18 - Sunday, April 2, 1989 - North Shore News erry Ue wrt ae oe MOPEEL - 7 Heip’s at hand HELP’S AT Hand, a weekly feature by the North Shore Infor- mation and Volunteer Centre, discusses and answers questions on such topics as government policies and programs, benefits, legal rights, taxation and public ser- vices. za Consumer problems — everybody has had them. We are all consumers all our lives and it would be unrealistic to expect never tc encounter problems. However, it is pessible to minimize the chance of trouble. Being aware of the pitfalls that surround us js a good start. Know- ing where to get information ‘+o help us make better decisions on the products or services we buy is the next step. And, lastly, we must know what to do if we run into problems with our purchases or the way in which they are sold. You wil! be able to find several good books at your local! library which will guide you in choosing goods or services. They compare the good and bad points, the price, and the durability of many things from washing machines to mousetraps, and there are specialist books on cars both new and secondhand. The Better Business Bureau can tell you if the company you may want to do business with has had any complaints levelled against it from members of the public. Once you have come to a deci- sion on a product you can phone the Consumer Association of Canada (B.C.) at 682-3535 and they will look up the latest test reports available to them and tell you how your choice measures up. You can also subscribe for $25 per year to their monthly magazine called Canadian Consumer. I[t is full of helpful advice. But what if you have taken all these precautions and you still find you have bought a real ‘‘lemon’’? As a careful consumer you will, of course, have kept your sales slip, repair records, estimates, bills and warranties. Ask to speak to the manager of the store or business as counter clerks seldom have the authority to help you with major problems. Keep calm and explain your dif- ficulty. If you cannot resolve the prob- tem make sure you write down the name of the person with whom you were dealing and their official position, the date and time of the conversation, and make a few brief notes on what was said. These notes will help with your next step which is to compose a letter to the company president. You should be able to get the names of executive officers of companies located in Canada or the United States from business OFFERING MOTORHOME RENTALS & SALES All excellent late model motorhomes and vans 987-5288 1577 LLOYD AVE. NORTH VANCOUVER directories in your local library. In your letter explain the prob- lem and the steps you have taken to try to get it rectified, enclose copies (never originals) of your sales receipts and any other rele- vant documents, and suggest a soigtion that would be acceptable to you. Most reputable companies will tuke this kind of letter very seriously, but if there is still no resolution you may have to seek the advice of professionals such as ™ & the Better Business Bureau, the Consumer Association of Canada, or if you live on the North Shore, you can call the legal information counsellor at the office of the North Shore Information and Volunteer Centre. get The North Shore Information and Volunteer Centre, a United Way agency, is located at 1060 Roosevelt Cres., North Vancouver, B.C. V7P 1M3, telephone 985- 7138. Get tips on pets PET OWNERS of all ages can bring questions about raising their pets to three evening seminars at the West Vancouver Recreation Centre. In Part 1 on Wednesday, April 5 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., local dog behavior consultant Ann Jackson will discuss a puppy’s psychological behavior as it is raised from its first night home. Bring questions for an open discussion. In Part 11 on Wednesday, April 19 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Dr. Joel Parker of the Animal Medical Clinic will discuss care of pet birds in- cluding nutrition, cage environment, common diseases and the future of avian medicine. In Part 11] on Wednesday, May 3 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Dr. Parker will discuss dietary concerns, vaccinations, toys and basic first aid for puppies and kittens. Bring any questions. All workshops require pre-registration and cost $5 per person or $8 per family. For more information call 926-3266. The Management and Staff of Econo Brake. Minute Muffler and Transmissions would jike to thank the © North Shore for a ‘successful. 10 years: o* BRAKE, gee /VIUFFLER & RANSMISSIONS ER 2 Automatic . in business. Transmission Service Includes Front Brakes Includes — new pads — tuming rotors -- pack bearings — complete brake check HER Ady — clean transmission $ 9 — new gasket — fluid — complete road check Expires April 30/89 ECIAL Rear Brakes | a includes: — new shoes (most vehicles) — turn drums (metallic pads . extra) -—- pack bearings KE, MinuTe MuFFLER - & TRANSMISSIONS | -}. 984-9581 Open Mon. to Sat. 7:30 am to 5:30 pm (Across from Dave Suck Ford) 860 West 15th Street, North Vancouver KH] 5 CZ pave suck