Ten New Year's resolutions for consumers
December 2009
What New Year's resolutions should consumers be thinking about making for 2010? Here are 10 suggestions...
1. Don't buy on impulse
Consumers often regret buying on impulse. Resist the temptation and ask yourself whether you really need or want the goods.
Also, once you've bought something in a shop, remember that you do not have an automatic right to a refund or replacement if you simply change your mind about keeping the goods.
Many shops will oblige customers in this kind of situation, but this is a gesture of goodwill and not a requirement under consumer law.
So always ask yourself whether you really need the particular item before handing over your money. And also check what the shop's returns policy is in case you do want to bring it back.
2. Be careful with the credit cards
Don't get snowed under by debt during the winter sales. Remember the cost of credit if you are buying "with plastic". Try to spend within the limits of what you can afford to repay.
Check payment deadlines for "Interest free", "Buy now, pay later" type offers. Make sure you pay within the allotted time, otherwise interest penalties may start to add up.
Read our guide to credit cards and store cards.
3. Shop around for best value
Value for money is more important than ever, so shop around wherever possible.
Most shops now advertise their special offers online, in newspapers and in flyers they post out in the locality. By comparing prices in shops and using the information from these advertisements, price surveys and price comparison websites, shoppers can drive competition.
An informed consumer is an empowered consumer and will always be able to find the best value.
Read our ConsumerValue guides
4. Avoid 'grab and go' shopping
"Grab and go" is where you buy a small number of individual items such as milk and bread. The shop might be convenient but you are also likely to be paying more for that convenience.
So plan to include as much as you can in the regular "big shop" rather than lots of "grab and go" shopping.
5. Know your consumer rights
Read our guides to consumer law. These cover your rights in over 75 typical consumer situations, about everything from travel and shopping through to pricing, property and finance.
6. Complain!
The NCA surveys show that the vast majority of Irish consumers believe they should complain more.
So make a New Year's resolution that if you feel the goods or services you buy aren't up to scratch, you'll make the effort to complain about them.
The more assertive we become as consumers, the more businesses will become responsive to our concerns. Check out our guide to making an effective complaint.
7. Keep your receipts
If you need to bring something back to a shop, they are entitled to ask for proof of purchase. So keep those receipts until you are happy with the product.
If you lose the receipt, cheque stubs or credit card statements may also act as proof of purchase.
8. Watch out for scams
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember you cannot win a prize if you haven't entered a competition.
If you are offered goods at a knock-down price, check they are authentic. You have no comeback if they are counterfeit. They may not conform to important safety standards and you are promoting an illegal practice.
Learn more in our guide to "How to spot a scam", and some tips on how to spot a working-from-home scam
9. Read the small print
Many health clubs have been cutting their prices lately to entice new customers thinking of shedding a few pounds after Christmas. And some of the best prices are for long-term contracts.
But always check the terms and conditions carefully before you sign up. Ask the following questions:
- What is included in the membership fee?
- Are there any additional costs?
- Is the contract automatically rolled over?
- What notice of cancellation is required?
Read our guide to gym contracts
10. Try going green
Try following the "reduce, reuse and recycle" motto.
Cut down on your energy bills by installing insulation and timer controls - choose energy-efficient appliances, and turn them off when not in use.
A few simple steps will not only save energy but will save you money too.
Learn how to get better value on your energy bills
Read our tips on how to cut down on your waste collection bills