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Being a better consumer

Sales representatives and advertisers work hard to convince you to buy their products. Be a knowledgeable consumer and make wise decisions that are in your own best interests. Find out how to shop responsibly.

Be a wise shopper

Decide how you want to spend your money:

• Do you really need the product or service you've got your eye on?
• Is it worth the time it will take you to earn the money?
• Could you put your money to better use?

Decide on the products and services you want to purchase:

• What level of quality do you want?
• What level of quality do you need?
• How much can you afford to spend?
• Can you wait for the sales?
• Should you choose a recognized brand, even though it costs more?
• Do you have enough information about the product (through acquaintances or consumer magazines, for example)?
• Is there a service contract or guarantee?

Know your rights

Become informed:

• Read up on the subject, do some research, ask questions.
• Contact consumer protection organizations to obtain information.

Lodge a complaint:

• Keep your receipts, guarantees, contracts, proofs of purchase, etc., so you can lodge a complaint if you need to.
• Address your complaint to the store or business in question and try to settle directly with them.
• Don't give up; contact the company's head office, if necessary.
• Should these measures fail, complain to the proper organization.

Tips for your everyday purchases

• Read the small print in ads and contracts.
• Never sign anything unless you know exactly what you're getting into.
• Never give your account or credit card Credit card: Plastic card issued by a credit company (e.g., VISA) that you can use to make purchases on credit and pay for them at a later date.   number over the telephone, unless you are really sure of the company.
• Check the reputation of the store or company with which you want to do business.
• If you put something on layaway, make sure your deposit is secure, and ask about their refund policy.
• Find out about refund, return and cancellation policies.
• Beware of companies with no fixed address or only a postal code.
• Beware of 1-900 telephone numbers; they charge by the minute.
• Beware of fraudulent contests or work-at-home scams.
• Beware of products that promise miracle results (e.g., slimming products).
• If you are aware of, or have fallen victim to, fraudulent sales tactics, report it immediately to the Ontario Ministry of Government Services.

Remember: if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Be a responsible shopper

Our purchasing choices have an effect on sustainable development. When choosing what to purchase, we should base our decisions on the social and environmental costs as well as the financial costs.