Pretend you are Sandra, an online consumer advocate. Answer the question that been submitted to your website.
“Sandra; I bought an exercise device I saw on T.V. It was supposed to give results in less than a week. All I’ve got to show for my weeks work is sprained muscles and a big doctor bill. Any advice?”
Dear concerned consumer,
I'm sorry to hear about the negative experience you had with the exercise device you purchased. It's unfortunate that you ended up with sprained muscles and incurred medical expenses instead of seeing the promised results within a week. I understand that this can be frustrating and disappointing.
Here is some advice on how to handle this situation:
1. Contact the company: Reach out to the company from which you purchased the exercise device. Explain the situation, highlighting the false claims made about visible results in less than a week and the injuries you sustained as a result. Request a refund or a replacement device. Keep a record of your communication for future reference.
2. Review the return policy: Check the return or exchange policy provided by the company you purchased the device from. Make sure to review the timeframe within which you are eligible to request a return or receive a refund. This information can usually be found on their website or in the terms and conditions.
3. Leave feedback: Share your experience on relevant platforms such as the company's website, social media channels, or online consumer forums. This can help raise awareness about false claims and potentially warn other consumers about the device's shortcomings.
4. Consumer protection agencies: If the company doesn't provide a satisfactory resolution or refuses to acknowledge your complaints, consider reporting the issue to consumer protection agencies in your country. They may be able to provide guidance or take action against the company if necessary.
5. Consult your doctor: If you haven't already, it's important to consult with your doctor about your sprained muscles and the appropriate treatment. Follow their advice to ensure proper healing and recovery.
Remember, as an online consumer advocate, my role is to provide advice and support to consumers like yourself. While I can offer suggestions on how to handle this situation, it ultimately depends on the specific circumstances and the policies of the company you dealt with. I hope this guidance helps you navigate the situation and achieve a resolution.
Take care and stay safe.
Sandra