How super is a supermarket?

       Whichever answer you gave to this question could be the best one for you and could help you to find out something about yourself and where and how you are most likely to shop wisely. Score 3 for any answer.

 

Do you like changes?

If you answered (a), you may be lucky, but the chances are that you will discover when you know more about it that there are models which would have suited your purpose better – and they may even be cheaper, too. Try looking around more. Score 1.

       Answer (b)? This is a wiser way of going about it. Finding out all you can about the purchase before you buy – from magazine articles, advertisements (though remember they are biased), literature published by an independent body like the Consumers' Association, which publishes WHICH? and, perhaps most effective of all, talking to people who have been using the product you hope to buy and can give you first-hand experience – this pre-shopping preparation well all go a long way towards ensuring that you get what you want and the best your money can buy. Score 3.

       Answer (c)? Provided your sales assistant really knows his subject, this could be a good way of finding the best buy for you. Only you, of course, know what you really want and how you will use it, and an assistant can't answer questions you don't ask him – so it is a good idea to explore the market for yourself if possible. But, if you asked his advice, the shopkeeper does have some responsibility in law for what you buy being suitable for your purpose. Score 2.

 

Buying clothes

If you answered (a), you certainly do take chances and would have to be very lucky indeed for this to work. If you are a stock size and know what suits you, perhaps you would be satisfied, but it's hardly worth risking. Some shops will exchange garments that do not fit you after you have tried them on at home. Score1.

Do you know what you want?

If you set out to buy as in (a), you will probably find out too late that the blouse needs to be dry cleaned (expensive and inconvenient for a blouse) or that it will take hours to iron (so it will never be ready for you to put on when you want to go out in a hurry). Score 1.

Answer (b) ? Many garments are labeled these days and give quite precise information about washing, ironing or dry cleaning. If there is no label, beware, and get the assurance of a responsible assistant that the garment will wash without shrinking or the colours running. If this assurance is given, the shop should take responsibility if anything goes wrong. Score 2.

Answer (c)? If you know that what you really want is a blouse or a shirt that will never need ironing and that you can wash and dry quickly and easily, then it is best to look for these qualities and not to be tempted by something which may look attractive but will not serve the purpose. Then you are a wise shopper. Score 3.

Do you know your rights?

Answer (a)? If you buy a particular product by name, it may be exactly what you want, but it is your responsibility. Remember that advertisements are biased and although they may not say anything that is quite untrue, they do not have to advertise the disadvantages or weaknesses of the product they are out to sell. An advertisement by itself is a doubtful recommendation. Better get a second opinion. Score 1.

       Answer (b)? It is the shopkeeper’s job, recognized by law, to sell you something that is suitable for your purpose – provided he knows your purpose is. So if you discuss with him what you want and take his advice, he will be responsible if it proves unsuitable. Score 3.

       Answer (c)? Guarantees should certainly be read and receipts kept as evidence of purchase. The word ‘guaranteed’ can be used to lull customers into a false sense of security. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything – in fact, by signing a guarantee, you could be signing away the rights you have in law. There are good guarantees – and bad ones. If you sign a guarantee and send it to the manufactures you have accepted the terms laid down – so be satisfied before you do so that they are to your advantage. There are facts to help you with this on page 44. Score 3.

 

Making a complaint

Answer (a) means you take the easy way out and accept your loss. But a little effort would probably put matters right. Score 1.

       Answer (b)? You are probably the aggressive type. Quick to feel wronged and to blame somebody for doing you down. The chances are that they will react and there will be a row. A lot of energy is wasted. You may get the goods replaced: only is they are defective may you get your money back. In law, you are reckoned to have accepted them once you have taken them home. Score 2.

       Answer (c)? Try this method before all others. A reputable shopkeeper is anxious to please his customers and knows their rights. If you have just cause for complaint, the chances are that he will replace the article immediately. And he is much more likely to want to do so if you give him the credit for not wanting to do you down! Score 3.

What is your score?

       Between 16 and 24. You are already on the way to being a clever shopper. Be careful that your caution does not make you too careful for pleasure and unable to recognize and enjoy a real bargain when it comes your way. Between 8 and 16. You are an average shopper; you need to take a little more care if you want to get more for your money. Only 8? Your moods are likely to run away with you and you may easily get caught out or waste money unless you take more care.              

 

II VOCABULARY EXERCISES

General

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