COLUMBUS, Ohio – It’s expected to be a busy weekend at Columbus stores and malls and the Better Business Bureau has some advice for shoppers who want to make sure those rock-bottom prices that are being advertised are on the level.
First, bureau spokeswoman Joan Coughlin says, research the company at the BBB’s website or call 614-486-6336 to obtain free reviews.
It always pays to comparison shop. If a company is advertising 70 percent discounts or a “Going out of Business” sale, don’t automatically assume they are offering the best prices in town. Take the time to check prices on the same items at other stores.
Search for Black Friday ads ahead of time. Some retailers have ‘gone for it,’ announcing their Black Friday specials well in advance. By keeping your eyes open and nose to the ground, you can sniff out deals others might miss.
Make sure you know the retailer’s return policies, restocking fees and refunds. Companies are not required to give you your money back, but they need to post their return policy prominently near the cashier. Also, always ask about restocking fees, and save your receipts or ask for a gift receipt.
Watch out for deals too good to be true. While many retailers offer ‘doorbusters’ – specials that are eye-opening – Coughlin says some websites offer suspiciously low prices on sought-after goods in an effort to entice shoppers into turning over their credit card information. She recommends sticking to trustworthy sites and looking for the BBB seal or other recognized “trust marks.” Be sure to click on the seals to confirm they are valid.
Gift cards regularly top consumers’ wish lists. Federal rules govern gift card sales:
An inactivity fee cannot be charged until the card has not been used for 12 months.
Gift cards cannot expire for at least 5 years.
No more than one fee (of any kind) can be charged to the cardholder in a single month.
Information printed on the card must disclose fees and expiration date and provide a toll-free phone number or website where you can get more information.
A one-time fee can be charged when you buy the card, though this generally only applies to gift cards purchased through your credit card company – not those purchased directly from stores and restaurants.
If you purchase a gift card, check the packaging and any security seals to be sure they haven’t been tampered with. If you receive a gift card you should redeem it promptly if, possible.