Consumer Dos and Don'ts

Hiring a contractor? Making a major purchase? Here are a few "dos" and
"don'ts." Do use local businesses; transients often disappear. Don't
take the first bid; shop and compare price, terms and hidden extras.
Do read all fine print on contracts; ask about anything unclear. Don't
sign a contract with blank spaces. Do save all contracts, receipts,
cancelled checks and warranties. Don't pay cash; write checks to the
company, not the salesperson. Do check with the Better Business Bureau
and city and state licensing boards. Ask about insurance. Don't accept
oral promises; get everything in writing. Do remember that the ?
cooling-off? rule lets you cancel most contracts within three days;
don't be pressured into hasty decisions. If a terrific offer expires
in 24 hours, let it. ?Business? is a tricky business and you have to
be careful when doing it. Always take two trusted friends with you
when you shop -- caution and common sense. And that's the On The House
tip for today.

http://www.onthehouse.com/tips/20080617