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Consumer News
03/22/2013 | Multi-level marketing plans are often pyramid schemes
It appears that Multi-level marketing schemes are making the rounds in Bermuda again. No surprise here, during this rough economy there are all sorts of scams out there and a lot of people desperate to make a quick buck.
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03/15/2013 | Scams: they never go away
I recently read an article on the United States Federal Trade Commission’s web-site about an old scam that is making its rounds again (www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/variations-scheme).
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03/08/2013 | The best way to handle a customer’s complaint
Every business will receive complaints from customers, some genuine and some not. How you handle your complaints is key to your business success and if done properly can set you apart from your competition. One of the best ways in dealing with customer complaints is by having a comprehensive complaints procedure, in writing, that your staff is empowered and trained to handle.
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02/22/2013 | My new car is full of problems
Although it does not happen very often, we do get calls from consumers who want to reject their new car because of problems that they encounter with it that the car dealership cannot resolve. The process of rejecting a car is not easy, but if a consumer has a strong case it is possible.
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02/15/2013 | What’s the best mattress?
Considering the amount of time we spend in bed, having the right mattress is very important. How comfortable is your mattress and how long have you had it?
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02/01/2013 | Which fridge is the right choice?
Refrigerators are one of those big ticket necessities that require careful consideration before buying. This is essentially an investment and as I will need one soon I have been doing some research to ensure I get one that suits my needs and offers the best value for my budget. Fortunately there is plenty of information on the Internet including some useful product review web-sites.
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01/23/2013 | Implus Footcare Recalls Perfect Fitness Resistance Bands Due To Injury Hazard; Sold Exclusively at WalMart
Recalls fall under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 section 23. Under The Act Consumer Affairs in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall:
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01/18/2013 | How to deal with questionable business practices
While most local businesses deal fairly with customers, there are a few that have very questionable business practices and either do not know consumer laws or choose to ignore them.
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01/11/2013 | Shop less, save more
A lot of us are looking to make changes to our saving habits as one of our New Year’s Resolutions. We’d all like to save more but of course this requires that we spend less. This is not always easy and you should start with a plan that is realistic and achievable.
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01/04/2013 | Five tips to make you a smarter consumer
If you are still in the process of making your New Year’s resolutions please make sure that you also resolve to be a smarter and safer consumer.
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12/28/2012 | Voluntarily Recall Nap Nanny Recliners Due to Five Infant Deaths
Consumer Affairs would like to advise the public that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and four major retailers are announcing a voluntary recall to consumers who own Nap Nanny® recliners made by Baby Matters, LLC of Berwyn, Pa.
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12/14/2012 | Tips to avoid over spending during the holidays
December is surely a debit and credit card marathon spending month. Great for the retailers but if you overspend during the holidays you just may end up with post-holiday debt blues in January.
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11/01/2012 | So you want to get a refund?
Not every purchase consumers make turns out to be successful. Things can and do go wrong. However, if you buy something that you later decide you don’t like, or it is the wrong size, wrong colour or you really don’t want or need it, you are not guaranteed a refund.
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10/10/2012 | SCAM ALERT
Residents warned about green card scam Sarah Lagan Writer/Sub-editor WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10: Residents are being warned of scammers posing as the US government in order to extract payment from Diversity Visa applicants, also known as Green Card applicants. There has been an increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to Diversity Visa programme (Visa Lottery) applicants.
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10/05/2012 | What you need to know if you're referred to a debt collector
When you owe money, the person you owe it to is considered the creditor. If you do not pay this money there are various methods creditors can use to collect their money.
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09/28/2012 | What you should do if a business fails to deliver proper service in a timely manner
One of the complaints we received last week came from a consumer who was clearly at his wits end. I could hear the anger in his voice and it took me longer than usual to piece together the key details as he was angrily rattling on, ranting about how the business is giving him the run around and ignoring him.
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09/21/2012 | How to avoid mistakes in home renovations
If you are building or renovating your home here are a few important things to consider.
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09/07/2012 | Four tips to stay on top of your debt
There’s no shortage of residents who are finding these tough economic times extremely difficult. People are struggling to make ends meet and are finding themselves with mounting unmanageable debt.
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08/24/2012 | Return Policies
Consumer Affairs has no shortage of complaints from consumers about returning an item. Some stores do not give customers their money back and most have a limited time in which they will accept a return.
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08/10/2012 | The 20 best consumer tips
This week I asked my co-workers to help me put together a list of consumer tips. The list was very long but we narrowed it down to the top 20. Our web-site (www.ca.gov.bm) actually has this information on it in more detail.
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07/07/2012 | BERMUDA’S BANKS JOIN FORCES TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS ABOUT ONLINE FRAUD
Hamilton, Bermuda–6 July 2012: Capital G Bank Limited, HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited, The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited and Bermuda Commercial Bank Limited today announced that, in cooperation with the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Bankers’ Association, the Department of Consumer Affairs of the Government of Bermuda, and the Bermuda Monetary Authority, they have launched a consumer education campaign to combat online fraud.
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07/06/2012 | 10 tips for seniors on scams to avoid
Senior citizens are common targets for con artists and fall prey in large numbers to scams involving high-pressure tactics.
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06/29/2012 | Tips to make travel easier
If you are planning on travelling anytime soon, here a just a few things to consider before you even begin to pack.
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06/22/2012 | How does the Sale of Goods act help customers?
Over the years, common law has developed implied terms, which give consumers certain rights against those who supply goods and services. These terms are said to be implied because they apply as part of a contract, which comes into existence whenever goods and services are supplied. Traders, sellers and consumers need to know how the law affects you.
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06/15/2012 | 10 ways to cut down your grocery bill
I wrote about saving money at the grocery store a few years ago when we were really feeling the economic crunch brought on by the recession. It seems that this topic is more relevant now than it was back then - the increasing cost of groceries is a big concern for most consumers.
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06/08/2012 | Getting dad a gift card for Father's Day
Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you are thinking about getting your dad a gift card this year here is a little advice. Buy from a store that dad likes and will actually patronize. You may have a few places in mind where you’d much rather see dad shop, but don’t waste your money.
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06/01/2012 | Just how prepared are you for hurricane season?
Today is the first day of the 2012 hurricane season and if you aren’t already prepared now is definitely the time. Although the 2012 hurricane season is predicted to see a near normal level of activity I urge everyone to still be prepared for the worst.
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05/04/2012 | Preparing for boating season
Boating season is here and if you haven’t already prepared your boat for the water most likely you are in the process or getting ready to begin. Be careful and be prepared for any unfortunate circumstances that may arise in preparing to put your boat overboard.
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04/27/2012 | How to resolve customers' complaints
Whether the issue is about a product or a service, it is a fact that customers will complain, because products do fail and services are not always what the customer was expecting.
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04/20/2012 | How smart a consumer are you?
Are you a savvy consumer? Consider the following key indicators to gauge your level of competency when making purchases: Is it a want or a need? Savvy shoppers take the time to consider whether they are purchasing a product because they need it or want it. Think about the products and services you buy. Can you do without it? If so, then you don’t need it.
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03/30/2012 | The reasons why prices vary from store to store
We at the Department of Consumer Affairs frequently get complaints about price variations in local stores, especially food.
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03/23/2012 | Vulnerable islanders targets of crooks
Consumer watchdogs have urged the public to be on their guard against bogus marketing scams and counterfeit currency. The call comes as it emerged more vulnerable islanders were being targeted by the crooks behind the scams.
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03/23/2012 | What to do about the three scams targeting us
The Department of Consumer Affairs, the Bermuda Monetary Authority and the Bermuda Police Service have recently come together to raise consumer awareness of three financial scams targeting local residents - phishing, pyramid schemes and the passing of counterfeit Bermuda notes.
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03/16/2012 | Best advice: 'Get it in writing'
As a consumer you are responsible for looking out for your best interest. You should always take steps to ensure that when you are doing business, no matter what it is, you are protected.
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03/02/2012 | Does a business have to take my cheque?
I saw a sign the other day in a local business that said “In God We Trust, all others must pay cash”. This was their way of advising customers that they do not accept cheques, which is becoming a common practice with local businesses and some Government departments as well.
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02/24/2012 | How legit are most multi-level marketing schemes?
Some years ago I was invited by a friend to go with her to a “presentation”. I initially declined but eventually I was pressured into attending. It started out as quite a little social get together with light refreshments and small talk. Then the “presentation” began – there was a snazzy PowerPoint presentation to start and then the spiel from our host about how he made quite a bit of money off of this amazing product.
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02/24/2012 | Consumers left high and dry
Scores of islanders are being left out of pocket when businesses close their doors without providing proper notice.
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02/17/2012 | Customer complaints are expected to rise in 2012
There was a spike in complaints from customers in 2011. A total of 657 compaints about poor goods or services were logged by the Department of Consumer Affairs in 2011 – 27 per cent up on the previous year.
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02/10/2012 | What you need to know to file a complaint
We get a lot of people asking us what exactly it is we do. In this article I will explain our role and how you can file a complaint with Consumer Affairs if necessary. Consumer Affairs operates within the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. We perform our duties according to the guidelines set out in Part II, Section 4, of the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (the Act).
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01/27/2012 | Dealing with poor workmanship issues
It is not uncommon for consumers to encounter problems while building, renovating or repairing their home. We at the Department of Consumer Affairs get numerous calls regarding poor workmanship on big jobs as well as little ones.
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01/13/2012 | Guide to selling your car
There is no shortage of vehicles available in Bermuda on the second hand market these days and while we here at the Department of Consumer Affairs usually are asked for guidance from consumers on purchasing a second hand vehicle, occasionally we get a complaint from a seller who has sold their car and run into problems.
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12/30/2011 | Common mistakes to avoid
For most of us, experience is the best teacher and we tend to learn from our mistakes as well as from our accomplishments. But this can’t always be said about consumers and their buying habits. Many consumers continue to encounter the same problems, having not learned from their mistakes. Based on the complaints we receive at the Department of Consumer Affairs I will remind you of three of the common mistakes consumers make.
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12/16/2011 | Don't overspend on last-minute Christmas gift
With one week left until Christmas you may be dragging yourself out of bed at the break of dawn tomorrow, hitting the stores trying to get all that last minute Christmas shopping completed — fear not, you will not be alone.
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09/09/2011 | Companies have to trade fairly with customers
In Bermuda there are certain laws that exist to make sure that traders deal fairly with consumers. They exist to protect the consumer, but businesses also benefit because these laws outlaw disreputable business practices, encourage fair competition between businesses and offer businesses better protection from anti-competitive practices.
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08/26/2011 | Lessons we can learn on frugality from Warren Buffett
I recently read an interesting article on Warren Buffett, one of the world’s greatest investors and the world’s third richest person. He has made billions yet continues to live a rather simple life – in fact Warren Buffett is notoriously frugal.
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08/12/2011 | Know your rights when paying for goods and services
It is not uncommon for a business to require full payment of products and services before they have been provided.
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07/25/2011 | Women and Car Repairs
Quite a lot of the complaints we get at the Department of Consumer Affairs are about car repairs — and the majority of them are from women. I confess that what I know about cars is nothing to write home about.
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07/22/2011 | Cup Match Savings
When it comes to holiday celebrations, there is nothing in the world like Cup Match, a festive four-day holiday eagerly anticipated by all. It is a fun, sociable time when family and friends get together to barbecue, party, go to the beach or out on the water, and of course, watch the cricket.
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07/15/2011 | Consumers can get full refunds by law
Last week I wrote about the recent amendment to the Consumer Protection Act 1999 as it relates to aggressive and abusive business practices that negatively affect consumers. This week I will explain the third (and final) highlight of the amendments that address payment in full for goods and services in advance.
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07/13/2011 | Tips to find the right professionals for your wedding
It goes without saying that your wedding is one of the most important days in your life. This is an occasion that you will always remember and you want it to be perfect without any major hitches.
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07/08/2011 | Abusive business practices on the rise
FRIDAY, JULY 8: Last week I wrote about the recent amendment to the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (the Act) as it relates to estimates, quotes and prices. This week I will address aggressive and abusive business practices that negatively affect consumers.
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07/01/2011 | Avoid getting ripped off on repair work
FRIDAY, JULY 1: As a result of numerous criminal investigations carried out by the Department of Consumer Affairs over a ten year period, the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (the Act) was recently amended and came into effect on June 3 of this year. These amendments focused on three main areas of unfair business practices:
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06/24/2011 | Don't get caught out by phishing
FRIDAY, JUNE 24: The English writer Douglas Adams wrote, “If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that we have a small aquatic bird of the family anatidae on our hands”. I believe what Mr Adams was suggesting is that some things should be self-evident or quite obvious.
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06/03/2011 | Four mistakes to avoid this hurricane season
According to the forecast team at Colorado State University, who have been issuing predictions for 28 years, the 2011 Hurricane Season will be an “above-average” season, with a forecast of 16 named storms forming between June 1 and November 30.
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05/27/2011 | STIHL Recalls Yard Power Products Due to Burn and Fire Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
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05/26/2011 | Fire It Up Safely: CPSC Recommends Safety Check Before Grilling This Summer
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Summer officially kicks off this weekend and millions of Americans will celebrate with a cookout. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to check their grills and “fire it up safely” to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
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05/26/2011 | Common questions and complaints from consumers
Consumer Affairs get numerous calls from consumers who want us to rectify problems related to billing or service issues.
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05/20/2011 | Tips for teens keen to launch their own summer business
Plenty of local teenagers have part-time jobs — but how many of them are savvy enough to start their own business? All it takes to get started is vision, a goal and an entrepreneurial spirit.
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05/06/2011 | Take care when buying a gift card for Mother's Day
If you are giving your mom a gift card or gift certificate for Mother’s Day, here are a few tips. First, consider your mom’s taste. Choose a business that she already frequents or really wished she could if she had the extra cash to splurge.
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04/29/2011 | Illegal movie downloads could earn you 10 years in jail.
Did you know that if you sell music and movies without the permission of the copyright owners you are breaking the law?
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04/15/2011 | Beware with secondhand kids' items
Buying secondhand children’s products is an affordable way to equip a nursery. But it can also be dangerous as some items can be out of date and no longer safe.
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04/12/2011 | CPSC: Parents, Caregivers Should Consider Safety Before Opening Windows
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As temperatures go up, so do windows in many homes. Opening windows in your home to enjoy the warmer temperatures may seem harmless, but open windows have proven to be sources of injury and death for young children.
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04/08/2011 | Research firms' reputations before parting with your cash
Whether you are buying a new car, joining a gym, looking for someone to repair your bike or about to get new fencing for your yard, do your research first.
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03/25/2011 | Is your dispute a matter for civil or criminal court?
Consumer Affairs is here to help resolve disputes — be it when shopping online, second-hand or from a store, or if you have problems with a landlord or tenant.
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03/24/2011 | Car buying mistakes result in buyers' remorse
There is quite a lot to consider when buying a new car and so much essential information that consumers need before making a choice. Remember, this is large purchase and your new car decision should be a calculated one.
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03/18/2011 | Read the fine print, don't be misled by advertising
During these tough economic times, businesses are pulling out all the stops to get us through their doors. Competition is fierce and there is no end to the sale adverts on radio and in news- papers.
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03/04/2011 | Don't tip for terrible service
Gratuities are automatically added to the bill in most local restaurants. We are all familiar with this practice and generally do not have a problem with it, especially if the service exceeds our expectations. After all, this is what a gratuity is, a gift for exceptional service.
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02/25/2011 | Store prices can vary so shop around to ensure you get the best deal
Very few local businesses enjoy the luxury of avoiding price competition, especially during these tough economic times. These days there are sales everywhere, on almost everything.
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02/18/2011 | Common customer queries
We at Consumer Affairs frequently hear the same questions from consumers — often disputes about bills and faulty goods. Here are some of the regular problems we try to help with and your rights should you ever have a similar issue.
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02/11/2011 | Nominate service champs
Bloomberg Business Week’s annual customer service awards rank the best providers in the U.S. The accolades examine the techniques, strategies and tools they use to keep clients happy. Last year, L.L. Bean, a retailer of outdoor gear, leapt from the 24th spot to the very top of the list.
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02/04/2011 | Sticking to a budget will help you to reduce debts
All of us, regardless of our financial situation, could benefit from having additional cash on hand. Creating a budget and sticking to it can be difficult and frustrating but careful planning and spending will improve our financial situation.
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12/24/2010 | A wish list to protect the residents of Bermuda for 2011
As 2010 comes to an end it makes you wonder where the year has gone. It seems like just yesterday I wrote an article about gift cards on Father’s Day and preparing your boat for the summer. It’s hard to believe that 2011 is almost here.
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12/03/2010 | Know your rights when doing your Holiday shopping
This Christmas, before you shop till you drop, know your rights before flashing your cash. A store’s ‘no refund’ policy means exactly that, unless the goods are faulty or defective. In that case the shop’s rule does not apply — the law takes precedence and the Sales of Goods Act (as amended) 2002 is your legal protection. The Act states that goods must conform to contract and be of a satisfactory quality, fit for the purpose and as described.
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11/26/2010 | Buying Christmas gifts for children
Christmas shopping can be challenging — especially when shopping for children. It is very easy to pick out the hottest ‘as seen on TV’ toys, particularly when the festive advertising is in full swing, but try to get toys that suit their personality, helps them learn and engages them for a long period of time.
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11/19/2010 | Budget gifts for girlfriends
For the past few years my close girlfriends and I decided that instead of going overboard on Christmas presents for each other, we would keep it simple. With so many other people in our lives — sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren — we are all looking for ways to save money. We could not completely kick the gift-giving habit but agreed to be somewhat frugal yet thoughtful.
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11/12/2010 | Money-saving tips to take the stress out of Christmas shopping
Almost everything gets more expensive each year and Christmas, the biggest shopping season of the year, is no exception. Whether you have a six-figure salary or live paycheque to paycheque, budgeting is essential.
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11/05/2010 | Know your rights to avoid rental property problems
There is no shortage of residents with rental property issues and we at Consumer Affairs get our fair share of complaints from both tenants and landlords. Some issues are minor communication problems, where both parties do not sit down and try to resolve things. But we get quite a few complainants with major issues that eventually end up in Magistrates Court.
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10/29/2010 | Stay safe with these top tips for trick-or-treating
If you have young children, Hallowe’en is one of their most welcomed occasions. It is a chance to show off creative costumes, demonstrate their arts and crafts skills and a candy free-for-all.
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10/08/2010 | Protect your BlackBerry
The BlackBerry is by far the most popular gadget in Bermuda, the mobile device of choice. It’s like taking your office with you. Everywhere you go you see someone with their head bent over the tiny screen and their thumbs doing overtime.
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09/17/2010 | There's no law demanding stores give refunds
People regularly try to return items for many reasons — it does not fit, the colour is wrong, they found it cheaper somewhere else or simply changed their mind.
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09/03/2010 | Officers fight for your rights
I am often asked about the office of Consumer Affairs and what our exact role is. Even after a lengthy explanation I get puzzled looks and the reply: “So anytime I have a complaint I can call you?”
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08/27/2010 | Top tips for buying the mattress of your dreams
We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it is vital we are comfortable and able to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.
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08/17/2010 | Will your wardrobe last? Learn the tricks to keep clothes looking new for longer.
Savvy consumer tips from Consumer Affairs Shoppers today undoubtedly fall into one of two broad categories: those who are always shopping, following the latest trends, and those who consider shopping a necessity, seeking out pieces that will stick around for the long haul.
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08/13/2010 | Do your homework before hiring contractors
The process of building or renovating a home can be very intimidating, especially if it is your first time. Your home is likely to be the biggest investment you will make and whether you are building, renovating or simply painting your roof, it is important to hire a good contractor to avoid costly mistakes.
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08/11/2010 | Know your 'best by' from 'use by' when food shopping
Most food products carry labels that show the date when a product should be bought by or when to use it by to ensure it is at its best quality.
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07/23/2010 | Know your rights when buying goods and services
Did you know a retailer can refuse to sell you goods? Or that if a retailer makes a charge to your credit card without your permission it is considered fraud?
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07/16/2010 | Proceed with caution if you buy used appliances
More and more people are buying used items. I’m not sure if this is because of the recession but cost-conscious consumers see them as a way to save money. There are many bargains in the second-hand market and some people make a day out of shopping at thrift stores and yard sales — but there are disadvantages buyers must remember.
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07/09/2010 | Ten tips to make getting your vehicle repaired easier
Every vehicle on the road will eventually need some sort of repair and, based on the number of complaints received at the office of Consumer Affairs, getting yours fixed can sometimes be an arduous process.
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07/02/2010 | Teach teens with summer jobs the benefits of saving
If your teenage son or daughter is lucky enough to have landed a summer job, now is a good time to teach them how to budget, save money and be responsible.
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06/25/2010 | Handy hints to help you slash your grocery bills
Whether you live alone or have a large family, grocery shopping can be one of your biggest expenses. During these tough economic times we are all looking for ways to save cash and the grocery store is a good place to start.
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06/24/2010 | Seven Manufacturers Announce Recalls to Repair Cribs to Address Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), with the cooperation of seven firms, is announcing voluntary recalls of more than two million cribs to address drop-side hazards and other hazards that affect the safety of young children. The recalling firms are providing consumers with free repair kits to immobilize the drop sides or other remedies. Do not attempt to fix these cribs with homemade remedies.
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06/18/2010 | Think hard before buying a Father's Day gift card
In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson chose June 3 to informally commemorate fathers. In 1972, President Nixon turned Father’s Day into a nationally observed annual event.
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06/11/2010 | Small claims court is an easy way to sort disputes
Most people would rather avoid taking someone to court to settle a legal claim. This is understandable as proceedings can be an intimidating experience. Settling matters in court should be your last resort, not your first course of action. In most cases you will find that going to court, even small claims court, is not necessary.
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06/07/2010 | Beware of price gougers in hurricane aftermath
After Hurricane Fabian pounded Bermuda in 2003 Consumer Affairs was presented with two main challenges.
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06/04/2010 | A hurricane emergency kit is essential for seniors
Last week I wrote about the importance of helping seniors prepare for a hurricane. The next step is to assemble a hurricane emergency kit.
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05/28/2010 | Help our seniors stay safe during hurricane season
This hurricane season we can help our seniors have peace of mind and feel safe and secure with practical assistance.
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05/21/2010 | Handle complaints well to ensure you keep customers
Last week I addressed how to lodge a complaint against a business. This week I am offering suggestions to businesses on how to handle a customer complaint. Let’s face it — this is Bermuda and every business is bound to receive a complaint about a purchase of goods or services.
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05/14/2010 | How to file a complaint
The office of Consumer Affairs gets its fair share of calls from people with complaints about local businesses. But some consumers are in the dark when it comes to lodging a complaint.
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05/10/2010 | CPSC Issues Warning on Drop-Side Cribs
CPSC Issues Warning on Drop-Side Cribs 32 Fatalities in Drop-Side Cribs in Last 9 Years WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of its commitment to ensure safe sleep for young children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is once again warning parents and caregivers about deadly hazards with drop-side cribs.
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05/07/2010 | How the Sale of Goods Act protects your purchases
Every time you buy goods you enter into a contract with the person selling the goods (traders). The most important obligations traders owe consumers are contained in the Sale of Goods Act 2002.
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04/30/2010 | Hire a smile, train the skill
Bruce Nordstrom, chairman of Nordstrom department stores, liked to say: "We can hire nice people and teach them to sell but we can't hire salespeople and teach them to be nice." The Nordstrom philosophy is "hire the smile, train the skill".
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04/23/2010 | Work with staff to improve shoppers' experiences.
For the past few weeks I've focused on the importance of good customer service. As a result, I have found that most business owners and managers are genuinely committed to quality customer service.
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04/20/2010 | Go the extra mile to boost sales
Here is a great story about the customer service at Zappos, an online shoe and clothing store.
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04/14/2010 | Take our Consumer Satisfaction Survey
Do you do most of your retail shopping in Bermuda or do you mainly shop overseas and/or online? Are you satisfied with the quality of products and customer service in Bermuda?
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04/14/2010 | Boat owners: protect and enjoy your investment
The Bermuda boating season is finally here. This is a much anticipated and very exciting time for our boating enthusiasts, who live for weekends on the ocean, with wind in their sails, leaving the stress of the workweek in their wake.
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04/09/2010 | Shopping in Bermuda. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Continuing with our series on Customer Service in Bermuda, it never ceases to amaze me how some local businesses manage customer service.
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04/07/2010 | Are you a competent consumer?
Competent consumers are those that are well informed, self-confident and have self control when purchasing. Very rarely does the office of Consumer Affairs hear from competent consumers.
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03/26/2010 | Good customer service is vital for boosting trade
With the local retail industry in crisis, it is time to let the customers lead the way. With a consistent decline in sales, Bermuda's retailers have every reason to be concerned about their survival.
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03/18/2010 | Graco Recalls Harmony™ High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following product. Consumers should stop using product immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Graco Harmony™ High Chairs Units: About 1.2 million Manufacturer: Graco Children's Products Inc., of Atlanta, Ga.
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11/25/2009 | Don't get burned when buying a second-hand car
Imagine you see a car you like on Sunshopper and approach the buyer. Your offer gets accepted and you shell out thousands of dollars of your hard-earned cash. The car is transfer tested and you get a new ¬licence in your name. Then a few weeks or months later, a repo man takes your car away, telling you it actually belongs to the bank.
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07/04/2008 | Processed Foods And Your Health
As food prices rise, many of us are looking for the best deal, possibly at the exclusion of other factors that we once took into consideration. There are significant dangers associated with this approach, however, as fast food and processed food may be priced cheaper for a variety of reasons, including special promotions.
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06/27/2008 | The Benefits Of Sunscreen
Putting sunscreen on a child is like trying to pet a hummingbird. Good luck getting a kid to stay put long enough to let you lather it on, let alone with the coverage that the experts deem necessary. And it’s not much better with adults. Across Bermuda all summer long will be victims of the “forgot a patch” sunscreen crowd. Those with burnt backs but pristine white fronts, blistery noses beneath a sunglass-shaped white area around the eyes, and painful, aloe-covered calves.
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06/20/2008 | Disillusioned With Your Brand New Car
Are you disillusioned with your brand new car? Anticipated that you’d be paying off the purchase price for a while, but put back by the mounting costs of servicing all manner of electronic components just to keep it on the road? Wish you’d gone a bit smaller because your annual licensing fee is weighing you down?
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06/13/2008 | Getting Rid Of Electronic Waste
In every way, we’re a connected society; by internet, e-mail, Blackberry and pagers we communicate by a plethora of technological means. And when we’re not communicating, we’re enjoying our favourite TV shows, DVDs and electronic games. It’s a brave new world, and as consumers we love our electronic gadgets.
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06/06/2008 | Father's Day Gift Ideas
As Father’s Day fast approaches, a quick polling of friends who are fathers showed a great many of them had pretty fantastic ideas of what constitutes the perfect gift: from a wife who doesn’t demand he pitch in with household duties, to an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas with his buddies.
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05/30/2008 | Don't let bills balloon to outrageous heights.
Ignoring a cellphone bill is not an option, and could result in hundreds of dollars in late fees.
[By Laura Semos Article originally published in the Bermuda Sun]
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05/23/2008 | Packaging might be doing harm to you and your family
Harmful chemicals in plastic containers could be leaching into the food we eat. There is a toxic substance in your house, most likely seeping into yours and your children's hormonal systems.
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05/16/2008 | Reducing Waste Of All Kinds
It is estimated that families now need to spend approximately $2,000 more on groceries than last year. This is the recent finding of the UK Daily Mail’s Cost of Living Index.
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05/09/2008 | Read The Label On Foods
Recently, I went to buy some cereal and was stymied by the sheer choices at my fingertips. There was everything from organic whole grain to sugary, chemical-enthused wonders of modern processing.
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05/02/2008 | Buying Or Repairing A Car? Get It In Writing
Let’s say that you buy a brand new vehicle. It is running well and you are thrilled with its performance. In fact, you keep putting off going for service checks because there is no reason to. A couple years pass and a problem finally arises, so you make an appointment to see your mechanic. That’s when things start to go very wrong.
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04/25/2008 | Water, Water Everywhere...
There is a toxic substance in your house, most likely Did you know that the majority of Bermuda homeowners use bottled water for drinking, spending well over $1,000 per year for distilled water? And those households which require top-ups because their tank water does not meet household needs spend almost $300 per year on piped water or $1,100 per year for trucked water. In fact, 62% of Bermudians use an independent source for water besides their water tank.
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04/18/2008 | Healthy organic food - it's worth the price
Healthy organic food - it's worth the price Studies show that organic food has 40 per cent more vitamins than mass produced vegetables, so go and support Bermuda’s local farmers
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04/04/2008 | Second Hand Purchases - Know Your Rights
Each month Consumer Affairs receives numerous calls concerning secondhand purchases, mainly by consumers wanting to know their rights concerning obtaining redress in cases where a secondhand purchase turned out to not work properly or be as expected.
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03/28/2008 | Contracts: Read The Fine Print
The ad on the television screen is promising; a woman is first shown huddling inside her home with a red, itchy nose, clearly suffering from seasonal allergies. But thanks to a new pharmaceutical, relief is at hand! One pill later and she is running through a lush field, ecstatic at her new-found freedom to laugh in the face of her allergens.
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03/14/2008 | Protect Seniors From Scams
Having three grandmothers between my husband and I, my own being 96 years young this month, the concerns of seniors are a matter close to my heart. Last week I wrote of how my Grandma’s purse was stolen with all her identification in it by a man who came to her door seeking to use her phone, and how you can identify various scams and con artist scenarios to avoid this happening to others.
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03/07/2008 | Avoid Scams
A few years ago my Grandma had a man come to the door asking if he could use her phone. Happy to assist the man, my Grandma lent her phone and he left without incident. It was only much later that day did she realize that her purse was missing. It took several months for her to replace all of her identification (particularly her birth certificate, which was originally issued in 1912), but far longer for the rest of the family to feel comfortable again about her living alone.
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02/22/2008 | Boat Repairs And Maintenances Issues
With winter winds still blowing many days of the week, the bliss of boating and swimming this May 24th holiday seems so far away to most of us. In fact, in terms of boat repair and maintenance obligations, it’s much closer than you would think.
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02/15/2008 | Kids Can Learn Value For Money
Finding it hard to get into your kids’ heads lately? Here’s a quick question to get the conversation rolling: they see a shirt they really want listed on www.oldnavy.com for $24.99, but this same shirt is in a store downtown listed at almost $30. Which is the better deal?
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02/08/2008 | Your Fault Or Mine?
On New Year’s Eve I had a few drops of wine spilled onto my new dress, thanks to a friend’s glass tipping over. So, I brought it to a drycleaner downtown to get it cleaned. Unfortunately, something went horribly wrong in the cleaning process and my new dress came back with the stains gone but in their stead was a streaky discoloured mess from an abrasive brush scrubbing the silk fabric. It was the perfect set-up for a customer service disaster- much like the ones we see here at Consumer Affairs every day.
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01/28/2008 | The Ghost Of Christmas Past
Just last month our postboxes were filled with Christmas cards. Sadly, this month, they’re just full of bills. January is surely when the ghost of Christmas past comes to haunt us.
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01/18/2008 | Conscious Consumerism
Recently, I booked a flight to New York to attend a friend’s wedding in March. With my booking I was offered the opportunity to “fly green”, meaning I paid a small sum to offset the global warming impact of my flying by funding green energy and conservation projects. The TerraPass cost me $5.99 to cover emissions created by my plane flight.
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01/11/2008 | Giving Money Away
Have you ever considered giving a $50 bill to a local retailer as a gift? Just handing them some cash and walking away? Or mailing a favourite overseas retailer a wad of cash and expecting nothing in return?
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01/04/2008 | Returns and Exchanges - Know Your Rights
¬Barely has the Christmas season ended and the last of the holiday goodies been consumed and we’re onto to the next big event of the year. No, not the New Year’s celebrations, but something that is associated with an equally crazed countdown. Returns season! Yes, that special time of the year when everybody is off in a mad dash to the shops to return or exchange the presents that don’t fit quite right, don’t look right at all, we already owned, or don’t work as intended. And all within a time limit set out by each individual store.
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12/28/2007 | The Empowered Consumer: Bermuda Retailers Beware
In a most unlikely way, a 60-year-old retired salesman in the UK recently emerged a YouTube celebrity after posting a video of himself complaining about the horrific customer service woes he experienced in settling a billing dispute with his local telephone company.
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12/14/2007 | A Bright Idea
As we approach the new year, and are starting to consider what resolutions we should work towards in 2008, many of us are ruthlessly questioning what we need to change about ourselves and our environment- from quitting smoking, losing weight, to finishing work on the house. Unfortunately, most of us stop at our immediate environment instead of considering what we can do to help protect our beautiful Island’s environment and natural resources.
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12/07/2007 | Good Children's Toys
There is nothing quite like the excitement of a child waking up on Christmas morning, excitedly begging to open gifts, hoping that the toy of their dreams is waiting for them. Unfortunately, behind this universally appealing image is the equally potent one of parents struggling to find said perfect toy.
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11/30/2007 | The Gift Economy
The season is upon us. Not the joyful family-oriented Christmas season, which as you know won’t be for several weeks, but the manic, guilt-inducing, stressed out, harried and hurried buying season.
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11/23/2007 | Christmas Shopping - Know Your Rights
There was a time that I would start picking up Christmas presents in July. It wasn’t that I was terribly organized; to the contrary, I knew that the week leading up to Christmas would be a stressful time of last-minute shopping, hand-wringing over finances, and frenzied gift wrapping. So, if I happened to see something that was on sale and perfect for someone in my family I would pick it up and store it in a closet for retrieval at Christmas.
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11/21/2007 | Safeguard Your Children
In Bradford, England, Christmas will not be a joyful one for Donna Abrahams. Her beautiful little girl, Kelsey, just eight weeks old, died this fall. She was accidentally smothered whilst sharing a bed with other members of the family. They had been staying at her mother’s house and because of overcrowding, and not having a crib, the baby shared the bed with the rest of the family.
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11/16/2007 | Flammable Children's Clothing
Like many, I’ve always considered the excessive warning labels on clothing and other products that I buy more a nuisance than a help. I mean, it’s a bit ridiculous when my child’s clothes have been stamped “not to be worn as sleepwear” when they’re clearly pajamas! Or pj’s that aren’t marked with this warning are so tight that I have to buy a size two times larger than expected in order to squeeze them over my three-year-old son’s wrists. Other pajamas are just plain ridiculous- stiff polyester pairs that look and feel terribly uncomfortable. What is up with kids’ pajamas?!
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11/14/2007 | Parents should be vigilant against dangerous toys
As a parent of an active three year old whose favourite activity is roaring like a dinosaur while chasing after me - and a 15 month old who loves to climb - the more precarious the surface, the more I have my hands full.
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11/02/2007 | Ask Before You Buy
Seemingly all day long, every day, the crane sways back and forth moving crate after crate from shipping freight to waiting vehicle. The forklift and transport trucks’ beeps and motorized whirls are constant. It is no small irony that Consumer Affairs’ offices are right across the street from Bermuda’s commercial dockyard; for each crate unloaded represents a small percentage of consumers who will eventually wind up at our offices bitterly complaining about their experiences with the products that made their way from across the street, to store, to them.
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10/26/2007 | Consumer Affairs is Here for Consumers and Businesses
While out shopping recently with my husband we were chatting to the owner of the shop- a friend of my husband’s- and my new job came up. To my surprise, within seconds a bitter tirade about Consumer Affairs ensued…
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10/19/2007 | Trick or Treat? Ensure your Halloween Purchases are Safe
Halloween is a time of devilish fun and festivity for both adults and children, but to ensure a safe Halloween for your little goblin, safety should be a priority when purchasing costumes, treats and toys. Here are some easy tips to follow this Halloween:
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10/12/2007 | Consumer Affairs Wants To Hear Your Story
Have you recently hired a contractor to perform work on your house and were completely unsatisfied with the result? Tiles coming up, leaking windows, burst pipes? Perhaps the contractor took your money and didn’t even show up! Or have you been treated shoddily by a customer service representative? Swore you’d never put your foot in that store again. Spent a fortune on a brand new bike and it’s been a lemon since the get-go?
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02/28/2007 | Good Customer Service Is A Winner
Recently, a client filed a complaint at Consumer Affairs because a retailer had not supplied the service she expected in a timely fashion. It was a legitimate complaint so our enforcement officer was assured that the retailer was at fault for not providing the expected customer service and fulfilling the responsibilities of a contract. However, upon calling the store, the officer learned that the retailer had in fact been hoping to resolve the issue fairly for the consumer. However, when the client had voiced her complaint she started to wag her finger at them.
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