Smart shopping tips |
Here are seven simple tips to help you shop smarter.
Shop around
Before you buy an item, make sure you research your options. Use the internet, look in catalogues, visit different stores, talk to store attendants and discuss your purchase with family and friends.
Make sure you compare items on the basis of quality and cost. The cheapest item isn´t always the most suitable for you.
Create a budget and spend sensibly
Budgeting is the best way to balance your income and expenses. Write down your expenses and compare them against your income.
Download our budget planner (xls, 268 KB).
Know your refund rights and responsibilities
If a product or service you purchase is damaged or does not perform the way it´s supposed to, you are entitled to a refund, repair or repeat service.
You are not entitled to a refund if you simply change your mind about your purchase.
See guarantees, warranties and refunds.
Read and save your paperwork
Make sure you read and understand any contract before you sign it. Keep a copy of anything you sign for future reference.
If your product has an instruction manual, read it to ensure you use the product safely. Do not try to fix a broken product unless you are qualified to do so. If you do attempt repairs, check that they will not void the warranty.
Care for your receipts
The Office of Fair Trading is aware some consumers have concerns about retail receipts fading rapidly, therefore making it difficult to prove a purchase at a later date. The issue appears to be associated with the use of thermal printers. These printers use thermal reactive paper, which develops the print when it passes over a thermal print head. Over a period of time, some types of receipt paper do not react favourably when stored near heat, light, abrasives or with plastics.
While some traders inform consumers on how to care for receipts, they are under no obligation to do so. Nevertheless, as technology advances the paper and printing methods used for receipt purposes is likely to improve. Some traders actively research the issue in an attempt to source superior quality receipt paper. However, consumers are encouraged to care for receipts by storing them appropriately or taking a photocopy of receipts to ensure legibility. In most cases, credit card statements and online banking statements can be used as proof of purchase for credit card or EFTPOS purchases or for taxation purposes.
Take problems to the business first
If you have a complaint or problem with a business, first contact them to try to resolve it. Send your complaints in writing to the manager. Outline the issue and how you would like it resolved.
If you are unable to resolve your complaint this way, see make a complaint.
Shop green
Queensland consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious. However, it´s not always easy to know which products are the most environmentally friendly.
Queensland laws prohibit the use of false or misleading statements about goods and services.
Environmental information should be specific, accurate, substantiated, relevant to the product, easy to interpret, and consider the entire production process and product lifecycle.
With help from the Department of Environment and Resource Management, we have developed a checklist to help you become a ´green´ consumer.
- Is an environmentally friendly alternative available? Compare the price, quality and environmental credentials of different brands. If the environmentally friendly alternative can do the job but costs a little extra, consider buying it to preserve Queensland's environment.
- Is the packaging wasteful or excessive? Most consumers discard packaging once they use the product, so look for packaging made from materials your local council recycles. Even better, choose products in refillable or reusable packaging.
- Is the product made from recyclable materials? Choose products made from recycled materials, such as paper, cardboard, aluminium, steel and plastic.
- Was the product produced locally? Transporting products from around the world contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Buy locally made products to reduce adverse environmental impacts and support the local economy.
- Was the product made using environmentally sustainable methods? Buy from manufacturers with a good environmental track record.
Also, check product labels for environmental certification such as ISO 14001, the international standard on environmental management systems.
Real life story
Read a real life story about shopping around for the best price.
Last reviewed 25/11/2011 |
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