| 1 | Confirm local legality before ordering | Verify whether fountains are permitted for consumer use, the allowed dates and hours, minimum age, site restrictions, and any permit requirements. | Use current local fire, police, municipal, or emergency-management rules. Requirements can differ by country, state, province, county, or city. | Prevents unlawful purchases, confiscation, fines, and cancellation costs. |
| 2 | Compare the total delivered cost | Add item price, tax, mandatory fees, hazardous-goods charges, residential surcharges, permit costs, and disposal expenses. | Total cost = product price + tax + delivery and handling + permits + required safety equipment − disclosed discounts. | A low advertised price may become more expensive after regulated transport and local compliance costs. |
| 3 | Check product identification and labeling | Look for a legible product name, lot or batch reference, safety instructions, age warning, operating directions, and manufacturer or importer contact details. | Do not buy items with missing, damaged, altered, or unreadable labels, or with instructions that are not in a language you understand. | Traceable labeling supports safe use, customer support, and recall verification. |
| 4 | Verify recall status before purchase | Search official government recall notices and the seller’s safety notices using the product name, model, lot, or batch information. | A product should be treated as unsuitable if it matches an active recall, has an uncertain identity, or lacks traceable batch information. | Reduces the risk of using products linked to ignition, stability, labeling, or packaging defects. |
| 5 | Assess seller and supply-chain controls | Confirm that the seller is legally authorized, provides a physical contact address, issues a dated receipt, and can answer questions about storage and transport. | Avoid anonymous listings, unsealed packages, cash-only arrangements without receipts, and products described only by photographs. | Traceable sourcing improves accountability and makes returns or safety notifications possible. |
| 6 | Review storage rules before taking delivery | Keep products in their original packaging, dry, cool, secured from children and unauthorized users, and away from heat, flames, fuel, and ignition sources. | Follow the product label and local fire-code limits. Never store damaged, wet, leaking, or partly used items unless authorities provide specific instructions. | Correct storage limits moisture damage, accidental ignition, and unauthorized access. |
| 7 | Use compliant delivery controls | Check that the carrier is authorized for regulated or hazardous goods, requires appropriate adult receipt where applicable, and supplies tracking and damage-reporting procedures. | Do not accept parcels that are crushed, wet, punctured, leaking, unusually warm, or missing required markings. | Controlled delivery reduces transport damage, theft, misdelivery, and unsafe unattended drop-offs. |
| 8 | Check condition and quantity on arrival | Compare the shipment with the invoice, inspect packaging without opening or modifying the product, and photograph visible damage before signing acceptance. | Report shortages, damaged packaging, incorrect items, or missing instructions to the seller and carrier promptly. | Early documentation supports refunds or replacements and prevents damaged items from entering storage. |
| 9 | Budget for a safe use area | Allow for a stable, level, open location, a clear audience area, suitable weather conditions, protective eyewear for operators, and a water source or extinguisher where appropriate. | Follow the label’s clearance distances and local fire guidance; postpone use during strong wind, drought restrictions, or unsuitable weather. | The real purchase cost includes site preparation and safety equipment, not only the product price. |
| 10 | Plan unused-product and disposal procedures | Ask local authorities or the seller how to handle unused, damaged, misfired, or expired items. Do not place fireworks in ordinary rubbish or recycling unless local guidance explicitly permits it. | Keep misfired items isolated and follow official disposal instructions; never dismantle, burn, dry, or alter them. | Safe disposal prevents delayed ignition, waste fires, injuries, and environmental hazards. |