HOW TO CHECK OUT A BUSINESS
1) Check with BBB.org using the business’s name, phone number or address and read the WHOLE report
2) Check the state Consumer Protection Agency
3) Go to Google and search the name of the business and add the works complaints and review
HOW TO CHECK OUT A PRODUCT
1) To to Amazon.com, chances are its sold there and has been reviewed by purchasers. Be careful if only a few reviews have been posted and if they are positive, it could be employees plugging their own products.
2) To to ebay.com and see what the product sells for there. Good place for comparison shopping.
3) Again Google the name of the product and add words complaints and reviews.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO LOWER YOUR COSTS
1) check out consignment shops. Great bargains can be had for high quality clothing.
2) Buy on ebay, but only from people with perfect or near perfect reviews.
3) Negotiate. Call your cable and phone providers and ask for customer retention. Tell them you are thinking about dropping their service. See what they offer. Do the same with credit cards. These companies play hardball, so can you.
WHAT BILLS TO INSPECT CLOSELY
1) Heating oil, water, propane gas
2) Telephone bills to make sure there are no third party charges.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Two credit cards are important. You need an American Express card for large purchases. If there is a problem American Express will stand behind you more often than other credit card companies.
Get a virtual credit card, or use Paypal. Use them on internet purchases, less chance of getting sucked into automatic payment plans you did not want.
Actually READ all contracts before signing them. The specifics actually carry a lot of weight. Don’t sign a contract that has general words, insist on specific language that eveyone understands.
And please add your suggestions.
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George – glad to see you continuing on. Courant’s stupidity shouldn’t result in stopping you from providing the kind of information consumers need to access. Its good to know you’re still out there – best wishes for much success in this new incarnation.
Hi George,
You have written several things about credit cards. Have you written on what is the best use of a credit card (for the user, that is).
Is it ok to hardly ever use a credit card and when you do, pay it off right way so as not to incur interest? Will they drop you if you do that, or can they still make money?
Pam: Thanks for asking and taking the time to read our site. I think credit cards are great tools. All major purchases should be on credit cards – whenever possible. All internet purchases should be on paypal or American Express. The reason is that if there is a problem you can ask your credit card to stop payment. Paypal is great for a one time purchase when you want to insure you don’t get charged a reoccurring fee. I like American Express because they will bend over backward for you when you have a dispute. Use credit cards carefully and pay off your bill in full each month.
George