The 20 best consumer tips

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10: This week I asked my co-workers to help me put together a list of consumer tips. The list was very long but we narrowed it down to the top 20. Our web-site (www.ca.gov.bm) actually has this information on it in more detail.

Here are 20 things we wish every consumer would remember.

Do your research. Find out as much information as possible about the product or service. Compare prices between the different stores that supply the product or service.

You need to check store policies. Ask what the store policies are before you purchase the product since there is no law that says the store policy must be displayed. 

Some stores have their policies printed on the receipts, or posted on a sign near the cash register.

Always keep your receipts and packaging. 

It fares better for you in case you have to return the product for an exchange or because it is defective.  Also keep the original packaging when you bought the item.

For gift certificates, be cautious; gift certificates may have an expiry date and the terms and conditions of use. 

If the gift certificate is lost, the store is not obligated to replace it.

For sale items, be cautious; sale items are often not returnable.  Again, keep the receipt or ask the store if they have gift receipts.

For returns, if you change your mind you are not obligated to a refund.  Returns must only be accepted for faulty products.

Always read the fine print on everything, especially contracts (before you sign them).

Don’t delay your complaint and complain to the person who is in a position to make a decision.

When getting work done get three quotes and don’t necessarily go with the least expensive.

Don’t rush

Get a quote, not an estimate. An estimate is an educated guess as to what the goods or service will cost –—it is not binding.

When buying second hand remember, Caveat Emptor (buyer beware). The Consumer ¬Protection Act 1999 and the Sale of Goods Act 2002 have limited application when buying used goods.

Know your consumer rights and responsibilities.

A business does not have to accept a cheque for payment because a cheque is not considered legal tender.

Don’t let someone rush you into signing a contract and if you must, take it home to go over it carefully or depending on the nature of the contract you may need to get a lawyer to look it over.

Ask about the product to ensure that it is fit for the purpose for which you are buying it.

When trying to resolve a complaint, always know who you are speaking with.

Find out what the warranty is on a product before you buy it.

When you have a complaint do not get emotional. Stay calm and address the key facts, no matter how angry you are.

Schemes

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. This is especially true with pyramid schemes and multi-level-marketing schemes.

Always examine goods before taking delivery of them.

If you are unhappy with the goods or services you have bought, the first step in resolving your problem is to contact the business or organization that sold you the product or service.

Make a formal request for redress (in writing) to the business or contractor so as to provide a legal “paper trail” of the dispute and if you are not satisfied with the response to your letter, or if you get no response, then you can file a complaint with Consumer Affairs.

Honey Adams is the education officer for Consumer Affairs.