If you are planning to shop on Black Friday or Thanksgiving, consider planning ahead for the deals and crowds. Better Business Bureau offers the following ideas for preparing for these busy shopping days:
Look into signing up for text or email alerts ahead of time to receive special deals and offers. Take all coupons and offers with you.
Comparison shop print and online ads for similar items from different retailers before shopping.
Read offers carefully. Vague or misleading descriptions could indicate low-quality items. When an ad says “limited quantities,” it usually means very few will get the deal.
Check online or call the store to ask about return and exchange policies for sale items. Policies can vary widely from store to store and from sales event to event.
If you haven’t purchased from a retailer before, check out its BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org.
Make a plan and create a shopping list ahead of time. If you know exactly what you want to buy and where you can get the best deals, then you are less likely to get sidetracked.
While shopping, BBB suggests keeping the following tips top of mind:
Ask a salesperson for clarification on any unclear signage or offers.
Ask about returns and exchanges if you were unable to research ahead of time.
If shipping from the store, find out the cost and delivery date before choosing this option.
Check the interest rates and fees of store credit cards before applying and using for purchases. You may get an immediate savings, but the interest rates and fees could make your purchases more expensive in the long run.
If you are expecting a discount that isn’t applied at the register, alert the checkout person right away.
Temporary holiday retailers can offer unique goods, but they may not have great return or exchange policies. Ask about their policies and research these retailers using your mobile device, whenever possible.
Avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi with your mobile device while shopping. Plan to use your data plan on these hectic days to avoid identity theft from hackers trolling for those who are exposed.
Be aware of the people around you. Don’t let anyone who isn’t a store employee help you load items into your car. Thieves target distracted shoppers, stealing phones, wallets and purchased items.
For more tips you can trust, visit the BBB at www.bbb.org or call (509) 455-4200.
