Avoiding Problems with Mail Order Companies

Each year more catalogues find their way into the home.  Each year more and more of us will shop through mail order catalogues; the widespread use of "800" telephone numbers makes catalogue purchases a convenient way to shop.  Although most mail order companies are legitimate, some are not.  The Division of Consumer Protection has a few tips to help make your mail order buying as pleasant as it is convenient.

• Beware of offers that seem unrealistic or too good of a deal.  Be suspicious of prices that seem unrealistically low or exaggerated claims for product.  If it sounds like an unbelievable deal, there is a good chance something is wrong.
   
• Don't rely entirely on pictures.  Read the descriptions carefully to prevent you from receiving something you were not expecting.
   
• Find out if there are satisfaction guarantees, and who pays for the return postage if you are not satisfied.
   
• Inquire about delivery time and method.  Delivery can range from overnight or two day delivery up to four to six weeks.  Find out the delivery time frame and the method of shipping.
   
• Keep a record of your order.  For orders placed by phone, write down the company name, address, telephone number, total cost, date of order and name of person taking order.  If ordering by mail, make a copy of the order form.
   
• Be sure to clearly indicate your name and address on the order.  If it is a gift, be sure to include the address where it is to be delivered.  This will help to ensure the safe and prompt arrival of the order.
   
• Keep a copy of the advertisement or catalogue containing the description, price and item numbers of merchandise ordered.
   
• Never send cash through the mail.  Pay by check or money order and be sure to include enough to cover shipping or handling charges.  Failure to include all charges may delay the shipment of your order.
   
• Check your order as soon as you receive it.  Make sure it is what you ordered and that it has not been damaged.  Notify the company immediately if you are not satisfied.

A mail order company must ship goods within 30 days of receipt of payment, unless they give you the option to either either cancel the sale and receive a full refund or to extend the shipping date.  Any refund must be mailed or delivered to you within thirty days after the company receives written notification of your intention to cancel the order.  If your order was billed to a credit card, the company has one billing cycle to notify the credit card provider to credit your account.