Difference between revisions of "Preventing Consumer Problems"
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When you buy something or hire someone, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of legal problems down the road. | When you buy something or hire someone, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of legal problems down the road. | ||
== | == 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 Canadian Black Book (www.canadianblackbook.com) or AutoTrader.ca to learn the average price of the vehicle models you are considering. | ||
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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== | ||
When you make an offer to the seller or other party, say it with confidence. Be polite and reasonable, but firm. | When you make an offer to the seller or other party, say it with confidence. Be polite and reasonable, but firm. | ||
== | == Have a contract== | ||
Even when the law doesn’t say that you have to have a written contract, you should have one if you are exchanging something that is worth a substantial amount of money. For example, a written contract is a good idea if you are: | Even when the law doesn’t say that you have to have a written contract, you should have one if you are exchanging something that is worth a substantial amount of money. For example, a written contract is a good idea if you are: | ||
* buying or selling a car | * buying or selling a car | ||
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}} | }} | ||
== | == Read and understand any contract== | ||
Read the fine print on any contract before you sign. Don’t take the signing of this document lightly. | Read the fine print on any contract before you sign. Don’t take the signing of this document lightly. | ||
* Go over every section of the document, including any text on the reverse side of printed pages. | * Go over every section of the document, including any text on the reverse side of printed pages. | ||
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* Fill in all areas of the document or put a line through them if there are blank spaces. | * Fill in all areas of the document or put a line through them if there are blank spaces. | ||
== | == Don’t rush the decision== | ||
If the other party makes a counteroffer to your original offer and you’d like to think about it, that’s OK. You can simply stop the deal if you feel like you’re being pressured into paying too much or buying additional features. | If the other party makes a counteroffer to your original offer and you’d like to think about it, that’s OK. You can simply stop the deal if you feel like you’re being pressured into paying too much or buying additional features. | ||