46 — Sunday, August 13, 1989 — Nort Shore News Consumer advice given to seniors é DO WE shop wisely, do we get tull value for our money, and are we suificiently aware of the ‘rip-offs’ that can and do exist in consumer buying? Answers to these vital questions were provided to members of the - N¥est Vancouver Seniors ‘Keep Well’ group in a talk given by Ada Brown, president of the B.C. Branch of the Consumers’ Association of Canada (CAC). The organization, financed by membership fees and a grant from the Consumer and Corporate Af- fairs Department of the federal government, provides advice and assistance to consumers. Its principal contribution to society, however, nas been its role in promoting such government leg- islation as the mandatory use of seat belts, the hazardous syrabol program, the installation of sefety caps on drugs, and various other protective laws ard regulations. In the field of consumer pur- chasing, Brown says the group most at risk are those gullible and uninformed members of the public who continue to believe in the ex- ‘travagant claims to be found in many of the mail order advertise- ments. They trustingly send off their in- itial payment: for a product that _ may never arrive, or if it’ does, bears no resembiance to the pro- duct described in the ad. These unfortunates have little or no redress, and can only chalk up their loss to experience, which, ' hopefully, they will never repeat. On a more cheerful note, if you should succumb to the charms of a door-to-door salesman, and sign a contract for something you later realize you don’t want, you have FEEL BETTER LOSE THE CRAVING, LOSE THE WEIGHT what is known as a ‘cooling-off’ period of seven days, during which you may cancel the contract if the sel!er regularly carries on business at other than a permanent. bssiness premise. To cancel, you must send writ- ten notice to the company whose name appears in the agreement. In the same area, beware of the beguiling advertisements (par- ticularly in American publications) which promise you an exotic vaca- tion at a fraction of the average cost. These so-called travel agencies may not exist, or may go bankrupt even before you start packing your bags. Never, never, apply for these gift packages by giving your credit card number, Similecly, never give it by phone to any but business establishments known to you per- sonally. Credit card fraud is big business, with some $20 million losses reported anaually in Canada alone, many numbers having been obtained from lost and stolen or discarded sales slips. Finally, never send money in response to telephone solicitations for any charity without first check- ing the organization: involved and making sure that your donation goes directly to the source. Even the most sensible shopper. can benefit from informed advice, and Brown offered some sugges- tions as to how to get the best value for the money. When it comes to clothes, even the most careful shopper is apt to lose his or her head and come home with a garment that will hang unworn in the closet for ears. To avoid this disaster, Brown Even if you already know how to eat properly, taking weight off and keeping it off can be real drudgery. Let us show you how to make it easier. By combining hypnosis with new understandings about weight loss, we focus on you not on tradi- tional weight loss methods that can let you down. Lose weight without dieting in a way that feels natural to you and is comfortable and permanent. There is no charge for the initial consultation. . MAKE TOMORROW BETTER. CALL TODAY. Daniel J. Rutley & Associates Clinical Hypnotherapists 286-9304 Ask for Extension 3 Le Petit Montessori Acadezay An enriched BILINGUAL PRE-SCHOOL has a few spots for tember classes. We offer 4 & 5 day programs for children s old. Our school is conveniently located near Lonsdale wy. #1. Now taking registration for the school year 1990/91. says, you should decide on exactly what you want before you leave home. If a new blouse is on your list, go through your wardrobe to see what style and color will go best with what you have, and don’t be seduced by the glamor of a fril- ly silk number that won’t do a thing for your best tweed suit. When you find something that is right, check the fibre content of the garment, which the manufac- turer is required to put on the label. It’s important to look for this, particularly if you ave subject to skin allergies, or if you are plan- ning a travel outfit and need to know whether the garment can be washed or requires dry cleaning. It’s also important for you to be aware of the refund policy of small stores and boutiques, whicl vary from place to place. Some have an approval plan, but with a time fimit on returns. Others operate on an ‘exchange or credit only’ plan, and still cthers have a ‘Sales Final’ notice pro- minently displayed. If the refund policy is not speli- ed out, you should enquire about it before making any purchase. This way you can avoid the possibility of what is known as ‘consumer remorse,’ and be stuck. with some- thing you ¢on’t really like and can’t do a thing about. If you are in doubt about any business escablishment or services of any kind, you can check with the Better Susiness Bureau, or the local office of the CAC. The latter is located at #103 - 163 West Hastings and is staffed by volunteers Mondays to ‘hurs- days from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. “et 980-7973 195 East Windsor Road, N. Van. I can offer you results with experience and a proven sales record. Call me today at 984-9711 . RALPH HUBER for all your personal real estate needs: The Sussex Group - S.R.C. Realty Corporation . for Andria, ‘its freedom... [ts the future. From Andria, and all the kids... Thank you! 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