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Top 10 smart shopping tips from the attorney general
The office of the Ohio attorney general, Nancy H. Rogers, offers the following top 10 tips to help you shop smart this holiday season:
1. It’s your right; exclusions must be in sight: All exclusions and limitations to an offer must be listed in the ad or on the coupon. Bait and switch tactics are illegal. For example, the seller may not use an advertisement to lure you into the store and then trick you into buying a higher priced product. And, it is illegal to advertise a sale without listing any specific limitations, if they exist.
2. Make sure you know what the cancellation policy for an item or service is before purchasing it. Businesses are required to provide any cancellation policy they have, including restocking fees. There are certain transactions that have specific cancellation requirements by law, those are: For door-to-door sales (3 days), for credit/debt counseling services (3 days), for prepaid entertainment contracts (3 days), for home equity loans/mortgage refinancing (3 days), for business opportunity plans (5 days), for hearing aids (30 days), and for contracts sold over the phone you have until you sign a written agreement.
3. Credit/debit card use: When you pay by credit card, your transaction is protected by the Federal Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges and temporarily withhold payment while a creditor investigates. With credit card charges, consumers are only held liable for $50 in unauthorized charges. Debit cards may not provide such protection.
4. Be careful when buying gift cards: Be careful purchasing gift cards from a retailer that may be closing or that has filed for bankruptcy because you may not be able to redeem the gift card if this occurs. Under Ohio law, most gift cards cannot have an expiration date or charge fees within two years of the date issued. If a gift card has no expiration date, it is valid until redeemed or replaced with a new card. Exceptions include gift cards that can be used at different retailers; for example, a mall gift card, or a gift cards received through a reward, loyalty or a promotional program.
5. Look before you layaway!: Layaway programs are designed for customers who want to buy merchandise without using credit or immediately paying the full price. To avoid problems, get the store’s layaway policy in writing, including the terms of the layaway plan and the refund policy.
6. Read all the terms and conditions before you commit!: When shopping online take time to read through the Web site to find the cost of shipping and handling fees, and whether they provide a free shipping label for returns. Look for the refund policy and the privacy policy and opt out of future solicitations, or permission to sell your personal information to others.
7. Request a rain check: If you respond to an ad and find the advertised goods are sold out, you have the right to a rain check. A rain check allows you to buy the advertised goods for the sale price at a later time. You do not have the right to a rain check if the ad mentions the number of goods available, or if the store is selling seasonal or clearance items.
8. Keep important information and documents when making a purchase: When ordering by phone or computer, write down or print out information related to the transaction, including the seller’s name, address and telephone number; the name of the person you spoke with, if applicable; a description of what you ordered; confirmation numbers; the seller’s delivery date, terms and return policies. Keep receipts and any other documents related to the transaction. Ask for a gift receipt, even if it’s not a gift, so that you will have an extra copy.
9. Look for the point of “No Return”: Check return policies before you buy. Ohio law does not require sellers to have any specific return or refund policies. However, return policies must be clearly posted. Most will require you to produce a receipt.
10. Beware of billing errors: Look for errors and unauthorized purchases. Notify your financial institution immediately if your credit card, debit card, or checking account has charges that are unauthorized.
Remember, always shop around.
For additional information or to report consumer fraud, contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section online at www.AG4OHIO.gov or by calling 1-877-AG4OHIO (1-877-244-6446).
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