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Difference between revisions of "Preventing Consumer Problems"

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== Do your research ==
== Do your research ==
If you’re buying a product, gather information on the product from credible sources. For example, if you’re buying a car, try the Canadian Black Book (www.canadianblackbook.com) or AutoTrader.ca to learn the average price of the vehicle models you are considering.
If you’re buying a product, gather information on the product from credible sources. For example, if you’re buying a car, try the [http://www.canadianblackbook.com Canadian Black Book] or [http://AutoTrader.ca AutoTrader.ca] to learn the average price of the vehicle models you are considering.


Read reviews from trustworthy sources. Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org) is an independent, non-profit source of product reviews.  
Read reviews from trustworthy sources. [http://www.consumerreports.org Consumer Reports] is an independent, non-profit source of product reviews.  


If you’re hiring a service provider such as a contractor or tradesperson, ask for the names and phone numbers of people they have worked for in the past. Phone these references and ask them: what was the quality of the work, was it done on time, and was it within budget?  
If you’re hiring a service provider such as a contractor or tradesperson, ask for the names and phone numbers of people they have worked for in the past. Phone these references and ask them: what was the quality of the work, was it done on time, and was it within budget?  


Contact the Better Business Bureau to find out what they know of the service provider or company you’re thinking of doing business with (see the “Where to Get Help” section for contact details).
Contact the Better Business Bureau to find out what they know of the service provider or company you’re thinking of doing business with (see the "[[Where to Get Help for Consumer Law Essentials|Where to Get Help]]" section for contact details).


See what other people are saying about the service provider or company by searching online for their name and the word “reviews” or “complaints”.  
See what other people are saying about the service provider or company by searching online for their name and the word "reviews" or "complaints".  


== Negotiate with confidence==
== Negotiate with confidence==
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{{PLSTipsbox
{{PLSTipsbox
| text = A contract doesn’t have to be pages long and full of legal terminology. In fact, it’s better if the contract is concise and in language all parties understand. See www.peopleslawschool.ca under “Consumer” for contract templates and tips on how to write a legal contract.
| text = A contract doesn’t have to be pages long and full of legal terminology. In fact, it’s better if the contract is concise and in language all parties understand. See [http://www.peopleslawschool.ca www.peopleslawschool.ca] under "Consumer" for contract templates and tips on how to write a legal contract.
}}
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