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How to Assess Goods and Services

Page history last edited by Holly Swyers 6 years, 4 months ago

What are useful strategies for researching goods and services to make sure you are not taken advantage of?

 

Online reviews/ Internet

You have to stay informed. The news, self-searching, or even the internet are probably the best tools for finding that information (Joyce Barry). You can find any information you need on goods and services online and using customer reviews (Quentin Tarkington). I think using the internet is fabulous to buy a car, then it’s easy to bounce one dealer off the other. They used to get huffy when you tried to get a better deal, but it is so much easier and more manageable with the internet today (Dennis Powell).

 

Network

It is important to remember to utilize the power of neighbors, ask people for advice, and use NextDoor social networking app. I enjoy those real, neighbor reviews because there is a deeper level of trust with those people. Those might be more useful compared to an anonymous online review (Arlene London). In addition, it’s through trusted friends, family, and advisers. You should talk to people with experiences. Just ask questions. Nothing is wrong with asking about challenges, and seeing how people handle it (Arthur Miller).

 

Research

You need to read the newspaper or watch the news because you might not know what’s going on in the world. You may miss news if a company is having certain issues or going through money problems. You need to stay on top of the news. The government should be on top of this to make sure people aren’t taken advantage of, but they can only do so much. The more information you have on something based on research you do, the better off you are (Jose Harvey).

 

Security

Use common sense- if it doesn’t sound like it makes sense, it probably doesn’t. Don’t necessarily fall for the first thing you are presented with. For example, don't buy the first car on the lot, and don't commit to the first dealership. Get a second opinion, maybe from a doctor or a lawyer just depending on your situation. Read through everything carefully. You can check people or companies through the Better Business Bureau. You should know if you have protections on your credit card. Don’t buy anything over the phone. Don’t ever give out your personal information on the phone. Just because someone is calling you claiming to be a person, company, or institution does not necessarily mean they are trustworthy. If you are interested in something, you can tell the person on the phone to send you a piece of mail regarding whatever it is, like donating to charities, so you can then follow up on her own accord. You should protect your credit rating as well (Melissa Adams).

 

This page was developed from interviews with:

Joyce Barry, Quentin Tarkington, Dennis Powell, Arlene London, Arthur Miller, Jose Harvey, Melissa Adams

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