En su tienda local...

Question

I'm trying to say: The magnetic strip on your card isn't working (as in being read by the store's electronics)...

So, which is preferred or recommend something similar?

• la banda magnética en su tarjeta no funciona o no está funcionando bien.
• la tira magnética de su tarjeta no trabaja o no está trabajando correctamente.

Don't need to sound like a university professor... just conversational and friendly!

Thanks!

Answer 1

In this case, trabaja does not mean "work" funciona is your word here. But you could probably simplify the phrase by saying "La maquina no lee su tarjeta" The machine isn't reading your card.

Thanks Luhzon! I just don't want to imply that my machine might be the culprit... 99 times out of a 100, it's the card, I believe... :) - cristalino, Apr 4, 2011

Answer 2

no funciona sounds better to me than no trabaja

Another helpful phrase.

desgastarse como consecuencia de el uso frecuente; deteriorar algo por el uso frecuente

Thanks Q! If I even learn "desgastarse..." or "deteriorar..." I may qualify for a promotion! :) - cristalino, Apr 4, 2011