Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
Major appliance manufacturers struggled last year with crucial parts shortages related to long-standing supply chain issues. Companies, such as Whirlpool, started reporting having a “very high” order backlog as early as October 2021. However, now, delivery lead times are shortening and supply chains are slowly returning to normal. Regardless, some consumers have opted to wait until 2023 so that new appliance purchases are eligible for the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program, which is part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
However, not all households may be eligible for IRA rebates. Some consumers may also discover that the program may not cover the electrical appliance they need to purchase. Consumers in immediate need of a new appliance may be tempted to seek out used products instead. Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB) has frequently heard from consumers who thought they were getting a good deal, only to end up with appliances that didn’t work or had difficulties getting repairs. To avoid becoming dissatisfied with a used appliance purchase, BBB offers the following tips:
- Research Companies – Research companies online and at bbb.org. A minimal online presence combined with websites, social media or digital marketplace posts littered with spelling or grammatical errors are red flags in any transaction.
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- Request a Demonstration – Request a demonstration of all appliance functions on a used unit, especially if you are purchasing the unit “as-is.”
- Get It In Writing And Save Receipts. Always get contracts, receipts, payment terms, fee disclosures, warranties and delivery dates in writing. Additionally, make sure all verbal promises appear in writing. Keep a copy of these items for future reference or if an issue arises. Remember to ask about return and exchange policies, availability of loaner appliances, and reasonable length of time for repairs. Keep in mind that other issues may surface after a 30- or 60-day warranty expires.
- Pay with a credit card. Consumers have protection and can dispute charges with their credit card company if a retailer fails to provide goods or goes bankrupt.
- Arrange a payment schedule. If possible, stagger your payments so your final payment is not due until the appliance is delivered and you have thoroughly inspected it. Do not pay cash; make sure your check is written to a company and not an individual.
If you come across a scam, report it to BBB Scam TrackerSM. Your report can help stop others from becoming a victim of a scam. Questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216-241-7678 or [email protected].
