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AS A CONSUMER IN ONTARIO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE A COMPLAINT To avoid problems, know the rules before you close thedeal. Most consumer complaints can be remedied easily if the buyer and seller recognize each other's rights and responsibilities and use common sense. HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT : Once you have decided that you have a legitimate complaint, here's how to go about making it: ® Explain your problem clearly and calmly to the sales clerk. If the sales clerk is unable to help you, see the manager. e Still no satisfaction? Send a registered letter to the person in charge. Include in the letter your name, address and tele- phone number; the name and type of product purchased, date of purchase and price paid; an outline of your problem and your attempts to solve it; copies of receipts, work orders and any other documentation; and what you want the com- pany to do about your problem. ® Negotiate. You may persuade the merchant to exchange your purchase or make alternate arrangements. : © The Business Practices Act protects you against false, mis- leading or deceptive represen- tations. To cancel a contract, send a registered letter which states: "I exercise my right of rescission under Section 4 of the Business Practices Act." Include your reasons for making the request. e Visit the nearest Consumer Services Bureau and the Better Business Bureau for help in preparing letters of complaint or cancellation. If you are unable to resolve the problem, the staff will mediate on your behalf. Ontario WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU BUY These simple guidelines will help you avoid many problems: ® Comparison shop. Look at prices, guarantees, service agreements in several stores. ® Check a company's reputation with your local Better Business Bureau. ® Ask about the store's policy on refunds and exchanges. You may not be entitled to them. ® Remember all contracts are binding. If you change your mind about a purchase or find a better price elsewhere, you are still bound by your signed agreement. ® Keep sales slips, cancelled cheques, contracts, copies of ads, bills and any other relevant information. For further assistance, or a free copy of the Information Bulletin "Consumer Complaints", write to: ' Consumer Information Centre Ministry of Consumer & Commercial Relations 555 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M7A. 2H6 (416) 962-1111 Frank Drea, Minister of Consumer & Commercial Relations William Davis, Premier