What Are Your Legal Rights If You Are Not Happy With a Product?
Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, otherwise known as the federal "lemon law," consumers gained protection with warranty terms and conditions. Congress passed the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in 1975, requiring manufacturers and sellers of consumer products to provide consumers with detailed information about warranty coverage. A warranty governed by federal law provides peace of mind for the consumer. Federal and state laws protect consumers when businesses mislead consumers with false advertising or sell defective merchandise. Regardless of whether a product is misrepresented, defective, unsafe or simply the wrong color, consumers have the right to return a product.
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Warranty Protection
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Review the product warranty and make sure the business fulfills the terms and conditions. Find out when the product's warranty expires or whether it is a lifetime warranty. Follow the procedures listed on the warranty contract or call the business for guidance in resolving a product dispute. Be polite when complaining. Kindness gets you further than a rude attitude. Prevent future problems by ask to see the warranty of a product prior to purchase. Federal law requires warranties be available to review; this includes Internet and catalog shopping. Avoid returning a product beyond the return policy's limitation. Ensure the product is returned in a timely manner and is in good condition. Keep all receipts and warranties for purchased products in a designated file.
Return Policy
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Read the store's return policy stating condition's of return. Contact the store if the allotted time given to return the item has past. Speak with a manager and politely ask for an exception if the date has expired to return the item. Ask about store credit, which is available for customers who misplaced a receipt or are returning items past the return grace period. Contact the manufacturer of the product if the retailer is unable to help.
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Defective Product
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Ask for an exchange or refund if the product does not perform as advertise. Make sure the product defect is covered under the warranty or return policy. Disregard any claim by a business stating that "sales are final" if a product becomes defective after purchase or within the warranty period. Take prompt action returning a defective product.
False Advertising
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Retain newspaper or magazine advertisements, coupons or advertisements sent by mail for the product you suspect has mislead you through false advertising. Report businesses that deliberately mislead consumers with ambiguous and deceptive ads. Businesses who falsely advertise products are required to either reprint or stop advertising. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online. The FTC is the main U.S. consumer protection agency that protects consumers from fraud and unethical business practices.
Make Noise
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Be vocal and write a negative review about the product purchased. A company's success depends on a good reputation and word of mouth. Communication and negative feedback by writing a letter or using the Internet can destroy a company's reputation. Report a business to the Better Business Bureau if you are unhappy with a product. Read customer reviews and file a complaint to online websites such as Consumeraffairs.com, Pissed Consumer and Ripoff Report. Online consumer protection agencies can help you take necessary steps to receive compensation for a defective or mis-advertised product. Contact the consumer protection division of your state attorney general's office. Review your individual's states consumer protection laws and ask for help.
Take Legal Action
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Hire a lawyer for a consultation. Ask an attorney specializing consumer rights to write a formal letter asking for immediate compensation for the defective product. A letter from a lawyer is often all it takes to make a business know you mean business. Take a business to small claims court if the disput is under $750. As a consumer, you have the right to sue a business for deceptive practices. Taking a business to court will cost money and should be a last resort once all efforts to resolve the dispute have been exhausted. Do not expect warranty coverage if it was not promised in writing.
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