Typically the presentation you are asked to attend has been organised to sell you goods and services which are likely to have been valued by the trader at many hundreds if not thousands of pounds. The people organising these events are often very well trained and are experts at selling. Consumers considering visiting a presentation to pick up their prize need to be aware that they will often be expected to sit through a lengthy sales talk which might last for some hours, during which they may be subjected to very high pressure sales techniques to get them to buy.
Consumers thinking of attending such events are advised not to make a quick decision there and then, but to take the information away with them in order to give themselves time to consider: do I really want the goods and services on offer; can I afford them and how can I check that the claims being made about the goods or services are accurate?
Often, but not always, the organisers of such presentations will expect consumers who buy their goods or services to at least pay a deposit. Therefore consumers may wish to consider not taking with them any money, credit or debit cards etc.
Consumers should also be cautious before signing any agreement to buy. If the presentation relates to the sale of a timeshare property, there are specific laws that protect consumers. However, these do not apply to other goods or services and therefore consumers who sign an agreement to buy at a non timeshare presentation may find that the contract is legally binding.
Bogus Prize Winners
Some companies will also try to sell consumers goods and services by trying to give the impression that the consumer has 'won' the item, even though the consumer has not entered a competition.
Many consumers will have received phone calls to tell them they have won a holiday, kitchen or other good or service. However, consumers need to look closely at the small print and any terms and conditions which they are required to adhere to if they wish to claim their prize.
Winners of holidays for example may have to pay hidden taxes and charges, whilst winners of kitchens or conservatories may find that they have only won some money off the overall price of the installation. Sometimes by shopping around, consumers may find that they can by the same goods and services cheaper, than if they had accepted their prize!
If you have won a competition you have not entered, then beware! |