Shops with a ‘money-back’

This is a very important issue and we must encourage suppliers who adopt a ‘money-back’ policy by giving them our custom. Having bought a product or a service, consumers often ask for a refund for various reasons, ranging from faulty goods to dissatisfaction. When it comes to dealing with such situations, there is a significant difference in policy between local suppliers and suppliers in other parts of Europe or the United States.

Generally, once local shops/suppliers get hold of your hard-earned money, they tend to hang on to it, no matter what. However, if there are any shops/outlets that are interested in adopting a ‘money-back’ policy, I take this opportunity to invite them to write to me either to the postal address or by the email featured in the Terms and Conditions at the end of this piece.

Tips for young customers

Christmas time is with us and, apart from Christmas presents, many children receive money, known as “strina”. Now that they are on their school holidays, they go shopping. I encourage parents to help develop their children as consumers, particularly young ones.

A very important activity for them is playing with toys that are constantly becoming more complicated and sophisticated. The same applies to adverts for toys and, too often, children have difficulty coming to terms with the way a toy performs in its imaginary television setting as opposed to the way it may perform when the respective box is opened at home.

To prevent disappointment, parents ought to help their children understand what they see in television advertisements. Talk to them about advertising and spell out to them what advertising is about. Explain to your child that the purpose of advertising is to sell things. Special sound effects, production techniques, camerawork and editing are all used to enhance the way a given toy appears to work. Remind them that some toys are more difficult to use than they appear to be when seen on television. In some advertisements, toys are made to look easy to play with or operate when, in reality, they may require hours of practice before they can be used as shown. Due to differing levels of skills and talents, not all toys are appropriate for all children.

Another frequent problem is that toys may not be sold with all the pieces shown in the advert. Some toys may be shown with parts from more than one package, while others may be shown in elaborate play settings that are not easily duplicated at home. Teach and train your child to watch and listen for such key phrases as “pieces sold separately” or “batteries not included”. Believe me, they are sharper and craftier than you may think. As you know, too many television and printed adverts mislead you into assuming that they are bought “ready to play with” when, in fact, assembly is required. As if that is not enough, in many cases assembly may be difficult and time-consuming. Make sure you check whether assembly is required.

Finally, remember to ensure that the toy is age-appropriate. Check the recommended age level on the toy’s packaging. This is the manufacture’s guide to the age appropriateness of the toy and skill level required for its use.

Ways to save money

This is definitely a consumer issue. The following is a list of ways to save money compiled by Which? magazine that is worth sharing with all consumers.

Price-comparison websites

If you are planning to buy items like digital cameras or televisions, use price comparison websites to shop around. A bit of checking means you will pay less.

Energy labels

Make sure you read the energy labels on domestic appliances because the wrong product will cost you extra money in running costs. An A-rated washer-drier uses less electricity and you will also be helping the environment.

Car Insurance Renewal

Don’t just accept your renewal quote. You can save money by shopping around and if you are not satisfied you can switch your car insurance accordingly.

Turn down the thermostat

Knocking one degree off your thermostat can cut heating bills by 10 per cent.

Tyre pressure

Having the right tyre pressure could mean that you will save money on fuel. If your car has under-inflated tyres you end up paying more, so check your tyre pressure regularly.

Use low-energy light bulbs

They are kinder to the environment and you save money.

Time your buying

Buy audiovisual products in the Spring or early Summer when lines are finishing. You could save 10 per cent.

Turn appliances off when not in use

Regarding electrical appliances Turning appliances off, rather than leaving them on standby, really does save money on your electricity bills.

Know your rights about sales persons

Have you ever been accosted by a sales person either on your doorstep or out and about? Here are some important factors worth considering. The out-and-about sales person is not so difficult to deal with because you can listen to him or her and, if you are not interested, all you have to do is to politely tell him or her and walk away.

However, the door-to-door sales person can be a problem. If you are at home alone, and your husband is at work, my advice is to politely tell the sales person that you are not interested.