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Late delivery, shipment of wrong or damaged items, and hidden costs are common home shopping complaints. To avoid problems and resolve them more easily follow the advice in the "Before You Buy" checklist. In addition:
- Be wary of post office boxes and sellers in other countries. It
may be difficult to find the seller to resolve a problem later.
- Know the total price. Make sure it includes all charges,
shipping, handling, insurance and taxes. Coupons and other discounts should be
properly deducted.
- Make sure you are clear on what you are buying. Watch for words
like "refurbished," "reconditioned," "close-out," or "discontinued."
- Use your credit card, debit card, or bank account number for payment, never to prove your identity.
- Keep a record of your purchase. Save any information the seller gives you, such as product description, delivery date, cancellation policy, privacy policy, warranties, and order confirmation numbers.
- Keep track of your order. If it's late, you have the right to cancel your order and demand a refund.
| Beware: Charitable Giving
Investigate before you donate. Some con artists use names similar to well-known
charities or pretend to raise money for state or local law enforcement
agencies.
- Ask for written information, including how much of the money raised is
actually used for charitable purposes.
- Ask your Secretary of State if the charity is registered to solicit
in your state.
Check the Better Business Bureau and others for information on charities:
www.give.org, www.charitywatch.org,
and www.guidestar.org. See also Youth Peddling.
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