The Real Deal Free "3-D" Poster Inside! Playing the Buying Game [Note: This publication is loaded with graphics that have been omitted in this text version. To order a printed copy of the publication, see the “How to...” link at the bottom of the Catalog category page.] A publication from the Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Attorneys General "Everybody plays the buying game. But not everybody wins. If you want to be a winner, read between the lines." Introduction Everyone spends money, but not everyone knows how to do it right. Spending wisely takes skill, time, and experience. The Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Attorneys General want you to learn how to shop smart. The FTC and your State Attorney General work to protect consumer rights and help consumers of all ages learn how to spot a scam...figure out a fraud...and recognize a rip-off. At the same time, we work with businesses to make sure they know how to obey certain laws, especially those about advertising honestly and treating consumers fairly. This activity booklet will help you learn how to read between the lines to buy smart. Then, when you're shopping for something that means a lot to you, you can be sure you're doing it right and getting the most for your money. "Buying smart takes time, skill, and even experience. Here's how to do it right." Top 10 Tips for Getting the Real Deal 10. READ BETWEEN THE LINES. Separate facts from fantasy when you hear a commercial or read an ad. 9. CHILL. Think before you buy. What do you want? What do you need? What's your budget? 8. RESEARCH. Check out product claims. Is the new model really improved? Does it perform better...or does it just look different? 7. ASK QUESTIONS. Talk to your friends, parents, teachers, coaches, or neighbors. They may know something that could help you make up your mind. 6. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Call a friend who has the item or ask a salesperson for a demonstration. 5. BE PICKY. What are you getting for your money? Is it quality...or is it junk? Check the library or the bookstore for guides to price and value. 4. SHOP AROUND-BY TELEPHONE. Call three stores to compare prices, models, and return policies. 3. SCOPE IT OUT. What you see isn't always what you get. At the store, ask to see what's inside the package. 2. UH OH! What if the product's a dud! Don't wait- tell the store manager right away. Be clear about the problem. Most store managers want to satisfy their customers-not turn them off. 1. BUYING SMART IS BEING SMART. It could take some time, but your money's on the line. DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE You've seen it on TV. You've heard about it on the radio. You've read about it in a magazine. You can picture it in your room. You've got to have it. What's your budget? Chill out. Think about it. Separate the facts from the fantasy. IT'S SMART TO LOOK AT THE FINE PRINT DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE PACKAGE Ads, labels, and packages can be great sources of information-if you know how to read them. Sometimes, what's missing is just as important as what's said outright. Ads and packages should not mislead about the product, its appearance or performance. But once in a while, a package or an ad exaggerates when it comes to the size, speed, sound or color of a product, how durable it is, or even how it works. Ask to see the product you're thinking about buying. What you see isn't always what you get. Hey, Kids! Did you see that great 3-D effect? No? Maybe that's because there isn't any. And there are no glasses. And even if there were glasses, you still wouldn't see any 3-D effect. Sometimes things are not what they seem. That's why it's important to check out product claims to see what you're really getting for your money. You should try something before you buy it-call a friend who has the item. At the store, ask to see what's inside the package and how the product works. As for this "3-D" poster, the only 3-Ds would be (1) dishonesty (2) deception, and (3) don't believe everything you read. Use the poster to fool your friends-and teach them what you learned. Q. How did the baseball player convince kids to buy his brand of sneakers? A. He used his "Sales Pitch"! What is hype? It's getting you pumped up about a product, from a video game to a television show, from a brand of cereal to a pair of roller blades. Celebrities, animation, or music may be used to get your attention and make the product seem more interesting. But what is the real product? Ask yourself if you'll really jump higher if you wear these basketball shoes. Will you have more friends if you brush with that toothpaste? Fantasy and fun only go so far. Then, it's time to get the facts about the product. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY "Be picky. What are you getting for your money?" The more you know about a product, the better able you'll be to make a decision about its value. Where do you get information? For openers, check with friends, parents, teachers, coaches, or neighbors who may own or use the product. Once you get their recommendations, it's a good idea to ask your friends or check the library for guides to price, quality, and value. Write down the information you get and any questions you may have. Then, go to the store. Talk to a knowledgeable salesperson and ask for a demonstration. This is the time to ask your questions. Think about all the information you've gathered before you decide what to buy. HOW TO GET THE BEST PRICE "Buying smart is being smart." There is a smart way to buy. The process is the same whether you're shopping for a video game, a bike, or a radio. Buying smart takes time, skill, and even experience. Resist the urge to buy fast. Think first. Ask salespeople when the item you want will be on sale. Is the listed price the lowest price they can offer? Use the telephone to shop for the best price. Call a few stores to compare prices, models, and return policies. FIGURE IT OUT: Look at the prices in the illustration above for the video game, the game cartridge, and the A/C adapter. Who has the best prices? BuyMart Video Hut Lots "O" Toys Video Game Cartridge A/C Adapter TOTAL THE BUYING GAME "Sometimes the product's a dud. What now?" As a consumer playing the buying game, you have certain rights: the right to choice, information, consumer education, safety, and service. You also have the right to be heard. If a purchase doesn't meet your expectations, you can do something about it. Tell the store manager as soon as you can. If you wait, you might forget the details. Be clear and polite about the problem. Most store managers want your business-and your friends. They don't want to turn you off as a customer. DON'T FORGET TO WRITE "Do you have the 'write' stuff?" Write to the Federal Trade Commission at the address below to share your experiences-good or bad-as a consumer. Send us a story or a drawing. For more information on your rights as a consumer, or to complain about a business or a product, please contact: Federal Trade Commission 6th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW Room 403 Washington, D.C. 20580 World Wide Web site at: http://www.ftc.gov Your State Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection Your State Capital (Many Attorneys General have toll-free consumer hotlines. Check with your local directory assistance.) Feel free to reproduce this publication in part or in whole.