Consumer Issues September 2009 Newsletter

General

Safe garage door springs
You might think your garage just needs a spring clean, not a new door spring, but there may be a serious hazard lurking in those dusty corners.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is asking people to check that their garage doors springs are secured by a retaining cable. This simple measure will ensure that as the springs wear, they do not present a danger should the spring break.

To find out what the risks are and how to prevent damage or injury read our Word of Advice column.

Mind your T’s and C’s
You’re doing a spot of online shopping and are about to hit the ‘buy’ button to get your new purchase when up pops “Please accept the terms and conditions.” Be honest - do you read them? Or do you just click on “I agree” without even giving them a second thought?

Every time you agree to buy something you are entering into a contract. The terms and conditions are as much a part of the contract as what you are buying and how much you have to pay. So, if you don’t know what the terms and conditions are, you don’t really know what you are agreeing to.

Find out what to look out for and how to negotiate in our Word of Advice column.