Buying Merchandise

Need advice on shopping? Want to know your rights and obligations as a consumer when buying from a business? Looking for special information on convenient, modern-day shopping options, such as at home, over the phone or online?

Well, you’ve come to the right place. Just choose a category to learn more.

Smart Shopping Tips
Tips on making smart consumer decisions and information on what to do if you have a problem.

Refunds, Exchanges and Deposits
Find out about return and exchange policies before you make a purchase and what to ensure before you put a deposit on an item.

Telephone and Long Distance Services
What to do if you have a complaint about your phone or long distance service.

Gift Cards
New rules ban expiry dates and most fees on gift cards bought after Oct. 1, 2007.

Door-to-Door Sales
What to be aware of when you make a purchase in your home and your rights when you choose to buy this way.

Shopping Online
Important advice on shopping online, including consumer rights afforded to all cyber shoppers.

Shopping by Phone
Who to avoid doing business with on the phone and your rights when you choose to make a purchase over the phone.

Shopping by Mail
Tips on ordering products through the mail.

Buying Big Ticket Items
Ensure you make a worthwhile investment and your rights are protected.

Counterfeit Goods
Counterfeit merchandises are imitations of brand name products. Learn how to distinguish the genuine from the fake.

Your Rights with Leasing
Your rights when leasing or renting to own.

Subscription Clubs
Know your rights when it comes to book or music clubs.

Harmonized Sales Tax – What you need to know about the HST
The HST comes into effect on July 1, 2010. Learn about the transition period, and what products and services are exempted.