It is possible to be a wise consumer who never faces a problem with a business. Well, a lot of trouble. The fact is that mistakes, misinformation and just plain rudeness abound in the market. Don’t assume that all businesses are honest and fair. Do not assume that you will be trusted or treated well. You should expect a fight at some point for your rights and your money.
Here are some tips to help you become a smart consumer:
Tip #1: Don’t believe anyone who tells you they won the lottery, free gas, or any other goodies. If you’re not standing there with a claim ticket in hand that you bought, you should just ignore the scheme.
Tip #2: Read each contract carefully before you sign it. You must make sure that you understand each sentence. Make sure all oral promises are in writing. Remember that “three-day cancellations” only apply to door-to-door or off-premises sales contracts.
Tip #3: You should check your credit report several times a year to make sure there are no errors. Visit Annualcreditreport.com to get your credit report absolutely free by law. Or call 877-322-8228 to get the forms in the mail.
Tip #4: Don’t just choose a company, like a contractor, because of size or advertising. Be sure to research anyone you are giving money to before the goods are delivered. Check the company’s history with the Better Business Bureau and the state attorney general’s office.
Tip #5 — If you have to pay for a prize, it’s not a prize. it’s a purchase
Tip #6: DO NOT give your Social Security number or personal information to anyone you don’t know.
Tip #7: Buy a shredder and destroy all personal information and credit card offers before throwing it away. You can learn a lot about someone by reading their mail.
Tip #8: Never email your account information to anyone. Companies will never ask you to update your account information via email.
Tip #9: Things that are too good to be true usually are. There is no money to be made stuffing envelopes or buying information about lucrative government jobs. If you could, everyone would stay home.
Tip #10: You should never pay the full amount of unfinished work, sign a blank contract, or pay an up-front fee on a loan. There are just a few things you should put up with.
Be sure to keep copies of all receipts, reimbursement information, and other documents you request from a business. Many companies lose things in the mail.
You can be a wise consumer, all you need is a little common sense. Trust your initial feelings and don’t jump at good deals without doing your research. Be sure to thoroughly review companies that require down payments. Track all your correspondence with companies and businesses. Write down who you talked to, when, and what was resolved. If a problem arises, be persistent. Please note that you may need to contact an attorney. And spread the word of your experience. Good luck.