Shopping Consumer Tips and Info

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​​Buying Clubs
Buying clubs attract consumers by advertising that members can buy goods at wholesale prices or reduced rates for a membership fee.
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​​Direct Marketing
Wisconsin's direct marketing law protects consumers in sales made anywhere away from the seller's place of business.

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Fair and Trade Show Exhibitors
Most consumers assume that all businesses at trade shows, fairs, or seminars are reputable. This can be a very expensive assumption.
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Gift C​ards​
Some gift cards are single-use, but others can be reloaded and used multiple times. Gift cards are federally regulated.

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In-Home Sales Parties
In-home sales parties can be a great opportunity, but there are several things you should know if you plan on attending or hosting.​


Thousands of consumers buy magazine subscriptions every year. Unfortunately, problems like unfair sales and billing errors can occur.


​Mail Order/Unordered Merchandise
​​The Wisconsin Mail Order Law helps deal with a major mail order problem: failure to promptly deliver prepaid merchandise.

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​​Do you love to shop? If so, you may be tempted by emails or ads that claim you can earn a living as a secret or mystery shopper.

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​A negative option is a marketing plan that places the responsibility on the consumer, not the seller, to cancel a contract or order.

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To make sure a product you are buying through a website is legitimate and priced appropriately, do some research first​.​
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For the price gouging law to be enforced, the Governor must certify there is an emergency disrupting normal business transacti​ons​.

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Rebates are offered for everyday purchases like toothpaste and shampoo as well as large ticket items like furnaces or a new car.​
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​Rent to​ ​Own
Are you thinking of buying a new TV, refrigerator, couch or other “big-ticket” item? You may be considering the rent-to-own option​.
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Misunderstandings about refund policies are common. Many problems can be prevented by understanding a business’s policies.


​Safe Online Shopping Tips
The internet has fake ads, fraudulent websites, and scammers. But consumers​ can still​ have a safe online shopping experience​.​
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Sales, refunds/returns, credit cards, loan offers, layaway, e-commerce and more — DATCP has one fact sheet to address all things shopping.
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​​Surplus Goods ​and Government Sales​
Most items in a surplus auction do not sell for unbel​ievably low prices. Government auction services usually sell goods at or below cost.
​Warra​nties
There can be big differences between the warranties of two similar products manufactured by different firms.
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