Read and translate the text. Sometimes even careful shoppers have problems

Sometimes even careful shoppers have problems. When this happens, it is important to remain calm and be persistent. Often, 1) smart consumers can solve their own problems. When they can’t, it is very likely that 2) an agency or organization in their community will be able to provide the needed help.

The first thing to do after buying a product is to inspect it. If you do not receive the exact product you purchased or if some defect re­duces its value to you, take it back to the seller and ask for a replace­ment or refund.

In addition, you should always read and follow the instructions provided and use the product only as recommended by the manufac­turer. If the instructions are unclear or seem incomplete, contact the seller. Misuse of a product may be dangerous and may also cancel your legal rights! Be sure to report any problem with a product as soon as possible. Trying to fix the product yourself could cancel the warranty.

If you experience a problem with a product, you should always try to contact the seller first. All contacts should be in writing or docu­mented in a log or journal. Reputable business people are interested in a customer’s future business, and most problems and misunder­standings can be cleared up with a face–to–face discussion or a tele­phone call.

Provide the seller with all the necessary information – identify the item (including model and serial number), give the date and location of purchase, describe when and how the problem arose, and explain what you want done. Be sure to bring along your sales receipt, war­ranty, or other pertinent information. Be polite but firm. If the seller refuses to help or gives you the runaround, send a written complaint to the owner or store manager. Mention that you will take other measures if you do not receive satisfaction within a reasonable amount of time. Be sure to date the letter and include your name, address, and a phone number where you can be reached during regu­lar working hours. Keep a copy of the letter along with any response for your records. To complete your records, make notes about any conversations you had with the seller. Include promises made, if any, and the date of the conversation.

If the seller still refuses to help you, consider contacting the prod­uct’s manufacturer. If you don’t know the name of the manufacturer, ask your librarian for the Thomas Registry of American Manufactur­ers, a volume listing thousands of products and their manufacturers. If the seller is part of a chain store, consider writing to the corporate headquarters of the store. If you don’t know the address of the manu­facturer or the corporate headquarters, go to your local library and look it up in Standard and Poor’s Register of Corporations.

Find the equivalents of the following words
and expressions in the text.

Быть настойчивым, обеспечить необходимую помощь, потребовать замену товара или возврат денег, неправильное использование, непонятная инструкция, попытка самостоятельно отремонтировать, непонимание, связаться с продавцом, торговый чек, бизнесмены с хорошей репутацией, беседа при встрече, дата и место покупки, письменная жалоба, принять меры, штаб–квартира корпорации.

Answer the questions:

1. What is it important to do when any problem happens?

2. Who can provide the needed help if you fail to do it yourself?

3. Why should you always read and follow the instructions provided?

4. What can trying to fix the product yourself cancel?

5. What information should you provide the seller with?

6. Why is it necessary to make notes about any conversations you have with the seller?

7. What else can you do if the seller refuses to help?

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