Foundation · Everyday Life

Deliveries & returns

Your goal: track an order, deal with delivery drivers, and return items that aren't right. Clear English for modern shopping.

1

Survival Phrases

Tracking & Delivery

  • Where is my order?
  • Can you leave it at the door?
  • I didn't receive my package.

At the door

  • Hello, I have a delivery for [Name].
  • Where do I sign?
  • Thank you, have a good day!

Returns

  • I'd like to return this item.
  • It's the wrong size.
  • It's broken / damaged.
  • Can I get a refund?
2

Model Dialogue

Driver: (On intercom) Hello, delivery for apartment 4B.

Customer: Hi! Can you leave it by the mailboxes, please?

Driver: I need a signature for this one.

Customer: OK, I'm coming down. (Later at the shop) Hello, I'd like to return this shirt.

Staff: Is there a problem with it?

Customer: Yes, it's too small. Can I have a refund or a larger size?

Staff: We have a medium. Do you have the receipt?

Customer: Yes, here it is.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationProfessional (Customer Service)Quick (Driver/Shop)
ProblemI am writing because my order is late.My package isn't here yet.
RequestingI would like to request a refund.Can I get my money back?
4

Typical Mistakes

  • I want to devolution this. → I'd like to return this.
  • The package didn't arrive to me. → I didn't receive the package.
5

Culture Note

  • Porch pirates: Be careful with leaving packages outside in some cities. Use "click and collect" points if possible.
  • Return windows: Most shops have a 14 or 30-day limit for returns. Always check the policy.
6

Practical Task

  1. Describe a problem. Imagine you bought a phone and the screen is broken. Write two sentences to explain this to a shop assistant.
  2. Plan a return. Check the label of something you bought recently. Can you find the "Return Policy"?

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐give simple instructions to a delivery driver?
  • ☐explain why you want to return an item?
  • ☐ask for a refund or exchange?