This week is National Consumer Protection Week and, while I’m absolutely certain readers memorize every smidgen of consumer advice I advocate, Herb Weisbaum from www.msnbc.com has written The 10 Consumer Commandments. This clever list succinctly incorporates much of my own guidance but, frankly, I’m jealous I didn’t think of it first!
1. Thou shalt not assume.
Many consumer problems are created by simple misunderstandings. The best way to keep this from happening is to ask lots of questions.
For example, don’t assume the tree service you hired to prune will haul away the debris. Ask. Don’t assume the appliance store will remove the old refrigerator when it drops off the new one. Ask. Don’t assume you can return that new computer you’re about to buy. If the return policy isn’t posted — ask.
2. Thou shalt get all promises in writing.