Attorney General
From choosing where to book a manicure to deciding where to get your car repaired, the options for today's consumer can seem practically endless - and sifting through the choices can be exhausting.
The Ministry of Justice, Consumer Protection BC and key partner organizations have come together during B.C.'s first Consumer Awareness Week (March 15-22) to share tips on a number of current marketplace issues under the theme "Take Five" - representing not only the number of tips released per day, but also the need for consumers to pause before making any purchasing decision.
Top five consumer tips for choosing a business:
1. Read reviews. A quick search online can help you find a number of review and rating sites. Check to see what others have to say before deciding to do business with the company.
2. Check for complaint handling options. Businesses dedicated to customer service will typically have a dispute resolution system in place - check the business's website or give them a call to find out what happens in the event something goes wrong.
3. Watch for third party accreditation. Find out if the business is backed by a reputable third party endorser - this independent verification can lend credibility to the company you're considering.
4. Look for genuine requests for customer feedback. A key sign that a business wants to do right by its customers is if it actively solicits - and uses - client feedback. Look for options to fill out satisfaction surveys or check social media accounts to see how the business communicates with its clients.
5. Ask around. Learn from the experiences of your friends and family members, and check to see whether they've been a customer of the business you're considering and if they have stories to share.
Learn More:
To access the daily Consumer Awareness Week Take Five tips, go to:
www.facebook.com/ConsumerProtectionBC
Twitter @ConsumerProBC using the hashtag #TakeFive2013.
If you have questions about your rights and responsibilities as a consumer in British Columbia, please contact Consumer Protection BC toll-free at 1 888 564-9963 or visit: www.consumerprotectionbc.ca
Media Contacts:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961
Consumer Protection BC
1 888 564-9963 ext. 2824
media@consumerprotectionbc.ca
