Phone calls & errands
How to order food over the phone
You’re talking to Sam, at the counter. The goal: order clearly, with what you want, how many, your name and a pickup time.
Your first line
Sam starts with “Thanks for calling Lucky’s, is this for pickup or delivery?”
“Pickup, please. Can I get two large pepperoni pizzas and one order of garlic knots?”
Say it up front: answer their question first, then give each item with how many and what size. A busy counter can type it as you talk.
What Sam might say, and what to say back
Sam: “Sorry, how many of those?”
You: “Two large pepperoni, and one order of garlic knots.”
Sam: “We’re out of garlic knots tonight. Want something else?”
You: “No problem. A side salad instead, then.”
Sam: “It’s gonna be about twenty-five minutes. That okay?”
You: “That works. Name’s Alex, number’s 555-0142. Can you read the order back to me?”
Two things that trip people up
- Saying “um, let me see” while you read the menu.Decide before you dial. Jot the items down so you can read them off.
- Hanging up without hearing the order back.Ask them to read it back, and confirm the pickup time.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with Sam pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Frankie, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Say it up front.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.