Unit 14.
Shopping by Mail
Read and translate the text.
Millions of consumers shop by mail. Mail–order shopping is convenient. Items may cost less, and some items may be available that are not available in local stores. However, mail–order shopping can also cause problems. Mail–order packages can arrive late, broken, or not at all.
According to federal law, you have a right to know when you can expect merchandise to be shipped. Sellers must comply with the promises in their ads (such as “will be rushed to you within a week”). If no shipping date is stated, the merchandise must be shipped within 30 days of the seller’s receipt of your order. If the seller does not ship within 30 days, you have the right to cancel the order.
The Federal Trade Commission monitors compliance with the mail–order rule. This rule does not apply, however, to purchases made by telephone. With several cable television channels offering extensive opportunities for telephone shopping, some state legislatures are considering whether additional consumer protection laws are needed regarding home shopping.
Consumers should watch out for ads sent through the mail offering “free” items in exchange for subscriptions or memberships. Offers of free items almost always require a commitment to purchase other items in the future (for example, “four free books now if you purchase four more during the next year at the members’ price”). Book and recording clubs often mail catalogs to members on a monthly basis.
ADVICE
Carefully read the product description.
Be certain that the order form is filled out correctly and that all required information is provided.
Pay by check or money order. Never send cash.
Keep a copy of the order blank, the seller’s name and address, and the date you sent in the order.
Note the promised delivery time.
Carefully inspect all mail–order packages upon receipt to be sure that nothing is missing.
Find the equivalents of the following words and expressions in the text.
Покупка товаров по почте; вызвать проблемы; доставить покупку; выполнить обещания; расторгнуть заказ; следить за выполнением правил торговли по почте; широкие возможности; быть осторожным; предлагать «бесплатные» товары; обязательство купить другие товары в будущем; бланк заказа; по получении.
Answer the questions:
Why is mail–order shopping convenient?
What problems can mail–order shopping cause?
What right do you have according to federal law?
How quickly must the goods be shipped if no shipping date is stated?
Who monitors compliance with the mail–order rule?
Does this rule apply to purchases made by telephone?
Why should consumers watch out for ads sent through the mail offering “free” items in exchange for subscriptions or memberships? Have you ever received such ads?
Why is it not a good idea to send cash?
Why is it recommended to inspect carefully all mail–order packages upon receipt?
Have you ever bought anything by mail?
Read and discuss the following text: