Get Out There - November 2011 |
Welcome to the Get out there e-newsletter. With Christmas fast approaching, this month we suggest some helpful steps to take when buying or using gift cards and group buying vouchers.
Schoolies is just around the corner
Schoolies is just around the corner so to ensure you have a fun filled and safe holiday we have put together some top tips for you to keep in mind when you arrive.
Accommodation
- Get a receipt for all money you pay, including your bond.
- Keep a copy of the house rules.
- If the accommodation provider cancels your booking, you should receive all your money back because they have failed to fulfil your accommodation contract.
- If you are transferred to lesser accommodation, make sure you receive compensation equivalent to the difference in accommodation standard.
- If there is a problem during or after your stay, try and work with the accommodation provider to reach an agreement.
- If your accommodation provider has treated you unfairly, lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading.
Hiring mopeds and scooters
- Before you hire a vehicle, make sure your driver´s licence is current.
- Make sure you inspect the vehicle for existing damage and have all damage noted on the hire contract.
- Read the contract carefully, making sure you understand all terms and conditions, especially deposit and insurance information. Be sure to ask about third party insurance. If it is not offered, don´t hire the vehicle.
- Check for clauses that leave the hirer full liable for any damage. Some traders may hold the group jointly responsible for damage to any of the vehicles (Eg. If six people hire mopeds and only one is damaged, all six deposits can be held until the cost of the repairs is determined).
- Check the contract for restrictions on kilometres used, licence holders, and road restrictions.
Have fun but always remember to stay safe and watch your mates!
Gift cards
Gift cards are a convenient and popular product for many consumers. If you are thinking of buying a gift card, or receive one as a Christmas present, we recommend you follow our handy hints:
- If you are buying a gift card for someone, check there is a reasonable time in which it can be redeemed. Make sure the recipient is going to be able to redeem the gift card inside the expiry date. Make sure the expiry date is prominent on the card, so that the recipient does not forget it.
- Check if the gift card has any limits on spending. For example, some gift cards impose a minimum amount that you need to spend in each transaction. Others require the full amount to be spent in one transaction.
- Ask if the retailer will offer cash change for small amounts remaining on the card. For example, using a $100 gift card for a $90 item and receiving $10 in cash as change.
- For shopping centre cards, some stores may be excluded. If you are buying a card for someone, make sure the stores the recipient is likely to use will honour it.
- Find out if the retailer records the details of gift cards they sell, so lost or stolen cards can be replaced if necessary. Remember to keep your receipt and note any identifying number or code shown on the gift card.
- Find out if you can check the balance remaining on a gift card, either in store or online.
- Purchasers should ask for a written copy of the gift card terms and conditions from the retailer and pass this document on to the gift card recipient.
- Don´t delay unnecessarily in using a gift card. In many instances, gift cards will not be honoured if the business is sold to new owners, or goes into administration, receivership or liquidation.
For more information on gift cards or shopping tips, visit the Get out there website or the Office of Fair Trading website.
Group buying
Group buying, also known as collective buying, can offer goods and services at substantial markdowns. However, the catch is that you must first pledge to buy the product or service being offered by providing payment details. You must then wait for a certain number of other buyers to commit to a purchase as well. Once the minimum number of people sign up for the deal, the purchase is confirmed and a voucher is sent to you so that you can redeem the deal.
If you are thinking of participating in group buying, here are some handy tips:
- Exercise common sense and do some research on what is being offered. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Investigate whether the deal being offered is a genuine discount and is one that will be honoured at a time that suits you even though the business will see an increase in demand for its goods or services.
- Read the terms and conditions of any deal offered carefully and make sure you fully understand them, especially in relation to cancellations.
- Be aware of your consumer rights and responsibilities if something goes wrong.
For more information about group buying, visit the Get out there website or the Office of Fair Trading website.
Don´t be a jackass during DIY car work
Whether it´s your hobby or you´re trying to save money, it´s important to stay safe when fixing your car yourself. More than 160 people in Australia are injured each year while using a car jack. These injuries range from fractures to amputation and crushing.
The Office of Fair Trading Queensland has produced a free car jack safety film, Don´t be a jackass - an anti-manual to using a car jack, which specifically highlights the dangers involved with the incorrect use of car jacks. This film has been produced as part of a nation wide campaign targeted at home mechanics. For more information on the campaign or for more DIY safety advice visit the Product Safety Australia website.
Stay in touch with Get out there
As you begin the next phase of your lives after school, remember to visit Get out there for information on a variety of topics. Learn about finding the right job, starting university, renting your first place, buying a car or buying a house.
Tell your friends to sign up - Get out there really is the ultimate survival guide for young adults!
Last reviewed 11/11/2011 |
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