How to Prevent Problems

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Reality Choices
Making decisions
in a changing marketplace

  

 
  You can prevent many consumer problems by following the suggestions listed below.
  • Make sure you understand what the advertising says and what the salesperson tells you. Get answers to your questions before you buy.
  • Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Don’t rush into a purchase, especially if it’s worth a lot of money.
  • If follow-up service is important, know who you are dealing with.
  • Never sign a contract unless you have read and understood it. Never sign a blank contract that a salesperson says will be filled in later.
  • Shop around for service and price.
  • If a retailer's statements about the item are an important reason why you are buying it, ask that the statements be written into the sales agreement.
  • Write down any verbal claims that a salesperson makes about the goods or services if the claims are not listed in the contract or sales agreement.
 
If you do have problems, know how to complain properly. For more information see the tipsheet Investgiating Your Consumer Complaints.  

 		    
Clues that the product
or service may not be legitimate 		The easiest way to not lose money to a fraudulent offer - don’t spend the money until you’ve done your homework.
  • The price is too good to be true — If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. You have to ask how can this seller offer goods at a price no one else (including the manufacturer) can.
     
  • Vague testimonials — Sally S. of Edmonton says, “This site is great. I saved over $1,500 on my computer. I would definitely buy from XYZ again.” Testimonials like these should be taken with a grain of salt. They are as credible as the source and the source (Sally S. of Edmonton) could be the seller.
     
  • Unsolicited e-mails direct you to a sales Web site. Spam (unsolicited e-mails) is one method fraudulent sellers use to advertise. Lists of e-mail addresses are easy to gather and sell. Your e-mail address is worth money.
     
  • The seller asks for personal or financial information before you can get product information or company details. Fraudulent businesses may collect your personal information to steal your credit identity or your personal identity. Never give credit card, banking or personal information until you are ready to buy. Never give your social insurance number to a seller.

  
What to do after
you’ve made a purchase
  • Keep all the paper — that includes your sales receipts, warranties, service contracts and instructions.
  • Let the seller know immediately if you have a problem
  • Write it down! Keep a written record of any contact with the business.
  • If you take the item in for repair, be sure the technician or person taking it in understands and writes down the problem you’ve described. Get an estimate on the cost of repairs before you sign a contract and keep a copy of the repair order for your records.
  

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