In today's competitive and complex marketplace, we are faced with more purchasing choices than ever before. While the wide variety of merchandise, services and shopping options can be confusing, it also presents us with great opportunity and choice. The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) offers consumers guidance and resources to help navigate the marketplace. These educational materials help consumers make smart retail decisions and spend their money wisely. It is important to be familiar with your consumer rights and remedies under the law, to be alert to potentially unfair or deceptive business practices and to resist slick advertising or offers which tempt you to purchase goods that are not needed.
Before Making a Purchase in the Marketplace
Take these steps prior to shopping to help secure the best purchase to meet your needs and budget. This includes evaluating whether a purchase is actually needed, and knowing a retailer's privacy and return/refund policies.
Transactions in a Store, Online or at an Online Auction
Follow this guidance to get the most out of your shopping experience and hard-earned money.
Rainchecks, Rebates, Returns and Refunds
Understand your rights and how a retailer's policies will affect your purchase.
Paying For Your Purchases
Learn about the various methods available to pay for your purchases.
Money-Saving Tips
Make your dollar go farther and share your dollar-stretching tips with fellow New Yorkers.
Tip of the Month
Read the CPB's monthly smart shopping tip.
Marketplace Shopping Tips
Check out shopping tips for clothing, food, gasoline, health clubs, jewelry, private career schools, tax preparers, televisions, texbooks, travel, utilities, video games, and more.
Back-to-School Shopping
Resources on protecting finances, safety and privacy in educational and extra-curricular activities.
Debt Prevention
Read about steps you can take to avoid falling into debt.
Pawnbrokers
Learn how pawnbrokers work and the fees they charge.
Prevent Falling into Credit Card Debt
Use these tips to help avoid falling into credit card debt.