Libertatea in Free Market !

Mai jos un fragment dintr-un articol despre tehnici de limitare a optiunilor si idei de contramasuri aplicabile:

din Marketplace (www.cbc.ca)

Addition

We’ve all experienced it, you go into a store for one thing, but get loaded down with extra items you never meant to buy. Often companies keep prices low on some big-ticket items, but use lucrative add-ons to pad their bottom line

Solution:

Research exactly what extras you want or need before you go shopping. Do some price comparisons; while it may be convenient to get everything in one place, you may not be getting the best deal.

 

Omission

 

Companies and salespeople will tell you one thing but often rely on lengthy contracts and fine print to bury information they would rather you not see.

 

Solution:

 

Believe what you read and not what you hear. Many contracts have a 10-30 day cooling off period; use this time to go over all fine print. If you see something you are unsure about call the company for clarification or cancel the deal. On larger purchases like a new home take your contract to a lawyer.

 

Creation

 

Companies have been known to suck consumers in by marketing a false need and a product to go with it.

 

Solution:

 

Be suspicious of new and improved products or conditions you have never heard of before. Ask the company for evidence to back up their claims.

 

Salvation

 

Companies have been caught cashing in on health by selling unsubstantiated products that promise amazing cures for a wide variety of ailments.

 

Solution:

 

Check up on studies the company may be holding up as proof. Are they from a reputable source; are there others that support the claims? Do not be swayed by testimonials, they are often used in place of scientific fact. Don’t buy into hype.

 

Assurance

 

Companies sometimes make false or misleading statements to make a sale. Problem is their products don’t always live up to their marketing promises.

 

Solution:

 

Never take a company or salesperson’s word for it. Check out the product for yourself by looking for reviews and consumer comments online. For big ticket items like a used car have a mechanic do an inspection. Car history reports can also be useful but find out exactly what information they do and do not include.

 

Persuasion

 

Companies have been using emotion to sell products for years but in the game of persuasion few tactics are more sinful than praying on consumer fear.

 

Solution:

 

Be suspicious of high-pressure sales and one-time only offers, companies who don’t give you time to research their product may have something to hide. If you feel you were pressured or coerced into signing a contract make a complaint to your local Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Branch. Remember companies are not your friends and more likely interested in getting your money than doing you any favours

 

Deception

 

Smooth operators are experts at using smoke and mirrors to suck you in. Consumers are led to believe they are getting a great deal from a legitimate business, when they’re really being set up for a scam.

 

Solution:

 

Always check out a company’s background before giving them money. Ask for references and be wary of companies that ask for upfront payments.