Fitness clubs, used cars and talent agencies were among the top 10 consumer concerns of 1986, according to Dave Mitchell, director of consumer services at the Ministry of Conâ€" sumer and Commercial Relations. / Although shoddy work and excessive prices for home and car repairs continued to draw the largest number of complaints, 10 other trouble trends were: > Master Consumer complaints in 1986 continue to focus on clubs, cars, agencies 4. Cottages â€" Vacation dream homes turned into nightmares when consumers paid for cottages that were never built. ‘"Don‘t pay more than a small deposit, unless the molliey is being held in trust," said Mitâ€" chell. Fitness clubs â€" Consumers were left with worthless longâ€"term memberships when fitness clubs went bankrupt. Although legislation on prepaid services like this will be introduced next spring, Mitchell advised consumers to avoid signing longâ€" term contracts. Talent and modelling agencies â€" Promises of fame and fortune lured many conâ€" sumers into paying big money to agencies that could not deliver the jobs or photoâ€" graphs that were promised. "Investigate the track record of the business and verify in advance any promises that are made," suggested Mitchell. Used cars â€" Cars that weren‘t so gently used as their sellers claimed were a continuing source of consumer woes. ‘"‘Make sure you‘re dealing with a reputaâ€" ble seller, especially if you‘re buying through a classified ad," warned Mitâ€" chell. "And, check out the history of the car, including liens." Furnace cleaning â€" When the "gas company‘‘ called, many consumers thought they were dealing with their regular utility company and ended up paying too much for cleaning and often unnecessary repairs. ‘"Know who you‘re dealing with, especially when you‘re making arrangements over the teleâ€" phone."‘ Dinner for your dog Nutrition is our business Premium 634â€"5474 Mrasterfeeds 76 Mill, Baden FARA; $t 10. Financing finagles â€" Many consumers didn‘t realize that the "discount" fiâ€" nancing terms would expire before the goods were delivered. Complex terms dazzled many others into thinking they were paying low interest when they were actually being hit with aboveâ€"marâ€" ket rates. "If you need a computer to figure out how the financing works, you may be misled. Never agree to financing unless you can calculate â€" and afford â€" the total annual interest payments." These consumer conundrums represent only a small fraction of the complaints the ministry receives. "We could probably come up with 100 problem areas," said Mitchell. ‘"But, they all share one thing: they might have been avoided if consumers asked more questions." SAVE $3" 16 kg bag WHILE SUPPLIES LAST Offer expires January 23/87 Getâ€"richâ€"quick seminars â€" Although real estate seminars declined in popularity this year, many people paid hundreds of dollars for seminars and books on running small businesses. Many were offered by people whose only means of striking it rich was running these scams. Furniture â€" Consumers who paid the full price for furniture sometimes found the good were never delivered because the company had gone out of business. ‘"Pay only a small deposit until the furniture arrives," said Mitchell. Vacuum cleaners â€" Excited by the prospect of winning a contest, many consumers yielded to highâ€"pressure sales tactics and bought overâ€"priced compact vacuum cleaners. ‘‘Shop around and you won‘t be vulnerable to this type of sale," advised Mitchell. Usedâ€"car warranties â€" Warranties that weren‘t underwritten by insurance comâ€" panies often turned out to be worthless pieces of paper. "If an insurance comâ€" pany is not involved, there‘s no guarantee the warranty will cover your repairs," said Mitchell. IN STORE SPECIALS on Master Roundâ€"Up 1 kg and 2 kg sizes only 1â€"800â€"265â€"2365 . RERODER.~R M R. OO Saturday 8â€"noon SALE Per Bag 14" To Kâ€"W‘s first evewear boutique Northdale Auto Body WATERLOO CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY, Featuring: 9 â€" Exclusive desif\a in {ashion eyewear â€" Professional lab with complete optical service â€" E‘\;e examinations arranged â€" Phone for appointment 11 Erb St. East, Waterloo â€" 7464811 ONE BUILDING EAST OF KING & ERB Complete Collision and Refinishing Service 430 Albert Street, Waterioo 884-0550 â€" *Advance Quilting "Beginners and Advanced Jmockin *Little Amish Quilts *Stencil Closs *Color Class *Drawing and Painting *Stained Glass Quilting *Quilt in a Day *Cathedral Window Quilting Log Cabin *Seminole Quick Quilts Ohio Star *Crazy Patch Quilting Lovers® Knot *Window Warmer Workshop Double trish Chain TO REGISTER PLEASE CALL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION @/15 @5;47547/ ~ __ COBoutique UILTERS ATTIC Ns _ innerkip, Ontario NOJ 1MO 469â€"3544 Classes for January and February, 1987 With Anne Larock, Carol McLean, Edith Kirkby, Jennifer LaMarre & Herb Kirkby *Beginners and Advanced Smocking *Stencil Closs *Drawing and Painting *Quilt in a Day Log Cabin JANUARY 7, 1087 â€" PAGE 11 Thomas J. 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