28 - North Shore Nows — -~ Wednesday, December 1, 1999 Know what you’re getting before you buy SHOPPING options ‘have never been greater. This holiday season, con- sumers will shop at stores in mails and on the street; place orders ty mail, fax or phone; : and use the Internet to pur- chase gifts. for friends and family. No. matter’ what their -merchant’s means or method of shop- ping, wise consumers wili avoid post-holiday hassle by asking two important ques- tions. up front: what is this merchant’s record in the marketplace? And what is this refund = and exchange policy? “Knowing the answers ahead of time will save both time and money,” said Valerie MacLean, Better Business Bureau spokesper- “son. he single best piece of advice BBB can offer to shoppers is to purchase from businesses: and stores that you know to be reliable or whose record in the market- place can be confirmed witi: a trusted. organization,” MacLean said. “There are 150 Better Business Bureaus in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico with informa- tion on more than a million companies. “Before you do business with an unknown company, call the BBB jor a report or visit our local web site at or the international site ‘at . For many happy returns the week after Christmas and all year long, the BBB advis- es consumers to obtain infor- mation about the merchant's refund and exchange policy before making a purchasing decision. According to the Better Business Bureau, it’s a com- mon misconception that a store is obliged to accept items for refund, exchange or credit. That is the case only wher the item is defective or was misrepresented. It’s perfectly egal for a° : store to have a “no return” or “final sale” policy. and- there is no law requiring merchants to disclose clearly what their return policies are. Most ‘stores want to do “the right’ thing ‘by their. cus-, tomers, so they. voluntarily and - prominently disclose their return and refund poll-.. cies, “If that information isn? ea provided’ in’ the. store, “the return? Most consumers know to save their receipts. It is also a . good idea to keep the pack- . aging an item: was wrapped in just in case it is required for. return by the store to the manufacturer. Returning the’. item promptly and in good condi-~ - tion, with all tags, will also help to ensure a satisfactori exchange or return.» *. ‘Individuals ::.who “abuse generous “return ©. policies extended by some stores are making it ,more. difficult for all customers to: ‘return items. Returning: items. withe a legitisinate excuse may ca the cost of that mercha: to increase in the future ‘Some ‘stores ha tightened return po imposing, restucki _climinating. returns alioge catalogue or on the Web site, |” Bag ce consumers should ask fo in writing... That way there ‘is no confusion among ‘either party if the gift needs tobe *'said MacLez Before youl reach: for yi wallet, whether it is in'a shop iting ‘befsre a com advises consumers £0 ask: @ What is‘the store’s. retur policy? - May I exchange ‘the item ; \. for another. like it? “@ May Lrerura the items. ~ buy something clse? ‘8 Will the store give’ me:my money back ‘if 1 make a he-/ BBB.