DB:shopping.pr 96-408         Contact: Sue P. Rogan, (301) 217-7391



HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 26, 1996


     
     Montgomery County's Division of Consumer Affairs offers several
holiday shopping tips to help consumers avoid problems that
increasingly occur during the holiday season.
     The most common problem involves returning merchandise.
"Consumers should check a store's refund policy before making a
purchase. If a salesperson makes promises that differ from the
store's posted policy, get those promises in writing." advises Joe
Giloley, Acting Chief of the Consumer Affairs Division.  Maryland
law allows merchants to set their own refund policy as long as it
is posted on a sign, written on the price tag, or appears on the
sales receipt.
     However, even when there are limitations placed on returns, if an
item is defective, the refund policy does not apply.  The
manufacturer and/or retailer should repair or replace the
defective item or refund the purchase price.
     Consumers should also save receipts and make sure the receipt
indicates what was purchased.  For example, if the receipt says
"MDSE", for merchandise, have the clerk identify in writing the
specific merchandise that was purchased.  This will verify the
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HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS                                     2-2-2-2

price paid in case the same item is on sale when it is returned.
Without a sales slip, the refund could be the post-holiday sale
price.
     Additional shopping tips:
     --If you pay by credit card for your holiday purchases and have
problems with the item, you can  dispute the charge with your
credit card company.
     --Don't assume you have three days to cancel any contract.  There
is no such law.  Only certain types of transactions, such as
door-to-door sales for $25 or more, give such a right.
     --Be wary of purchasing anything over the phone unless you made
the call.  Many of the telemarketers are scam artists who pressure
you into making a quick decision without being able to evaluate
the purchase.  If interested in purchasing the item being offered,
you should instruct the telemarketer to mail you printed
information.  Remember Maryland law requires a written contract
for all telephone sales.  Further, unless you know the company you
are dealing with, do not pay any money up front or give out your
credit card or checking account number.
     --Verify the delivery date for any purchases you make through mail
order catalogs.  The FTC Mail Order Merchandise Rule requires the
company to notify you if they can not meet the stated delivery
date (or 30 days of no date is given).  If you do not agree to a
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HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS                                      3-3-3-3

new delivery date, the company must refund your money.  Always
keep a copy of your order form.
     --Read all advertisements critically, especially ads which claim
to offer the "best price" this year, the "lowest" price of any
store in the area, and/or a discount off the "regular" price.
Consumers should do their own comparison shopping.
     --If you are dissatisfied with a holiday purchase, first return the
product to the business and give it a chance to resolve the problem.  Try
to speak with a manager or owner, someone whose main interest is
to satisfy the customer.  If you are unable to get assistance,
call the Division of Consumer Affairs, 301/217-7373 for help.

   
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