Main Lesson
Discussion
• How often do you buy things off the internet?
• What kinds of things do you usually order online?
• When was the last time you bought something online?
1. Useful Expressions
• The item is out of stock, so I have to wait for a restock.
• Sometimes I get buyer’s remorse after shopping online.
• I always check the reviews before placing an order.
2. Some Facts
1. On average, 7 out of 10 people add things to their cart and then leave without buying.
2. Globally, more than 2.77 billion people shop online as of 2025. That’s over a third of the world’s population.
3. Many online shopping platforms now offer ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ options, which are becoming especially popular with younger shoppers.
4. It is found that about 72% of the time, products cost the same online as they do in physical stores.
3. Short News
Best Buy Customer Claims $12,000 Camera Order Turned Into $300 Lens
• Do you think expensive items are safe to buy online? Why or why not?
• Where do you usually buy your electronic items?
• Do you know Best Buy?
A U.S. customer says a recent online purchase from Best Buy turned into a nightmare after a major mix-up.
The buyer, identified only as Bruce, placed an order for about $12,000 worth of professional camera equipment. But when the delivery arrived, he claims the box contained only a single $300 lens.
Bruce says he immediately returned the incorrect item with tracking proof and contacted Best Buy for help. Instead of issuing a refund or replacement, the retailer allegedly told him the order had been fulfilled correctly. According to his account, Best Buy even accused him of fraud.
They declined to proceed with the case, leaving Bruce with nothing but a $300 lens.
What would you do in this situation?
💡 Teacher’s Note
When you buy online, the bank/payment record should show:
• the exact amount paid
• the date and time
• the seller
So in theory, Bruce could show this as proof of purchase. But the problem here is a bit deeper:
• Best Buy’s system said the order was “fulfilled,” meaning it had already been delivered.
• Even if Bruce showed bank info, the company might argue: “Yes, you paid, and we shipped — so our job is done.”
The real dispute is not about whether he paid, but whether he actually received the $12,000 worth of items.
4. Discussion
• Why do you think Best Buy refused to help him?
• Do you think Bruce was treated fairly? Why or why not?
• Would you still shop at Best Buy after hearing this story?
• How can you prevent this situation from happening to you?
5. Idioms
Shop till you drop
• On Black Friday, people shop till they drop.
• Sarah went to the mall on Saturday and shopped till she dropped, coming home with ten bags.
Throw money down the drain
• On Black Friday, people shop till they drop.
• Paying for a gym membership you don’t use is just throwing money down the drain.