OCR Text |
Show Lifestyle l'l;c tribune Sljr gait Section Saturday, June A Page 8 2, 19H4 Theres proper procedure for filing a complaint By Dawn Tracy Tribune Lifestyle Writer Have a complaint about a home appliance? Since 197U, more than 36,000 consumers have taken their complaints to the Major Appliance Consumer Action Panel. More than 80 percent of the problems have been resolved "MACAP is one of the best consumer third-part- y dispute resolution mechanisms in the country." said Dr. Carol L. Clark, consumer education specialist, Utah State Attorney General's Office. "If consumers have a problem that can t be resolved at the local or manufacturer level, they should contact MACAP." MACAP is an independent mediation group which tries to resolve in- dividual consumer appliance complaints that cant be resolved by local dealers or national manufacturers. The organization is funded by the Major Appliance Manufacturer's Association. "More than 400 million major home appliances are currently in use thats about five per household," said Dr. Elsie Fetterman, MACAP chairman. "These appliance owners could prevent many of their problems if they just knew how. That's why the MACAP believes strongly in problem prevention through education." What to Look For Dr. Fetterman advised consumers to shop carefully and to do their homework before buying. Know appliance dimensions and what fea tures wanted, study product literature and ask questions. Make sure of where to receive service should it be needed later. MACAP also suggested that consumers compare brand warranties in addition to price, size and features of the appliance. MACAP offi rized by the manufacturer to service an appliance. This can be especially important during the warranty period. Use appliance exactly as the manufacturer directed. Inspect, Then Sign When there's a new appliance, don't immediatly sign upon deliv P0CKET WATCH cials said many consumers are not aware of the importance of warranties, which may lead to repair expenses that could have been avoided. In comparing warranties, remember that "full waranties offer more protection than "limited." Federal law does not require manufacturers to provide warranties on only that information be products made available at sites. After buying, keep appliance warbooklets and ranties, purchase and service receipts in one place. Receipts for service calls and even when no charge is repairs involved are important. MACAP officials said that consumers complain of appliance problems ever since purchase." but can't prove the problem existed. Know who in the area is autho ery. A signature can be interpreted as acceptance of the product. If the appliance is damaged, the consumer is stuck with it. Within the first few weeks after delivery, try all the features to make sure they work. Dont wait until the warranty has expired to try seldom-usefeatures. Warranties are based on time, not usage. If theres a problem, read the booklet and check the plug, fuses, pilots and controls. Call the local dealer or the service agency authorized to fix the brand. If not satisfied, contact the appliance manufacturer or brand-nam- e retailer. Find the address and phone booklet. number in the If the problem still isnt resolved, write MACAP, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, 111. 60606. MACAP accepts complaints on d re clothes washer, dryers, dehumidifi-ers- , dishwashers, food waste disposers, freezers, microwave ovens, s, refrigerators, air conditioners, trash compactors and water heaters. Then Write When writing to MACAP, include name, address and a daytime phone number, the type of appliance, brand, model and serial number, the name, address and phone number of dealer or repair service; copies of letters written or received about complaint; copies of all service receipts; and a clear description of problem and what is a reasonable solution. Appliances most represented complaints include in , refrigerator-freezers- If you have a complaint about an appliance: Read the 2. Call your local dealer or the service agency authorized to fix the brand you own. 3. If you still percent; ranges, percent; clothes washers, 11.5 percent; and room air conditioners, 5 percent. Most typical problems reported to MACAP are charges, delays, excessive repairs and performance complaints. More than 80 percent of all complaints handled by MACAP have been resolved. re arent satisfied, contact the retailer of your appliance. The address and phone booklet. number are in the brand-nam- use-and-ca- 4. e re Then, if your problem is not resolved, write: When MACAP receives a complaint, letters are screened to make sure the consumer has first contacted the local dealer and the manufacturer. Copies of the consumer's com-plai- The Major Appliance Consumer Action Panel 20 North Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 nt letter are sent to the manufacturer with a request that action be taken within three weeks. If the complaint reaches an impasse, MACAP reviews the case and makes a specific recommendation to the manufacturer which is not use-and-ca- manufacturer or 27.1 35.5 booklet that came with the appliance. Also check plugs, fuses, pilots and controls. 1. binding on the consumer or the com- pany. Last year, MACAP handled 3,800 complaints. Dr. Clark said MACAP probably would have handled more cases if consumers were aware of and how and the organization where to complain. Landers: Recognizing signs may prevent a childs leaving Dear Ann Landers: Nearly a million and a half children run away from home every year. Some of them never return. If parents knew the warning signals, they might be able to prevent a large number of children from running away. Please print the "warning signals" provided by the National Network of Runaway and Youth vices. Growing time in his or her room alone. Excessive Blowups: Tantrums are common to the turbulent teens, but watch out when the smallest thing triggers explosions of temper. Abrupt Mood Swings: Take note if a normally sunny teen turns sullen, withdrawn, angry, even manic, without warning. Increased Violations: Rules are boundaries which growing youths must step outside of in the process of maturing. But take heed when border incidents" turn into serious rebellion. Ser- Warning Signals Isolation: The child avoids family gatherings, even meals, and spends nioie and more Increased Sleeping: It is normal for adolescents to sleep more than parents think is healthy. But beware when inordinate periods of time are spent in bed. It could mean the child is in a depression or facing problems he cannot manage. Diminished Communication: There may be a perfectly good reason why your child clams up. But if you can't think of one, and it persists, pay attention. School Troubles: Plunging grades, truancy, disciplinary problems and fallouts with close friends can be cries for help. Parental Are you. not the child, getting unreasonably upset over small issues? Your feelings may be trying to tell you someclass-cuttin- Stack-Blowin- thing. Family Crisis: Death, divorce, the any of these can disrupt the family and send your child spinning out of orbit. Unexplained Money or Possessions: Even if not stolen, they may be stashed for an impending loss of a job, a major move Thanks for considering these warning signals for your column. Ann. I believe they could be very helpful. Caring In D C. Dear Caring: So do I. Almost always the runaway is running FROM something, not TO something. If parents can figure out what the child might be running FROM, a great deal of misery might be spared. Dear Ann Landers: Im 19, female and have been seeing Bob for nearly two years. We want to get married. Bob is 21 and has a good job. My parents do not approve of this mar riage and want me to wait two years until I finish school. I have $500 in the bank. My father is the trustee of the account and I can't get it without his signature. He refuses to sign. I earned every cent myself. What does the law say about this? Burned Up In Connecticut Dear Burned: Im not a lawyer but I do have some advice. Forget about the money and finish school. If Bob is the right one, he'll encourage you along these lines. Dear Ann Landers: My husband is a recovered alcoholic. He has remained sober for 13 months and I have faith that he will continue to live his life without alcohol. My problem is with cooking. Is it safe for him to eat foods that have been cooked in wine? Almost every good recipe h3s wine in it. Most people say it's OK because the alcohol cooks out and only the flavor is left. This makes sense, but I need to know for sure because I don't want to take any chances. A Please ask one of your experts. Proud Wife Dear Wife: Your friends are right. Bon appetit! sm inSNAPPER MOWERS SABOURS CLEARANCE SALE SPRING SALE! Prices too low to quote! Come in for Utahs best lawn mower buy! FINAL 3 DAYS (Designer clothes up to 80 off!) WE SERVICE LAWN MOWERS 50 Off At half price these bedding specials will go fast, so plan to visit Colletts soon. Spring Air queen size bedding features 780 innerspring coils for total, evenly distributed support, and Colletts has a variety of spring air colors arid firmnesses in stock. But come early for the ry best selection. Theres no extra charge for delivery within our service area and you can use your VISA or MasterCard or Colletts own revolving credit plan. This is a good one. Dont miss it! Cottonwood Mall 7 4835 Highland Dr. EVERYTHING LE Co;ttnood 278-048- o Prices slashed 30 to 60 throughout the department o 3060 Off! Every Sofa - Loveseat Sectional Chair Sleeper Cocktail Table End Table Bar - Eterge Curio Bakers Rack Wall Cfnlt Entertainment Center Hutch Dining Group Desk Screen Rug Picture - Lamp Floral Tree Statue - Brass Piece Toss Pillow - & Accessory, SOFAS Reg. ORIENTAL SOFA Burgundy Print 929. OFF WHITE BROCADE 1289. Traditional Sofa RTf lUfEI 469. CONTEMP, CHAIRS Grey Duck 799. DECO SWIVEL CHAIRS 489. Asst Parachute 289. TeakGlass 499. CONT. TULIP CHAIRS 299. Asst. Ducks 194. OAK ETERGE Claw Feet Base 72 CHIPPENDALE 839. Sofa, Henna Print COUNTRY SOFA Hunter Mini Print 989. 693. Deco Sectional 2880. 1599. 3 PC. CONTEMP. Sect. Navy Duck 1649. 1149. BLACK VELVET TUFTED TRAD. SOFA Brown Velvet 759. QUEEN SLEEPER Mauve Nylon 599. LT. TAN LEATHER 1 389. Sofa 2 In stock CONTEMPORARY 50 1 off Spine - O - Pedic Supreme Extra Firm Shop Monday thru Friday Saturday 'u,, DMo 7 FREE PARKING ! Hi its TABLES ALMOND 389. 199. 399. 198. 419. 249. Reg. Now Ent. Center RattanGlass 1412. 988 1150. 799. 1925. 999. 3'6 x 56" ALL Wool Rug 57 299. 199. 399. BRASSGLASS Hex. cocktail 769. 549. 799. COUNTRY PINE Drop Leaf End 239. 167. fVfWl 5 WTT9 BAKERS RACKS AssLFTiiLBfcs 289. 1S9. x 82" 759. 499. 51 3174 Highland ! Dr.SLC486-873- 5 79. 160. WOOL Berber Flush 82" x IT MAUVE Swing Cocktail Now LARGE 3 PC. Cocktail Table 1299. was LACQUER 3 PC. CONTEMP. 549. LAMINATE 2729. Now TRAD. PECAN BURL SECT. 1899. QUEEN ANNE CHAIR BlueBelge Print OPEN ARM PARSON Chairs, Asst. Reg. 948. 333, 1148. 444. WOOL Berber Flush LAMPSACCE8SOR1ES 40 OFF All items subject to prior sale - sold come basis, all sales final... 90 DAYS SAME AS CASH "Sleep Shop 7200 So. State 566-12- Sleep. Qatmed LEATHER SOFA Navy Plush r7TnrT7ih'.l Now Mon. Thru Fri. 10-- 7, Sat. 10-- 6 I |