|
Ask friends, verify references and be sure to check out
the BBB Business Reviews at www.bbb.org
before handing over any money.
Check for additional fees and
limitations before purchasing. Make sure you know if any additional fees
apply for things like equipment rental, meals and transportation. Check for
other limitations. Some high-adventure activities restrict those with
certain health issues.
Make sure dad's schedule
matches the times the activity can be done. Some outdoor thrills can be
done only during a certain season or time of day. Most require advance
reservations.
Check the refund policy and
expiration date. When buying expensive items or gifts, get refund,
exchange, warranty and guarantee policies in writing. Make sure you know the
expiration date of the offer and if a refund is available if dad can't make
it for any reason. Some gift certificates and discount coupons are
transferable and some are not. Are there any cancellation penalties? What is
considered a valid cancellation reason for the buyer or the operator? Under
what conditions is a full refund available?
Read rental agreements
carefully. Make sure you have a written contract for any recreational
rentals (cabins, all-terrain vehicles, campers, kayaks, motorcycles, etc.).
The agreement should spell out base rental cost, daily fees, insurance and
other details such as time restrictions. If at all possible, visually
inspect the rental prior to committing.
[to top of second column] |
- Get the details in writing.
For things like tours,
classes, sightseeing and lessons, make sure you get all of the
costs and features in writing. What services and equipment are
included? Ensure taxes, service fees and other charges are
clearly disclosed. Asterisks are commonly used to indicate
restrictions, such as additional charges and time requirements.
Look for a "conditions" clause. Read the small print to see if
it alters the original offer. Get a gift receipt and enclose it
with the present.
___
For 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping
consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In
2012, consumers turned to BBB more than 100 million times for
reviews on more than 4 million companies and reports on 11,000
charities, all available for free at
www.bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the
umbrella organization for 114 local, independent BBBs across the
United States and Canada, as well as home to its national programs
on dispute resolution and industry self-regulation.
[Text from file received from the
Better Business Bureau of
Central Illinois]
 |
