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Mass Consumer Affairs Blog
The Official Blog of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Purchasing or receiving an unwanted gift can be one of the most frustrating – and uncomfortable – things that can go wrong over the holidays. For this reason, most people prefer the reassurance when they purchase an item that they can return it if it …Continue Reading Everything you wanted to know about gift returns but thought it would be rude to ask
The Massachusetts Item Pricing Law was written to ensure that food retailers remained consistent and accurate in how they charge consumers. Since its last update in 2013, the law has been extended to cover consumer-use price scanners and automated check out systems. The Division of …Continue Reading All I Want for Christmas is Price Scanning Accuracy
It’s about that time that students will begin to flock back to the Boston area and move into their apartments and dorms. As they prepare for classes, one of the more expensive purchases will be their course materials, including the very expensive textbooks. According to …Continue Reading Consumer Affairs Survey Finds Lower-Cost Options for College Textbooks
Customer loyalty programs may save you cash, but do you know the true cost of your membership card? In recent years, a trend has been booming with business all over the world. They are offering consumers the opportunity to enroll in their customer loyalty programs. …Continue Reading Loyalty Programs – A Two Way Street
Price check! Earlier this year, new legislation went into effect that allows for Massachusetts grocery stores to stop placing price stickers on each individual item for sale. Markets that opt to not label everything in their store must apply for a waiver with the Division …Continue Reading Missing Price Labels? Grab it and Scan it.
This week is National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). More than 60 nonprofit organizations and federal, state, and local agencies are participating this year all with the intention of bringing a larger awareness to consumer rights. For the past 15 years, the week has brought together …Continue Reading National Consumer Protection Week 2013
The holiday season brings out the spirit of giving, and we applaud any and all philanthropic efforts. Unfortunately there are some people who will try to take advantage of this generosity, and we want to make sure your contribution goes where you intend it to. …Continue Reading Shopping 101: Beware Charity Scams
With holiday shopping in full swing, millions of consumers are expected to ship gifts to their family and friends. However, sending the packages to the right address does not guarantee that they will be received by the intended recipient. Package thefts rise during the holiday …Continue Reading Shopping 101: Lost or Stolen Packages
Despite your best intentions, some gifts you buy this holiday season may need to be returned or exchanged. Before you head to check-out, make sure you carefully read each store’s return policy. Massachusetts law requires merchants to disclose their refund, return, and cancellation policies before …Continue Reading Shopping 101: Return Policies
Most consumers have heard of the term “bait and switch” but may not be aware when it happens to them. A sales representative may try to convince you to buy a different item than the one you came for, which may simply seem like a …Continue Reading Shopping 101: Bait & Switch
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