Saying You’ll Come Back Later

Saying You’ll Come Back Later

Learn how to politely tell a store employee or vendor that you are not going to buy a product now, but might return later. This lesson provides simple dialogues and useful phrases for a smooth and polite exit.

SpeakItGo• FEATURED• 3 min

BEGINNER

Vendor:
Can I help you with anything?
Customer:
No, thank you. I'm just looking.
Vendor:
Okay. Let me know if you need anything.
Customer:
I will. Thank you. I'll come back later.
Vendor:
Sounds good. Have a nice day.
Customer:
You too. Goodbye.
Customer:
Thank you for your help. I need to think about it. I'll return later.
Vendor:
No problem. We'll be here.
Customer:
Great. Goodbye.
Vendor:
Goodbye.

Vocabulary

just looking

A polite phrase to say you are browsing without intending to buy anything at the moment.

  • I'm just looking, thank you.
  • He went into the shop, just looking.
  • Is there anything I can help you with? No, I'm just looking.

return

To come back to a place.

  • I'll return later to buy the shirt.
  • She returned to the store to get the item she forgot.
  • He will return to his country next week.

Grammar Tip: Using 'I'll come back later.'

The phrase 'I'll come back later' is a simple and effective way to let the employee know you are leaving but might be back. The contraction 'I'll' (for 'I will') is very common in spoken English.

Common Mistakes

❌ Just saying 'no' to the offer of help.

✅ Add a polite phrase like 'No, thank you. I'm just looking.'

Saying just 'no' can be a little blunt. Adding 'thank you' and 'I'm just looking' is much more polite and common in English-speaking cultures.

❌ Not saying 'goodbye.'

✅ Always end the conversation with a polite 'goodbye' or 'have a nice day.'

Ending with a polite farewell is a simple but important way to show respect and politeness.

Notes for Learners

  • Be ready with the phrase 'I'm just looking.' when you enter a store.
  • Practice using 'I'll come back later' or 'I'll return later.'
  • Listen for the vendor's response, which will likely be understanding and polite.
  • Remember to say 'thank you' and 'goodbye' at the end.

INTERMEDIATE

Employee:
I see you're interested in our new line of jackets. Can I offer you any assistance?
Customer:
Thank you for the offer, but I'm just browsing at the moment. I'm not ready to make a decision yet.
Employee:
Of course, take your time. Let me know if you have any questions.
Customer:
I will. I'm going to look around a bit more and I might come back later to decide.
Employee:
Sounds good. The store closes at 9 PM.
Customer:
Good to know. Thanks for the information.
Employee:
You're welcome. Have a good afternoon.
Customer:
You too. Goodbye.
Customer:
I'm not going to purchase it now. I'll need to think it over and I'll be back.
Employee:
No problem. See you then.

Vocabulary

browsing

To look at a product casually without a specific plan to buy.

  • I'm just browsing at the moment.
  • She spent an hour browsing in the bookstore.
  • He enjoys browsing the internet.

make a decision

To choose a course of action after careful thought.

  • I'm not ready to make a decision yet.
  • It's difficult to make a decision on my own.
  • She made a quick decision to buy the dress.

Grammar Tip: Using 'I might...'

The phrase 'I might...' is a great way to talk about a possibility in the future. In this context, it shows you are not sure if you will return, which is a very polite and honest way to communicate.

Common Mistakes

❌ Just saying 'I'm looking.'

✅ Use 'I'm just browsing' for a more casual and natural feel.

'Browsing' is a very common word in shopping. It implies you are looking around for fun or without a clear goal, which is a very common reason to be in a store.

❌ Leaving without a clear closing statement.

✅ Give a clear statement like 'I might come back later to decide' to manage expectations.

Being clear about your intentions is a key part of intermediate English. It shows you are in control of the conversation and are respectful of the employee's time.

Notes for Learners

  • Be ready with a polite phrase like 'Thank you for the offer...' before you decline.
  • Practice using 'I'm just browsing' or 'I'm not ready to make a decision yet.'
  • Give a clear closing statement like 'I'll come back later to decide.'
  • Remember to thank the employee for their help and give a polite farewell.

ADVANCED

Employee:
Good afternoon. I noticed you've been reviewing our selection of watches. Can I be of any assistance?
Customer:
Good afternoon. I appreciate the offer, but I'm just perusing at the moment. I'm currently assessing my options and not yet prepared to make a commitment.
Employee:
I completely understand. Please, take all the time you need. Should you have any questions, I'm at your disposal.
Customer:
That's very kind of you. I may need to consult with a friend before making a final decision. I'll likely return later this week.
Employee:
Very well. We look forward to seeing you then. Do you have a business card with my name on it in case you have further questions?
Customer:
That would be most helpful. Thank you for your professional courtesy.
Employee:
My pleasure. Have a pleasant afternoon.
Customer:
You as well. Goodbye.
Customer:
I'm not in a position to make a purchase at this time. I'll return when I'm more prepared.
Employee:
Sounds good. See you then.

Vocabulary

perusing

To look at or read something in a leisurely or casual way.

  • I'm just perusing at the moment.
  • He was perusing a magazine in the waiting room.
  • I'd like to peruse the menu before I order.

commitment

The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.; a promise to do something.

  • I'm not yet prepared to make a commitment.
  • He showed a great commitment to his work.
  • I'm looking for a long-term commitment.

Grammar Tip: Using 'I'm not yet prepared to...'

This phrase is a formal and very polite way to say you are not ready for something. It's more sophisticated and less demanding than 'I'm not ready to...' It shows that you are aware of the situation and are making a conscious decision.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using simple language like 'I'm just looking.'

✅ Use more advanced and formal phrases like 'I'm just perusing at the moment.'

Advanced English is about choosing the right tone and vocabulary. 'Perusing' is a more sophisticated word for 'browsing' and is perfect for a more formal setting like a jewelry store or a high-end boutique.

❌ Not explaining the reason for leaving.

✅ Provide a clear, polite reason like 'I may need to consult with a friend before making a final decision.'

Giving a polite reason shows respect for the employee's time and effort. It's a key part of advanced communication and helps maintain a positive relationship with the vendor.

Notes for Learners

  • Open the conversation with a formal phrase like 'I appreciate the offer...' before you decline.
  • Be ready to use and understand specific terms like 'perusing' and 'commitment.'
  • Give a clear and polite reason for your departure, like 'I may need to consult with a friend.'
  • Acknowledge the employee's help with a phrase like 'Thank you for your professional courtesy' and end the conversation professionally.