#145 Consulting a Travel Agency About a Travel Plan｜French Travel Phrases
Izumi Curious French
#149 Picking Up a Reserved Item｜French Shopping Phrases
Izumi
When shopping, it is quite common to reserve items such as clothing, electronics, or books in advance and pick them up at the store at a later date.
When collecting a reserved item, you are usually required to state your name, confirm the reservation details, and check that the product is correct.
In this article, I explain useful French expressions for picking up reserved items, using realistic in-store interactions as examples.
Contents
Dialogue
Bonjour. Je viens récupérer un article que j’ai réservé.
（Good morning. I am here to pick up an item that I reserved.）
D’accord. C’était au nom de qui, s’il vous plaît ?
（Certainly. Under what name was the reservation made, please?）
Au nom de Sato. J’ai passé la commande en ligne la semaine dernière.
（Under the name Sato. I placed the order online last week.）
Je vérifie. Vous aviez réservé une veste, c’est bien ça ?
（Let me check. You reserved a jacket, is that correct?）
Oui, exactement.
（Yes, exactly.）
La voici. Souhaitez-vous l’essayer avant de partir ?
（Here it is. Would you like to try it on before you leave?）
Oui, volontiers. Et si jamais la taille ne convient pas, est-ce possible de l’échanger ?
（Yes, please. And if the size does not fit, would it be possible to exchange it?）
Oui, bien sûr. Vous avez 14 jours pour un échange ou un remboursement.
（Yes, of course. You have 14 days to exchange the item or request a refund.）
Très bien, merci beaucoup.
（Very well, thank you very much.）
1. Stating That You Are Picking Up a Reserved Item
When entering the store, you first explain that you are there to collect a reserved item.
Example
- Je viens récupérer un article que j’ai réservé.
（I am here to pick up an item that I reserved.）
The structure “je viens + verb” is used to indicate the purpose of your visit.
The verb “récupérer” means “to pick up” or “to collect” and is widely used for reserved items, repaired goods, or packages.
Related Expression
- Je viens chercher ma commande.
（I am here to pick up my order.）
The word “commande” (order) is useful for both online and in-store purchases.
2. Providing and Supplementing Reservation Information
When picking up an item, staff will usually ask for the reservation name.
Example
- C’était au nom de qui, s’il vous plaît ?
（Under what name was the reservation, please?）
Adding extra reservation details can help the staff confirm your order more smoothly.
Example
- J’ai passé la commande en ligne la semaine dernière.
（I placed the order online last week.）
The expression “passer une commande” means “to place an order” and is commonly used in both everyday and business contexts.
3. Confirming the Reservation Details
When the staff checks the reservation, they may ask a confirmation question such as the following:
Example
- Vous aviez réservé une veste, c’est bien ça ?
（You reserved a jacket, is that correct?）
The phrase “c’est bien ça ?” means “Is that correct?” and is often used to avoid misunderstandings.
Responses
- Oui, exactement.
（Yes, exactly.） - Non, c’était un manteau.
（No, it was a coat.）
4. Points to Confirm When Picking Up the Item
When receiving the item, it is advisable to check the condition, try it on if possible, and confirm the exchange or return policy.
Example
- Souhaitez-vous l’essayer avant de partir ?
（Would you like to try it on before you leave?）
The expression “souhaitez-vous” is a polite way to make an offer or suggestion.
From the customer’s side, you may ask:
Example
- Si jamais la taille ne convient pas, est-ce possible de l’échanger ?
（If the size does not fit, would it be possible to exchange it?）
The phrase “si jamais” means “in case” or “if by any chance,” and allows you to ask cautiously and politely.
Summary
Key French Phrases
- Je viens récupérer un article que j’ai réservé.
→ Used to state that you are picking up a reserved item. - Au nom de ～ / J’ai passé la commande en ligne.
→ Used to explain the reservation name and method. - C’est bien ça ? / Oui, exactement.
→ Used to confirm reservation details. - Souhaitez-vous l’essayer ?
→ A polite way to suggest trying the item. - Est-ce possible de l’échanger ?
→ Useful when asking about exchanges or returns.
