• Always check on the return policy of the company and what you must do for a return or exchange on the item purchased.
• Check the text of the advertisement to be sure you are aware of the exact size of the item since the pictures may be enlarged.
• Be especially cautious about exercise machines, diets, and cures for various ailments since these items often do not work as advertised.
• The quality of the product may be lower than you think, especially if it is an off-brand. See if it is sold locally so that you can see if it meets your expectations.
• The performance of the product may not match the ad’s claims. The more outrageous the claim, the more likely the product will not live up to it.
• Double check the text of the ad before ordering to see if it lists exactly what you are paying for, don’t rely on the picture alone.
• Watch the terms “list price” or “suggested retail price”, since few items are ever sold at “list price”. Check with a local retailer. The same product may be available in a local store for the same “low” price with no postage or handling charges.

What the law says—

Under federal law, you must receive mail-order merchandise within a reasonable time after placing your order. If the seller cannot ship on time, you have the right to cancel. If the delivery time is not stated, 30 days is considered reasonable. If your shipment is delayed, the company must notify you of the new delivery date and allow you to cancel the order. If you have already paid for the products, the seller has several days to refund your money, or one billing cycle if on credit.

If you receive something in the mail that you didn’t order, you may usually treat it as a gift. The seller may not require you to send it back, although they can arrange to have it picked up. Before you assume merchandise is unordered though, ask the company for proof that you or someone in your household actually placed the order. Exceptions to this rule include any agreement you made with a book, food, record, etc.-of the-month club. 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

SOUTH PLAINS WORKFORCE, 1301 Broadway, Suite 201, would appreciate some office assistance anytime and any days that you would like to work. Duties would include answering the telephone, filing, copying, assisting with mail-outs and mail distribution, and light typing. If you would like, some computer entry might also be available to hone those computer skills. This is a busy office that really needs your help. Parking is easily accessible and close to the building.

CITY OF LUBBOCK RECYCLING SERVICE SITE at 2002 Elmwood (19th and Frankford) wants volunteers to help others to recycle. You are needed to simply meet recycling customers when they enter the center, help them find the right containers, and answer any questions about the items that are recyclable. Hours are flexible according to your schedule, but they would like to have volunteers who would want to work the same shifts every week for about four hours each shift. You are welcome to work in pairs, so get a friend and join the recycling team for a few hours each week!

TRANSPORTATION is always needed by folks who can no longer drive, but must get to doctor or therapy appointments. If you can spare a few minutes and a bit of gas, a ride would be very much appreciated. You would only be called once a month for this service and would not be asked to do any lifting, etc. Sometimes you might want to wait for the person, but often you may simply drop off the patient and pick him/her up when the appointment is finished. Aren’t you thankful you’ve got wheels?

To volunteer, or for more information about these or other volunteer positions, please call the RSVP office at 742-2423.

HOW do I join RSVP?
Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 742-2423 and chat with Ronda Casey or Bonne Phillips about your interests. If you are not certain what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just the right job for you. Just mail in the enrollment form (requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!