Be wary of imitations of brand-name products. What you see in a catalogue may look better than what you get. If it's an unfamiliar brand, read the description carefully and study the illustration closely. If it's a name you know, be sure you know the model number you want.
Order by phone - especially if there's a freephone number (0800). Your order will get into the system faster, and you'll be able to ask questions about the merchandise and delivery dates. (Be sure to get the name of the person you talk to.)
Ask about the return policy before you order. You should have the right to a full refund as long as you have not damaged the product.
Use a credit card whenever possible. You'll have a separate record of your order, and if there's a problem, the credit card company won't require you to pay until the matter is settled, provided you notify it of the dispute.
Sometimes orders simply don't turn up. Under a code of practice the company is obliged to get the goods to you within 28 days. If the mail-order company becomes insolvent before you receive the goods, you can claim against the newspaper or magazine where you saw the advertisement.
To protect yourself in case of disagreements, keep a copy of your order, noting the date it was placed and the name of the company representative, the original advertisement, cancelled cheques or credit slips and all correspondence with the advertiser.
