Become a Savvy Consumer

As the consumer marketplace becomes more complex and multifaceted, families face new challenges to cope with daily decisions regarding consumer goods and services, ways to purchase and pay, and obtaining the greatest value for the dollars spent. Caveat emptor, or let the buyer beware, is as relevant today as it was when Caesar ruled the Roman empire. Your Family and Consumer Sciences program with the Extension Service provides research based information to guide consumers through this complex environment.

• Protect Yourself!
• Reliable information and a curious mind can be a valuable asset for every consumer.
• Ask questions.
• Seek information from more than one source.
• Take time to weigh alternatives prior to making a large purchase.
• Check to see if the company is licensed, registered, or certified if appropriate.
• Beware of additional fees and charges.
• Find out the seller's refund policy prior to purchase.
• Read the warranty. Know what is covered and what is not.
• Do not do business over the telephone unless you have initiated the call.
• Don’t be forced into committing to any product or service purchase.
• Be cautious of dealing with any unknown company with ONLY a post office box for an address.
• Make sure all documents you sign are in a language you understand and contain no blank lines or spaces. Always receive a copy of the document you have signed.
• Don’t rely on a salesperson’s promises. Get everything in writing.
  

After Making a Purchase...

...it is each individuals’ responsibility as a consumer to use products and purchases reasonably and responsibly and in accordance with their design. For greater satisfaction with purchases, take the following into consideration:

• How you use and care for a product might affect your warranty rights.
• Keep all sales receipts, warranties, service contracts and instructions.
• IF you have a problem, contact the company as soon as possible. Trying to fix the product yourself may cancel your right to service under the warranty.
• Keep a written record of your contact with the company.
• IF you continue to have a problem, check with your consumer protection office to find out about the warranty rights in your state that may apply to the product or service.
• If you paid for your purchase with a credit card, you have important rights that might help you dispute charges. Contact your credit card company for further information.
• Check your contract for any statement about cancellation rights. Contact your local consumer protection office to see if a cancellation period applies.
• If you take a product in for repair, be sure the technician understands and writes down the problem you have described. Always ask for a written estimate for repairs.
  

Red Flags

Sometimes a savvy consumer will see the "red flags" that lead one to hesitate prior to making a purchase, signing a contract or making an investment of some sort. Generally, these "red flags" are substantial reasons to pause and ask, "Is this a wise decision to make in this circumstance?". Consumers are urged to be aware of the red flags of fraud. Walk away from offers that seem too good to be true. Walk away, toss out the mail, or hang up the phone when you hear:

• "Sign now or the price will increase..."
• "You have been specially selected..."
• "You have won..."
• "All we need is your credit card (or bank account) number - for identification only."
• "All you pay for is postage, handling, and taxes..."
• "Make money in your spare time.....guaranteed income...."
• "I just happen to have leftover roofing material from a job around the corner..."
• Be your own boss! Never work for anyone else again. Just send in $$$ for supplies..."
  "$5,000 in cash. Yours, absolutely free! Just take a look at our....."
  

Remember...

...a smart consumer always looks at the total price before making a decision and investigates various similar products and companies prior to making a decision. Stay away from the many telemarketers who want to:

• send a courier service for your money
• have you send money by wire
• automatically withdraw money from your checking or saving account
• offer something for free and then tell you that you must pay some supplemental charge.
• ask for your credit card number, checking or savings account, Social Security, etc.
• get payment in advance, especially for credit repair.
• Avoid lotteries, pyramid schemes and multi level sales schemes.