SIGNING A CONTRACT
Exercise 1
Please read and translate these dialogues. Use the dictionary if you need.
A service contract
A: Do you have a copy of our service contract with Telecoms? I`m not happy with their response time and I´d like to check the terms and conditions of the contract.
B: Sure. I`ve got a copy here. Itś due for renewal at the end of next month. We`ve still got time to look for another supplier if you`re not happy.
Extended warranty
A: How long have we had the A3 printer in the sales department?
B: Just over a year I think. Why, what`s the problem?
A: I`m not sure but there seems to be something wrong with it. Is it still under guarantee?
B: I think the guarantee`s just run out. Let me check. Oh, it`s OK. We took out an extended warranty. It runs until next March.
A product guarantee
A: Can you tell me what`s included in your warranty?
B: Certainly. The product has a two-year guarantee. If it breaks down during that period we offer a replacement unit completely free of charge. Our products are very reliable but we recommend you take out an extended warranty. This covers you for a further two years.
A: I see. What does that include?
B: It covers all parts and labour, except for normal wear and tear of course.
A: What sort of response time do you guarantee?
B: Our engineers are on call 24 hours a day. We guarantee someone will be with you within four hours, but in practice it`s often much sooner.
A: Are there any exclusions?
B: Not really. It`s a very comprehensive warranty. I`ll put a copy in the post to you and you can read through the small print.
An insurance policy
A: Bad news, I`m afraid. Our supplier has gone bust. The parts you ordered have arrived at the docks but the handling agent wont release them until someone pays the invoice. We also need to arrange transport to the factory.
B: Don`t worry about the cost. Our insurance policy covers us against situations like this. We need those parts urgently. Could you please try to get them here tomorrow?
The building schedule
A: I see there are some workmen on the site. When is the building work due to start?
B: Well, it`ll take three weeks to demolish the old building and clear away the debris. We should be ready to start the construction work in week 23.
A: How long will the sub-contractors be on site?
B: About ten weeks in total if everything goes according to plan.
A: I`m sure it will. So, we should be able to start moving the machinery in during week 34. I`ll confirm that date with our suppliers.
Project planning
A: Who`s in charge of the construction project?
B: We`ve taken on a civil engineer on a nine-month temporary contract. He`ll oversee the whole project. In fact, we`re having a project meeting at 3 p.m this afternoon to allocate responsibilities and finalise the time schedule. Why don`t you join us?
A: I can`t I`m afraid. I`ve got another meeting scheduled for 2.30 p.m.
Making progress
A: How`s the building work going?
B: Well, I`m afraid we`ve had a slight delay.
A: What`s the problem? We really can`t have any delays at this stage. We`re working to a really tight schedule and we`re already over budget.
B: The cement arrived late but don`t worry, I`m confident we can still meet the deadline. The crew is on stand-by and as soon as the concrete has set we can get started again.
A: OK. Keep me informed. It must be ready on time.
Exercise 2
Study these notes and learn them by heart
I`m not happy with their response time.....
Similar expressions; I`m dissatisfied with their turnaround time.
They don`t respond promptly.
....I`d like to check the terms and conditions of the contract.
terms and conditions is a common expression for the details of a contract or agreement.
It`s due for renewal at the end of next month.
Other expressions; The contract expires tomorrow.
It runs out next week.
We need to renew the contract soon.
Is it still under guarantee?
We could also say; Is the guarantee still valid?
Has the guarantee expired yet?
.... the guarantee`s just run out.
Note the use of run out to mean expired/is no longer valid.
Guarantee is also used as a verb. It is guaranteed for two years.
We took out an extended warranty.
take out means arrange and pay for. We decided not to take out fully comprehensive cover.
It runs until next March.
Note the use of until. Other examples:
The contractors will be here until the end of the year.
We can`t pay the hauliers until we have received the goods.
... free of charge.
This means at no extra cost.
.... we recommend you take out ....
Note the verb pattern with recommend.
The safety inspector recommended we shut down the plant.
What does that include?
We can also say: What does the policy cover?
Our engineers are on call 24 hours a day.
If you are on call, you are ready to come into work if necessary.
Are there any exclusions?
An exclusion is an exception, a situation which is not covered by the policy.
It`s a very comprehensive warranty.
A comprehensive warranty has few exclusions.
... read through the small print.
The small print is the list of conditions and exclusions of a contract or agreement.
Our supplier has gone bust.
This means the company has gone out of business, is bankrupt.
Our insurance policy covers us against situations like this.
This means the supplier/insurance company will pay for new or replacement components and for fitting or repair. Other examples of cover.
The policy doesn`t cover wear and tear.
We`re covered against fire and theft.
Are you sure we`re covered against accidental damage?
We need comprehensive cover for all goods in transit.
I`m a bit concerned about ....
We could also say; I have some concerns about ...
I`m a little worried about ....
What`s the height clearance?
clearance is used to describe the distance from the ground to the top of an entrance/roof/bridge
That`s a good point.
A useful way of showing you agree with what someone has said.
When is the building work due to start?
Note the use of due. An alternative expression: When is it scheduled to start?
... it`ll take three weeks to demolish the old building ...
demolish means knock down.
Note the use of it`ll take for the amount of time needed.
It`ll take two hours to repair the generator.
We need twenty-four hours for the concrete to set.
... clear away the debris.
debris is another word for rubbish.
How long will the sub-contractors be on site?
on site means in the company grounds and/or buildings.
... if everything goes according to plan.
We could also say:
If everything goes as planned.
If we can keep to our schedule.
We`ve taken on a civil engineer ...
We could also say: We`ve recruited/hired/brought in a ....
... on a nine-month temporary contract.
Other expressions: on a temporary basis
temporarily
The opposite of temporary is permanent.
... to allocate responsibilities ....
This means to decide who is going to be responsible for certain duties.
.... we`ve had a slight delay.
slight means minor or small.
Other expressions: I`m afraid we`ve got a slight problem.
There`s been a slight change of plan.
We`re working to a really tight schedule ...
Another expression with tight: I hope the parts arrive in time. It`s going to be very tight. (this means we have very little time.)
... over budget.
When discussing finance over budget means something cost more than planned.
... we can still meet the deadline.
This means that you manage to do the work by the date/time agreed.
The crew is on stand-by ...
If you are on stand-by, you are ready to start work if needed.
It must be ready on time.
Note we don`t use to after must. The delivery must arrive on time.
Note: NOT The delivery must to arrive on time.
Exercise 3
Exercise 4
