CONTACT: Lisa Schiller, Media Relations
PHONE: 414- 847- 6055
FAX: 414-302- 0355
E-MAIL: lschiller@wisconsin.bbb.org
Milwaukee, Wis. – With the Wisconsin State Fair underway, the Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin suggests caution when buying from out-of-town vendors and sellers.
Before heading out, or from your smartphone while there, check bbb.org for free business reports and look for the BBB seal.
Remember the following guidelines:
* Before buying, know the company’s refund and exchange policy. Get the policy in writing, if possible.
* Know where the company is located. Obtain the company’s physical location and telephone number, in case you need to return or exchange an item after the event.
* If at all possible, shop around first. Keep in mind, however, that the least expensive item may not always be the best value. If you are making a large purchase, don’t be afraid to leave the fairgrounds to do some research.
* Don’t be pressured to buy on the spot. After the demonstration or sales pitch, walk away from the sales person to give yourself some time to think about the purchase.
* Pay with a credit card whenever possible for the most protection.
* Know the limits of the “cooling-off rule.” It’s important to note that the FTC’s “Cooling-off Rule,” allows people three days to cancel a purchase made away from the place of business, such as a fair or trade show.
To find more trusted advice and alerts, follow the Better Business Bureau on Facebook and Twitter.
For an online version of the story click here. http://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/news-events/news-releases/2015/08/tips-for-buying-at-the-fair/
For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at http://www.bbb.org/wisconsin or 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), 920-734-4352 (Appleton), 608-268-2221 (Madison) or 1-800-273-1002 (elsewhere in Wisconsin). Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Twitter, Facebook and You Tube.
ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2014, people turned to BBB more than 165 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 4.7 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org . The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 112 local, independent BBBs across North America, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution, advertising review, and industry self-regulation. BBB Serving Wisconsin was founded in 1939 and serves the state of Wisconsin.
