Holiday Shopping Tips
Be a smart consumer! Here are some tips to help you survive the holiday shopping season without breaking the bank:
- Make a List Keep a list of who you plan to buy for, gift ideas for that person and your maximum amount. This will help you stay focused when shopping.
- Research Big Ticket Items If you are splurging on yourself or a loved one, research the items you plan to buy before going to the store. This will help you identify the best price in town (or online).
- Start Early Last minute shopping may cause you to incur expedited shipping fees, have limited access to high demand items, and allow you to find the best deals.
- Research Retailers Get information on the retailer or service provider before making a purchase. This is especially true with online retailers. Here are some things to check:
- Do they have a toll-free customer service number?
- Do they take credit cards? It is not a guarantee but you may be able to protect yourself through your cards' dispute process.
- Do they use encrypted HTTPS protocols in their checkout process?
- Is there a physical address posted under their "Contact Us" page or is it a P.O. Box number? Search the address online.
- Check fraud and scam report sites.
- Check OCP's Merchant Disclosure database for complaints.
- Return Policies Know a store or online seller's return policy before you make your purchase. It may be worth it to spend a little more at a store with a more liberal return policy. Be wary of "restocking fees."
- Restocking Fees Restocking fees are what a retailer may charge you if you decide to return an item. A typical restocking fee may be 15-20%. Always check the retailer's policy before making a purchase.
- Shipping Fees When comparing prices, calculate shipping fees into the price of your purchase. Shipping fees may sometimes be more than the price of the item!
- Save Your Receipts Save all of your receipts; they will be needed if a product has to be returned, exchanged or if you have to make a warranty claim.
- Use Credit Cards Credit cards give you maximum protections while shopping. Debit cards and cash have less legal or procedural protections for consumers.
- Scam Alert Whether dealing with Porch Pirates , fake merchants, stolen gift cards, Mail Marauders, and cyber(in)security, The Holidays Bring More than Festive Times...They Bring Scammers (newsletter).