At the Post Office – Mailing a Package

Scene: Inside a busy post office. Maya is holding a small box and an envelope. She steps up to the counter when it’s her turn.

Conversation

CLERK: Good afternoon. How can I help you today?

MAYA: Hi. I’d like to mail this package to Canada, and this letter within the U.S.

CLERK: Sure. Let’s start with the package. Is there anything fragile, liquid, or perishable inside?

MAYA: There’s a scarf, some candy, and a small book. Nothing fragile or liquid.

CLERK: Great. Please place the box on the scale… It weighs just under one kilo. Do you want standard shipping or express?

MAYA: What’s the difference?

CLERK: Standard takes about 7–10 business days and is cheaper. Express takes 3–5 business days and includes tracking and insurance.

MAYA: I think I’d like express. It’s a birthday gift, so I want it to arrive on time.

CLERK: All right. I’ll print a shipping label. I also need you to fill out this customs form. Please write what’s inside and the value in dollars.

MAYA: Okay. Is it okay to write “gift”?

CLERK: Yes, you can mark it as a gift. Just be sure to list the items and the total value.

Maya fills out the form at the counter and hands it back.

MAYA: Here you go.

CLERK: Thank you. The total for express shipping to Canada is 32 dollars. Would you like to add extra insurance?

MAYA: Is insurance included already?

CLERK: Express includes basic insurance up to 100 dollars. If your package is worth more, you can buy extra coverage.

MAYA: No, that’s enough. I’ll stay with the basic insurance.

CLERK: All right. I’ll also give you a tracking number so you can follow the package online.

MAYA: Perfect. And what about this letter?

CLERK: Let me see. It’s a regular envelope going within the U.S. A first-class stamp is enough. Do you want a forever stamp or a dated one?

MAYA: A forever stamp, please.

CLERK: Okay. Your total for the package and the letter is 34 dollars and 60 cents. Will you be paying with cash or card?

MAYA: Card, please.

Maya pays with her card and signs the receipt.

CLERK: Here is your receipt and your tracking number. The package should arrive in about a week.

MAYA: Thank you. One more question: What are your opening hours on Saturday?

CLERK: We’re open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

MAYA: Great, that’s good to know. Have a nice day!

CLERK: You too. Thanks for coming in.

— THE END —

Vocabulary List

Package /ˈpækɪdʒ/ (n.) a box or wrapped item that you send in the mail. Example: I’d like to mail this package to Canada.
Postage /ˈpoʊstɪdʒ/ (n.) the cost of sending a letter or package by mail. Example: Express postage is more expensive than standard.
Standard shipping /ˈstændərd ˈʃɪpɪŋ/ (n.) regular mail service that usually takes longer. Example: Standard shipping takes about 7–10 business days.
Express (mail) /ɪkˈspres meɪl/ (n.) a faster, more expensive mail service. Example: She chose express mail so the gift arrives on time.
Tracking number /ˈtrækɪŋ ˈnʌmbər/ (n.) a code that lets you see where your package is online. Example: I’ll give you a tracking number for your package.
Customs form /ˈkʌstəmz fɔːrm/ (n.) a document for international mail that lists what’s inside the package. Example: Please fill out this customs form for the package.
Insurance /ɪnˈʃʊrəns/ (n.) protection that pays you if your package is lost or damaged. Example: Express shipping includes basic insurance.
Return address /rɪˈtɜːrn əˈdres/ (n.) the sender’s address written on a letter or package. Example: Don’t forget to write your return address on the box.
Business days /ˈbɪznəs deɪz/ (n.) workdays from Monday to Friday, not including weekends or holidays. Example: Delivery takes 3–5 business days.
Opening hours /ˈoʊpənɪŋ aʊərz/ (n.) the times when a business is open. Example: What are your opening hours on Saturday?

At the Post Office: Mailing a Package

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Conversation

Vocabulary List