Making Smart Consumer Decisions Before You Buy
- Research the product before you buy to compare quality and prices. Visit our Consumer Links section for helpful consumer links to help you buy better.
- Deal with the businesses you trust based on past experience. If you haven’t shopped at a store before, ask friends and family about their experiences there.
- Compare prices, guarantees or warranties and agreements with what other businesses offer.
- If you don’t understand an agreement, ask the seller to explain it clearly before you buy.
- Get all promises in writing and keep your receipts.
- Be wary of extravagant sales claims. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
When You Have a Problem
If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, here’s what to do to complain:
- Know what you want. Would you like the store to take back an item, fix it or replace it?
- Talk to the right person. A clerk may not be authorized to offer you a refund. Working your way up the company ladder may take more time, but could net you better results.
- Keep good records. Make note of dates and names of people you’ve spoken with about your complaint.
- Write a letter of complaint to the company in a way you can track (such as registered mail, e-mail or fax with confirmed delivery).
