Nobody likes bringing a purchase home and thinking 'I wish I hadn't bought this.' You can avoid post-shopping regret if you ask yourself six quick questions before you buy:
1. Do I need it?
We buy things we don't need all the time. For instance, nobody needs an MP3 player, but most people still want one. Try asking yourself why you want it - is it just because everybody else has one? If so, you might end up regretting your purchase. Think about whether it's still going to be cool in three months. Also think about whether you can afford it. Try writing a list of everything you want to buy every month. This will help you stick to a budget.
2. Is this the one I want?
Talk to people who already have one. Are they happy with it? Ask the store about other makes and models. Many newspapers and magazines publish product reviews that can be helpful when making a choice. When possible, consider alternative, cheaper versions.
3. Can I return it?
If you changed your mind after you bought it, damaged it by misusing it, or you don't have a receipt, you aren't entitled to a refund. You can only get a refund if your purchase has a fault you didn't know about when you bought it, if it doesn't do the job you were told it would do, if it's different from a sample on display or if it's different from how it was described to you. Some stores will offer you an exchange or a credit note instead of a refund. If so, remember to check the expiry date of the credit note!
4. Does it have a warranty?
Some products come with a warranty, a guarantee from the manufacturer to replace or repair the product if it's faulty. It's only valid if you fill in the warranty card that comes with the product and send it off to the manufacturer straight after you buy it. If the product is faulty but it's not covered by a warranty, don't worry! You might still have some options. Check with Consumer Affairs Victoria (new window) for details.
5. Is this the best deal?
Don't jump straight into a purchase without shopping around first. Go around to a variety of stores to compare brands, features and prices. There's no sense paying more than you have to, so keep an eye out for catalogues and sales. It might help to take a notebook when comparing products so you can remember it all.
6. How will I pay for it?
Once you're sure about the product you want, you have to decide how to pay for it. A lot of stores offer lay-by, which allows you to pay a small deposit to get the store to hold the product for you until you can afford to pay the full amount. The deposit is usually 10 percent of the total price. Try not to pay more, because if you change your mind, you usually can't get it back.
If you put something on lay-by in Victoria, the store has to give you a written statement including:
- A description of the product
- The price of the product and the amount you deposited
- The dates you have to pay your instalments
- The outstanding balance
- Any cancellation charge that may apply or how it's calculated
- When the final payment is due
Dodgy purchases - what can you do?
If you feel like the store has ripped you off, you don't have to put up with it. Take the product and the receipt in and ask to speak to the manager. Politely explain the problem, and tell them how you would like it solved, e.g. refund, exchange, or repair. It is incorrect for them to tell you to contact the manufacturer - you paid them, and it's their job to fix it. If you aren't happy with what they offer you, put your complaint in writing and send it to the manager. Include copies of the relevant documents. If they still don't do anything, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria to discuss your options.
For more information contact Consumer Affairs Victoria (new window) on 1300 55 81 81
