2015年ESL之商务英语 22 Collecting Debt

Collecting Debt 

Ken¹: Look at this list of customers who still owe us money. How is this business supposed to survive if we keep extending credit? 

Marjorie: We started doing it because some of our best customers didn’t have ready cash. They’re good for it. 

Ken: I know they’ll eventually pay their outstanding debt, but what are we supposed to do in the meantime? We need that cash to buy stock. 

Marjorie: We can call in the debt and set a deadline for repayment². We can give those who are really hard up an extension on a case-by-case basis. 

Ken: What if they still don’t pay? We’d have to turn it over to a collection agency. We’d only get 40 cents on the dollar, but we’ll have to close our doors if we don’t collect. 

Marjorie: Using a collection agency would be a last resort. I’ll call each of our major debtors³ and have a talk with them. I’m sure they’ll come through. 

Ken: I hope you’re right or we will be the ones asking for credit! 

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse 

1 ken   

n.视野，知识领域

参考例句：

• Such things are beyond my ken.我可不懂这些事。
• Abstract words are beyond the ken of children.抽象的言辞超出小孩所理解的范围.

2 repayment   

n.偿还，偿还款；报酬

参考例句：

• I am entitled to a repayment for the damaged goods.我有权利索取货物损坏赔偿金。
• The tax authorities have been harrying her for repayment.税务局一直在催她补交税款。

3 debtors   

n.债务人，借方( debtor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Creditors could obtain a writ for the arrest of their debtors. 债权人可以获得逮捕债务人的令状。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Never in a debtors' prison? 从没有因债务坐过牢么？ 来自英汉文学 - 双城记