Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
216 Unit 3 Investigating Career Pathways in Human Services
and returns. Depending on the type of product, the manufacturer may
warrant that the product is free from workmanship defects for a period of
time, often ranging from months to years. If a product breaks while under
warranty, consumers can follow the directions on the warranty to have
the product repaired or replaced.
The seller usually sets policies that have to do with returns of
products. Some sellers do not accept any product returns. Others allow
returns if the product does not work. Some return policies may require
that the product has not been used. A proof of purchase, or receipt, is
often needed for returns. Return policies are usually similar whether
consumers purchase the product in a store or online. In many cases,
to promote online sales, merchants that sell both online and through
stores will allow an online purchase to be returned to a brick and
mortar store.
When returning an item to the seller, consumers may need to decide
whether they want to exchange the item for another one or receive a
refund. Refunds may be given in cash or store credit. For returns on credit
card purchases, the refund is often credited to the consumer’s credit card.
When returning items, consumers need to remember to be fair in their
expectations.
Sometimes, consumers are unable to get a satisfactory solution to
their problem. When this occurs, there are many avenues consumers can
pursue, going as far as working through the Better Business Bureau or
taking legal action. Usually, there are less drastic actions consumers can
take to achieve satisfactory results. For example, some complaints can
be handled by calmly and politely expressing the issue to the customer
service representative. If this person is unable to help, consumers can ask
to speak to the store manager and then politely restate the problem. If
this still does not work and the problem cannot be resolved at the store,
consumers can write a complaint letter (Figure 8.14).
Managing Finances
Many consumer services workers must possess a thorough
knowledge of fi nancial management. How people manage their fi nances
can positively or negatively impact their lives. Many people develop a
budget to manage their money. A budget is a written fi nancial plan to
manage income, expenses, and savings.
Budgeting
There are many benefi ts to creating a budget. By viewing a written
list of planned expenses (goods and services requiring payment),
people can see how they are spending their money. Through budgeting,
people are able to determine when they can afford to purchase items.
Using a budget can also help them plan and set money aside for future
expenses.
Expert Insight
“A fool and his
money are soon
parted.”
Thomas Tusser,
English poet