RECEPTIONIST : Hello.
MAN: Um, hello? Is this the Mayfield County Craft
Fair?
RECEPTIONIST: Yeah. That’s right.
MAN: Oh, OK. Um, well, my name is Patrick and I’m
visiting from Canada. A friend suggested I stop by your craft fair.
RECEPTIONIST: Welcome to New Zealand, then! Yes, do come by.
We have some great local artists this year with beautiful products.
MAN: Does the fair consist of only local artists,
or ones from around the country?
RECEPTIONIST: Actually, we do have two potters from
Auckland, and three...no four...different artists from Wellington. This is our
sixth year running, and as we grow we attract artists from outside our county.
MAN: Fantastic. So, you mentioned potters... I
really love pottery. Are there many pottery stands?
RECEPTIONIST: Oh yes! I would say that’s our main
attraction...the wide selection of pottery in our area, that is.
MAN: Uh-huh.
RECEPTIONIST: I’d say the second biggest attraction is the
wool products. Sweaters, scarves, mittens...you name it.
MAN: I’ll be able to stock up on Christmas gifts
then.
RECEPTIONIST: Absolutely But you’ll want to hurry. We are in
the third week already and many artists are already selling out. The craft fair
only extends for another 10 days.
MAN: Oh! I didn’t realise time was so limited. What
days is the fair open?
RECEPTIONIST: Every day. But some artists take a day off
here or there.
MAN: And the hours?
RECEPTIONIST: The doors open at 10 a.m. and it all closes
down by 7 in the evening.
MAN: I see. I think someone told me the fair is
held indoors. Is that correct?
RECEPTIONIST: Yes, at the Fulton Community Centre. That’s on
Birch Street, across from the children’s park.
MAN: Fantastic. I’m so glad I’m in town for this!
RECEPTIONIST: Now, you said you’re from Canada, right?
MAN: Yep.
RECEPTIONIST: If you buy more than a few items, you may want
to consider having your purchases shipped back home.
MAN: Why is that?
RECEPTIONIST: Some things, like pottery, can be quite heavy.
We have a good relationship with the local courier service, and they offer a
flat rate to customers of our craft fair that come from overseas, or even from
distant domestic locations for that matter.
MAN: Flat rate?
RECEPTIONIST: A 56-centimetre by 56-centimetre box,
regardless of weight costs $40 to ship outside of New Zealand, except to
Australia...that’s only $25.
MAN: Quite a good rate. But 56 centimetres is not
very big.
RECEPTIONIST: There’s also a $60 flat rate for parcels 84 by
84 centimetres. That’s probably more the size you would need were you to
purchase pottery dishes or any significant quantity of items.
MAN: That’s much more realistic, I agree. But how
does that work? Would I have to go to a nearby post office, or...?
RECEPTIONIST: No, no. There’s a station in the fair where
you can bring all of your goods and they’ll box them up and ship them for you.
They don’t even charge a service fee. It’s just a way to promote patronage at
the fair.
MAN: What a fantastic idea!
RECEPTIONIST: But you will want to remember that this
service can only be paid for in cash.
MAN: OK. Does that hold true for everywhere at the
craft fair?
RECEPTIONIST: No. Some of the artists accept major credit
cards. It really depends on each stand though.
MAN: All right.
RECEPTIONIST: Any other questions I can answer for you?
MAN: I can’t think of any. I’ll just have to pop on
by and have a look for myself tomorrow.
RECEPTIONIST: Great. Well, call back if you need any
assistance. And enjoy your time here.
MAN: Thanks.