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Consumer Rights & Responsibilities


Know your rights and responsibilities before filing a complaint.  Many complaints result because consumers do not understand their rights and responsibilities when dealing with the return of deposits and goods, as examples.  

 

A deposit is money you give to a business to hold goods for you. The business agrees to hold the goods, and promises not to sell them to anyone else for a certain time. The law does not require a business to return deposits. Each business sets its own rules so ask the salesperson what they are. If you are told you can get your deposit back, ask the salesperson to write that promise on your receipt or sales agreement and sign it.  Refundable or Non-Refundable -Get It In Writing

There is no grace period in an automotive purchase. Once you have agreed to purchase a vehicle the law does not require the establishment to let you return it. Each business sets its own rules about returns. The business will decide whether you get a refund, an exchange or credit.  Ask about a return policy before you buy. 

 

If the vehicle comes with a warranty, the warranty may cover repair or replacement. Read the warranty. If you’re still not sure if it covers labour, repairs or replacement, check with the business where you bought the vehicle. 

You can prevent many consumer problems by following the rules listed below: 

bullet Make sure you understand what the advertising says and what the salesperson tells you.
 
bullet Get answers to your questions before you buy. 
 
bullet Never sign a contract before reading it. 
 
bullet Never sign a blank contract that a salesperson says will be filled in later. 
 
bullet if a dealer’s statements about a vehicle or service are an important reason why you are buying it, ask that the statements be written into the sales agreement.
bullet Always keep your bill of sale, contracts, warranties, instructions, and cancelled cheques.
 
bullet Have salesperson put in writing, on sales contract or agreement, any claims, statements or promises made during the negotiation process that were important in your decision to purchase this vehicle.  Verbal promises or agreements are very difficult to substantiate if the need should arise.

Take steps to avoid problems before they happen. Avoid buying on impulse. Think about what you need the vehicle for, when you must buy it, and how you are going to pay for it. Compare products and compare prices at different establishments before you buy, and deal with a reputable business.