Unit 7 Task 8

Read and reproduce the following dialogue

DISCUSSING THE GUARANTEE PERIOD

• Good morning, Mr. P. Very glad to see you again.

• Good morning, Mr. B What terrible weather we are having!

• Yes, it has been raining since early morning though the radio didn't say it would rain today.

• I hope it will clear up by the evening.

• Perhaps it will. Mr. P, the matter I'd like to bring up today is the guarantee period. I know it is 12 months from the date of putting the pumps into operation, but not more than 18 months from the delivery date.

• That's right.

• Well, I find it rather short. We'd like it to be extended by two and three months respectively, as the usual guarantee period for this type of equipment is longer.

• Now, look. Model LS is of a new design and only a small number of units have been manufactured so far. Although we have good reports about their performance we can't formally guarantee their reliability for a longer period.

• I see. But, Mr. P, I believe the contract will specify that if any defects are found during the guarantee period you are to correct them promptly and at your expense.

• Yes this is our usual obligation, but of course we do that only if we are responsible for the defects, if they appear through our fault.

• This seems reasonable. Let's consider one more possibility. Suppose we would like some faulty parts to be replaced, on what terms will you deliver the replacements?

• We'll try to supply them immediately and pay the cost of their insurance and transport. Will that suit you?

• Quite.

• By the way, if you want special service visits of our engineer to be arranged after the guarantee period, we can always do that.

• Shall we have to pay for such visits?

• Yes. You should authorize such visits and pay the engineer's fare to and in Russia, hotel expenses and the cost of each job he will do.

• Thank you. I’ll have to look into the matter. Could we meet on Thursday, say, at 12?

• Let's make it at 2 if you don't mind. I have an appointment at 12 which I don't want to break.

• Very good.

Think and answer.

1. Why did the Buyer want the guarantee period to be extended?

2. Why was the Seller to replace the faulty parts promptly during the guarantee period?

3. Why does the company arrange service visits of their engineers after the guarantee period?

Exercises

1. Give Russian equivalents to the following words

Clear up, the matter, to bring up, the guarantee period, putting the pumps into operation, to be extended, respectively, so far, specify, defects, to correct, at your expense, obligation, are responsible for, through, your fault, consider, fault, to be replaced, replacements, insurance, transport, authorize, fare, expenses, to look into the matter, to break.

2. Read and reproduce this dialogue

• Good morning. Mr. K. We are glad to see you. Will you sit down?

• Thank you. It's a cold morning, isn't it?

• Yes, it is. This winter has been unusually cold, but I hope the weather will get warmer

• Yes, spring is coming. Well, Mr. S, today I'd like to bring up the matter of the guarantee period. What guarantee period do you offer for your machines?

• It's usually 12 months from the date of putting them into operation and not more than 14 months respectively.

• Well, we expected it to be longer. In fact, we thought it would be 16 and 20 months respectively.

• But. Mr. K, we can't guarantee the reliability of our machines for a longer period. We don't know the specific conditions in which they will operate at your plant.

• I see what you mean. It's going to be our first experience with your machines. We'll feel much better if the period during which you can help us is longer.

• What about your operators? Have they much experience with this type of equipment?

• We have a very efficient staff and I don't think anything can go wrong through their fault.

• I think I'll have to look into the matter very carefully before I give you our reply.

• I am looking forward to our next meeting.

3. Translate into Russian these words and word-combinations

To bring up, to put machines into operation, to expect, conditions to operate, experience, equipment, efficient staff, fault, to look into the matter very carefully, to look forward,

4. Translate into English these words and word-combinations

Дата введения машины в эксплуатацию, ожидать, условия, опыт, опытный штат сотрудников, дать ответ, погода, ждать с нетерпением.

5. Fill in the gaps with prepositions

1. I’ll have to look … the matter very carefully.

2. I don’t think anything can do wrong … their fault.

3. It’s our first experience … your machines.

4. We don’t know the specific conditions … which they will operate … your plant.

5. We are looking forward … our next meeting.

6. I’d like to bring … the matter … the guarantee period.