Black Friday and Cyber Monday are big days of the year for consumers and businesses alike, according to the Better Business Bureau. However, shoppers should be cautious about jumping into deals that seem too good to be true.
Below are some tips for safe and smart shopping on Black Friday suggested by the Better Business Bureau. Housewives should take note to avoid spending too much money and wasting it on Black Friday.
Choose trusted brands
The best way to avoid losing money in these tough economic times is to do your research before you buy. You should buy from reputable stores and businesses with clear information to avoid being scammed, cheated or receiving unprofessional service.
Research return policy
Whether you shop online or in-store, be aware that return policies may change during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, so always read the fine print before making a purchase.
Some items labeled "final sale" or "clearance" may not be returnable, so be sure to ask about the return or exchange policy for specific items before purchasing.
If it is a gift, make sure you can get a receipt and can return it. Be wary of large percentage discounts, as the original price may have been inflated before the discount. Be sure to check the price tag and terms and conditions of purchase.
Check and compare prices
Do your own due diligence by comparing prices from different online retailers before making a purchase. Some stores’ deeply discounted prices are even higher than the actual retail price of the item.
Beware of false or misleading advertising
If a deal seems too good to be true, you may be being scammed. Be wary of false advertising and double-check the legitimacy of the website when shopping online.
Scammers create look-alike websites to trick shoppers. Check that the website has the correct business name, valid contact information, and a customer service phone number.
Use secure transaction methods
When shopping online, using a credit card is safer because most financial institutions will allow you to make a claim if something goes wrong. Debit cards do not offer the same level of protection. Therefore, avoid making purchases with a prepaid debit card, wire transfer, or transferring money to an online seller before you receive the item.
