Don’t be taken in by clever sales pitches HAVE YOU ever found yourself in a situation where you ‘felt obliged to buy something that you didn’t really want? We have had several calls here at the North Shore Information & Volunteer Centre from seniors who have had this experience and who, particularly, have had problems with ‘‘pushy’’ sales people often selling on the phone or door-to- d ‘NO’ to unsolicited callers. In some instances it’s possible to cancel (within seven days) a con- tract made away from the com- pany’s regular place of business. Phone our office or the Consumer Association, 682-3535, about this. By far the most problems seem ON THE SENIORS’ SCENE NORTH SHORE INFORMATION AND VOLUNTEER CENTRE Retired people can be vulnerable to direct selling of this kind because they are usually at home for much of the day. Any wise consumer will be extra cautious when approached in their home, particularly when the deal being offered seems too good to be tree, Somctimes goods are offered for sale and, of course, in your own home you have nothing with which to compare the price and quality. Sometimes these deals are repre- sented as only being available if you sign “right now.”* Be very wary of these! We are all brought up from childhood to treat people in our homes almost as guests, but we should not be afraid to say a firin Come to SENIORS ARE invited to the North Shore Keep Well free drop- in on Thursday, April 13 at the West Van Seniors Activity Centre. There will be opportunities for exercise, relaxation and counselling EST YANCOUVER YOUR NEIGHTORHOOD NEWSPAPER 1139 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver, B.C. V7M 2H4 Display Advertisin: Classified Advertising Newsroom Distribution FAX Publisher Peter Speck Managing Editor Barratt Fisher Advertising Manager . Bruce Methven The West Vancouver Villager Is delivered monthly, ser- ving all of West Vancouver from Capilano River to Horseshoe Bay The West Vancouver Villages 1S a dive 5:00 of North Stave Free Press Lid Circulation 15,460 Submissions are welcome but we can- not accept responsibility for unsolicited material including manuscripts and pic- tures which should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Entire contents © 1988 North Shore Free Press Ltd. Al: rights reserved. to occur when services rather than goods are being offered for sale. We have had several calls from seniors who have been approached by independent contractors who try to convince the homeowner that some repairs are urgently needed to their home. They've come to the door with a story of “just happening to notice the state of your roof, chimney, driveway, fence, etc.’ Take some elementary precau- tions before making a commitment to any contractor, such as asking for references, checking the refer- ences, and getting at least two other estimates from other com- panies. Tt might be worthwhile to ask your friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Take plen- ty of time to make up your mind. Another problem that comes up frequently is when an appliance in your home, such as a refrigerator, needs repair. Who do you call? Again, I would check with your friends and neighbors to see who they use. A calli to the Better Busiress Bureau will tell you if there have been any complaints about the company and the Business Lice.s- ing Department at City Hall will be able to tell you that a company does, in fact, have a licence to do business. Be aware that companies are not legally obliged to hold a business licence before they can advertise. Finally, when you have decided who you would like to do business with, ask them for references and check them. Of course, it often seems to happen that problems manifest themselves in the evening or on weekends. Many people turn to the Yellow Pages for guidance. Read tle ad- vertisements carefully. Look for details such as whether there is an address, as well as a phone number printed in the advertisement and what makes of appliance are ser- vieed by the company. When you phone, ask how fong the company has been established, how much the call-out charge will be and whether the work will be guaranteed. Being a good and successful consumer means de:iz some careful homework, but it will be worth your time and trouble. So many consumer problems stem from making uninformed deci- sions. By doing some research and making sound judgments you can protect yourself and enjoy your purchases. Keep Well drop-in for health, well-being and your personal income tax forms. For information on the drop-in, call 926-4375, I >Aanna s Prime time fashion, knows her customer very well. “She expects quolity, selection, personal service” & lovely clothes too!” Come in and have a browse. 4844 Marine Drive (across from West Van Florist} West Vancouver 922-6776 For example rA 4' Baby Sciefflera in a brass planter Reg. $84. *§ In your pot 7 - Sunday, April 9, 1989 — West Vancouver Villager “How to contain a growing family. Put them in custom frames by U Frame 1. Choose trom great styles and colors, Then, with at craftsman’s attention to detail, your friendly U Frame It specialist will assemble your frames to Last a lifetime. Perlectty framed memories by U Frame It. 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