should be here by the end of next week.
Cust: OK, then, yes, please.

Draque · Answer

Thank you!

place an order

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