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The Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection promotes an atmosphere of trust between the consumer and Westchester-based businesses and works to ensure that consumers are aware of their rights. The department achieves this through the enforcement of the Westchester County Consumer Protection Code and related laws of New York State.
Before you sign a contract . . .
- Get more than one
estimate.
- Research references and
contact the Department of Consumer Protection for advice and
information.
- Use discretion when hiring
a contractor who solicits door to door, has no known local
address, operates from a post office box or "just happens to be in the
neighborhood."
- Put all verbal agreements
in writing and request a copy of any document you sign.
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Read, understand and agree
with all contract terms. Beware of "free" inspections.
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Never sign that work is
acceptable until the work is done to your satisfaction.
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You may cancel a contract
for service if a merchant fails to disclose a start and completion date.
Also, you are entitled to a refund for the uncompleted portion of the
work, if payment was made in advance.
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You may cancel, within 3
business days; a contract signed in your home for $25.00 or more.
Remember . . .
your signature is your most valuable commodity.
Before you make that purchase . . .
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Inspect merchandise before
accepting or paying for it. Comparison shop. Beware when one
price estimate is much lower than others.
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Know and agree to your
merchant's refund or exchange policy before making a
purchase.
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Never buy an item you
neither need nor want, just because it is on sale.
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Leave the least amount of
money possible for a deposit.
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Get all guarantees and
warranties in writing.
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Be extremely cautious in
giving credit card numbers over the telephone or by mail to unknown
persons.
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Determine hidden costs --
shipping, insurance, club membership, etc. -- of "free" gifts or
prizes.
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Be sure you receive the
advertised price. If the item is not available, ask and get a rain
check. This does not apply to close-out sales.
If is sounds too good to be true . . .
It probably isn't true.
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