NEW YORK, March 6, 2008
How Do I Get A Head Start On Sales?
Susan Koeppen's "Ask It Early" Tackles That Question, One On Rebates, And More
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Play CBS Video Video Viewers Ask Consumer Questions Susan Koeppen takes consumer questions from "The Early Show" viewers about lemon cars, writing a will, finding addresses using your cell phone and crib safety.
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The Early Show "Ask It Early" Need help with a consumer issue or question? Ask Susan Koeppen, and she may answer you on The Early Show!
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Section Susan Koeppen The Early Show's consumer correspondent shares her expertise.
That was among the questions answered Thursday by Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen in the latest installment in her series, "Ask It Early."
Viewers send Susan videos of themselves posing the questions, and she picks some to answer on the broadcast.
How can I get first crack at a sale?
Who doesn't like a bargain? To get an answer to this question, we contacted the folks at the National Retail Federation, who told us most sales happen between Wednesday and Sunday. And if there's a big sale coming up, most stores program the sale prices into their computers the night before the day of the big sale. So, if you don't mind shopping late -- head to the store the night before to cash in on the bargains!
How can I avoid being taken in by a "mystery shopper" scam?
Maybe you've gotten e-mails or seen ads in the newspaper saying you can earn a living being a mystery shopper. Now, who wouldn't love to eat at a great restaurant or buy stuff at fancy stores, all on someone else's dime? But, according to the Federal Trade Commission, many of these offers are nothing more than scams. That's not to say there aren't some legitimate mystery shopping opportunities, because there are. If you're interested in becoming a legitimate mystery shopper, you can go to www.mysteryshop.org, the Web site of the trade organization for companies that use mystery shoppers. Once there, you can sign up to become a mystery shopper. You typically receive between $8 and $20 an hour for each outing. That money is provided by the store where you are shopping. As to whether you can keep what you buy, that depends on the store. For sure, though -- never accept unsolicited offers to become mystery shopper, especially if you're required to pay for items you buy, or for the opprtunity to be a mystery shopper! And never give personal information in response to such solicitations.
How can I get a free credit report?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that the nation's three biggest consumer reporting companies -- Equifax, Experian, and Transunion -- give you a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months. To order your free credit report, you can do two things. The first is to go to the Web site annualcreditreport.com. Or, you can call 877-322-8228. When you order it, you have to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. There some imposter Web sites out there that promise free credit reports but actually charge a fee, so be sure that you go to annualcreditreport.com.
What do I do if a promised rebate never arrives?
Everyone likes to get a rebate; in fact, the promise of money back is often what gets people to buy a product. You get some rebates immediately, and there are others you have to mail in requests and wait for. By law, companies are required to get you your money back within the time frame promised. If no time frame is promised, it should be within a reasonable amount of time, which is considered 30 days. Now, if that doesn't happen, you need to contact either the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, or you state attorney general. Be sure you save all the paperwork from the purchase, including the receipt, rebate form, and UPC code.
To submit a video to Koeppen, click here.
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