SECOND COMMANDMENT:
Thou Shalt Always Check the Company's Return Policy

Don't you hate going to return something you bought two weeks ago, only to discover the store has a one-week return policy? You don't have to worry about that happening ever again, if you follow our Second Commandment: Thou Shalt Always Check the Company's Return Policy. Once you've made the decision to purchase something, ask what your rights are if you need to return the item, for any reason. If the company's return policy isn't available to you in printed form, write down the policy yourself. Make sure you know up front the answers to these questions:

How long do I have from the date of purchase to return an item?
The best return policies are open-ended, or give you at least 30-60 days.

If I discover a defect, or a problem with the item, may I return it to you for replacement or repair, or must I go through the manufacturer?
If you must go through the manufacturer, make sure you get the address and phone number of the nearest authorized service dealer and of the manufacturer headquarters.

If I'm buying this as a gift and the birthday girl wants to return it, can she return it without the receipt? How will I be reimbursed if I return an item? Does the store only issue store credits? If you pay by cash can you be reimbursed in cash? Will the store post a credit on your credit card account?
Don't buy something at a place that only issues store credits if this is the first and only time you'll set foot inside the shop. When you buy at a store that only issues store credits for returned items, make sure there are lots of other things you want to buy at that store.

THIRD COMMANDMENT:
Thou Shalt Never Buy Over the Phone From a Stranger

Telephone sales is one of the fastest growing businesses in the country. Unfortunately, unless you have a videophone, there's no way to tell if you're talking to someone in a real office or just a boiler-room operator who can pick up and relocate out of state at a moment's notice.

Especially be aware of the phone call that starts out with "Hi, Ken! This is Joe Smoothie from XYZ Company and I was referred to you by a mutual friend." Hold it right there and ask one simple question: "Who's the mutual friend who gave you my name?" Chances are Joe will hear his mother calling and have to hang up quickly.

However, Joe could be a legitimate businessman, tracking down a lead from your Cousin Ralph. If so, and you're interested in what Joe's selling, ask to have information sent to you. Simply say, "Can you send me something to look at and a number where I can reach you if I have any questions?" If Joe's selling a service, such as aluminum siding installation, you can also ask him to drop by and give you a written estimate.

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