Before You Buy
 Being a smart consumer in a world with so many products and services can be somewhat daunting. With so many options available, it is easy to get overwhelmed with major purchase decisions- from the initial research, visiting stores to look at actual products, and then deciding which item to purchase, there are a lot of factors to consider. Fortunately, the Consumer Action Handbook is here to make the purchasing process easier and help you get the most for your money. Keep reading to learn more about this valuable resource.
Posted: September 2, 2009 |
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 Do Your Research
Before you begin your search for a new product, it is always helpful to assess your needs and what you can realistically afford. Although many companies produce or sell the item that you want, there can be a wide range of features and prices charged for what seems like a very easy purchase. Deciding what you need in advance helps to narrow the focus of your search and avoid paying for bells and whistles that you do not need.
In order to know what you should look for, you will need to do some preliminary research. There are a variety of sources of valuable information to consult during this step. Your research can be as simple as talking to trusted family and friends that have bought the same type of product recently or picking up a copy of Consumer Reports for unbiased ratings about the products. More than just the product itself, you should also be concerned about the type of customer service that the manufacturer or retailer has provided. Be sure to contact the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer affairs department to determine if any other consumers have filed a complaint against the companies you may possibly work with on your purchase.
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Ready, Set, Shop!
 Once you have done your basic research, it’s time to start shopping. This could mean reading the sales flyers in the newspaper to get an understanding of the price ranges for the products you are looking for. If you are making a purchase that requires financing, such as a car or home, you may also want get a free copy of your credit report to see if you can qualify for a favorable interest rate.
You should now go and look at actual models in person. It may be helpful to take along the wishlist and your budget to keep you focused on your requirements for the item you choose. Keep in mind that there will be sales support on hand in the store; ask them to clarify facts, definitions, or other technical details rather than considering them as your advocate. Remain committed to your initial research and budget so you can avoid making an impulse decision or being pressured by sales staff to buy something that is more expensive than you need.
Once you have narrowed down the field to the item that you want and can afford, be sure to ask about service, return and refund policies, other fees, and the manufacturer warranties. If possible get all of the company’s policies and procedures in writing. Some companies offer extended warranties or service contracts for your purchases. Before agreeing to purchase this additional coverage, ask yourself questions such as:
- who manages the warranty (the manufacturer, the seller, or a third party)
- how is this coverage different from the manufacturer’s product warranty
- how are claims handled
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 After You Purchase
Hopefully, since you did your research and asked smart questions of the sales staff, you have made a purchase that you are completely satisfied with. However, sometimes that isn’t the case. In situations such as this you can write a complaint letter to the seller to explain your problem and how you would like them to resolve it. If the seller will not help you or respond to your complaint, you should then contact the manufacturer. Continue this process of reporting the problem in writing to industry trade organizations, local consumer protection agencies, and if necessary the Better Business Bureau, until your problem is resolved. The directory in the Consumer Action Handbook contains a robust contact directory of these organizations.
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Other
Resources
This is just a brief overview. For more information,
check out these resources:
Read these publications online from FCIC:
Websites*
* Names of resources and organizations included in this online article
are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that they
are endorsed by the Federal Citizen Information Center or any other
Government agency. Also, if a particular resource or organization is not
mentioned, this does not mean or imply that it is unsatisfactory.
*If you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's website.
Please bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not
responsible for the content of these websites.
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For
more information on other popular consumer issues check out
FCIC's Consumer
Focus Archive.
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