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Do some research before buying goods or services! Use our Product Information Service
We have files on hundreds of items. Information available includes:

• Results of independent tests
• Guidelines for choosing appliances
• Tips on using appliances properly
• Guidance for hiring services
• Hints on being a good consumer
• Advice on complaining effectively

CAC Manitoba does not give information about the reputations of specific companies.
Some of the consumer publications available for reading at our office are:

• Consumer Reports
• Consumers Guide
• Lemon Aid Used Car Guide
• Lemon Aid New Car Guide
• Lemon Aid 4 x 4, Van and Truck Guide
• Protége Vous
• Zillions

We also distribute free material from other agencies such as the Better Business Bureau, Consumers' Bureau, and the Energy Information Centre.

Before You Buy:

• Decide how much you want to spend
• Make sure you know which features you want
• Shop around to compare warranties, prices, etc.
• Read consumer product tests
• Find out how to use and maintain the product you are buying
• Check to see if there are liens against a used car - you could become responsible!
• Make sure the product is in good working order
• Read the fine print
• Ask Yourself:
  • Do I need this product, or do I just want it?
  • Will I use this item enough to justify the cost?
  • Would a different appliance be better for the job I want to do?

Remember:
Stores do not have to give you a refund! Check the store's policy before you buy!
If you are not sure - do not buy! You probably can not change your mind. In Manitoba, you have seven business days to reconsider a door-to-door purchase. This does not apply in a store.

There are 3 ways to use the product information service:

1. Visit our Office
2. Talk to a Volunteer
3. Mailing
   
   

Visit Our Office
Our office/resource centre is located in Winnipeg at:
21-222 Osborne Street South
Hours of Operation
Monday 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Tuesday 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Thursday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

In December we operate on reduced hours to accomodate staff holidays. Please check by phone before visiting the office. Parking is available behind the building off Gertrude St.
Please use the McMillan St. entrance. (The far east door on McMillan - just before the lane adjoining the parking lot).

Talk to our Volunteers
Our Product information service includes a network of volunteers. Each volunteer has information about a particular appliance and will advise by telephone from their homes. To get the number of a volunteer, call our office at 452-2572.
If we do not have a volunteer advisor for the item you are planning to purchase, and if you are unable to visit our office, we will be happy to mail the information directly to you!

Complaints
CAC Manitoba does not mediate in consumer disputes. We will advise you on how to complain effectively and direct your complaint to the appropriate agency.

For Consumers Outside Winnipeg
We will gladly send information to consumers who are unable to visit our office. Photocopies are available at a cost of only ten cents per page. Send your request with a stamped self-addressed business-size envelope to:

Product Information Service
CAC Manitoba
21-222 Osborne St.
Winnipeg MB R3L 1Z3
Phone: 452-2572

Note: CAC Manitoba cannot accept collect calls or make long-distance calls to consumers.

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