bws #291 11/08

SPEND YOUR $$ WITH LOCAL MERCHANTS

TOMS RIVER- Annually Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari urges residents doing their holiday shopping to give first consideration to local merchants.

This year the soaring coast of gasoline and keeping the local economy strong are two important factors, according to Vicari.

Vicari notes the Consumer Affairs Department, for which he is the liaison, receives mail-order complaints such as:
  • Merchandise was not received in time for the holiday.
  • Items were backordered and not delivered on time.
  • Merchandise did not look as it was represented in the catalog.
Further, he says that mediation is difficult in such instances as purchases made outside the state are not under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud laws. He points out it is difficult to tell if there is a real business behind the attractive graphics of the webpage.

While not consumer fraud complaints, other considerations with mail orders include:
  • While the price initially looks like a bargain, when adding the substantial amount of the postage and handling, it is not. A $15 tablecloth cost up to $21 with postage added.
  • Postage to return items also is costly. Vicari goes on to list the advantages of shopping locally:
  • Exchanges are easier to make
  • The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs is available to mediate complaints and has jurisdiction over consumer fraud.
  • It saves gas, no small consideration at today’s prices.
In addition to saving jobs, Vicari asks, “When was the last time a mail order company or out of the area retail store supported our local charitable or community event? Throughout the year we ask support from our business community for many special events. Now is the time to remember that support.”

“Supporting local businesses helps to keep ratables in our community, and they help to stabilize our real estate taxes,” Vicari said. “The holiday season is a make or break situation for many of our small business people. At least give them the first opportunity to compete for your business.”