Consumer Tips Keep Shoppers Savvy for the Holiday Season

As consumers head full speed into holiday gift buying this year, Alberta Government Services asks Albertans to be aware of their rights and responsibilities, as well as the safeguards in place when it comes to consumer transactions.

"Albertans need to know there are protective avenues available if they feel they've been treated unfairly," said Government Services Minister Patricia Nelson. "But consumers can avoid the headaches of unwanted purchases if they follow some basic steps to ensure they understand the conditions of a sale before they buy."

Some quick tips include the following:

• Make sure you understand what the advertising says and what the salesperson tells you. Get answers to your questions before you buy.
• Write down any verbal claims that a salesperson makes about the goods or services, if the claims are not listed in the contract or sales agreement.
• Always keep your bills of sale, contracts, warranties and cancelled cheques.

Once a purchase is made, Albertans need to know that each store sets its own rules about returns, which means that consumers should ask about the return policy before they purchase. Complaints often occur because people do not understand their responsibilities when dealing with the return of goods.

Merchants also can help avoid consumer complaints by ensuring the store's policy on exchanges and refunds is clear. Clearly posted notices with specific, straightforward language can go a long way toward dispelling unrealistic expectations. If receipts do not state a store's refund policy, merchants are advised to have their salespeople write it on each one. Staff who are well-versed with the store's policy can ensure consumers understand any exceptions and avoid making promises the business cannot keep.

Under the Fair Trading Act, which is Alberta's legislation for protecting consumers, unfair or misleading sales practices are prohibited. For example, goods cannot be represented as available in a particular quantity if they are not, or an item should not be marketed as "on sale," if it has never been sold at the regular price.

Albertans who are concerned they have encountered unfair tactics can turn to Government Services' Consumer Information Centre for answers to their questions. Many consumer complaints can be settled by talking first with the business or supplier. However if the problem remains unresolved, consumers can call 1-877-427-4088 toll free.

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Visit our website at www.gov.ab.ca/gs for more consumer tips and awareness information.

Contact:

Ed Greenberg - Alberta Government Services, Communications - (780) 427-0788 - (780) 718-5699 (cell)