Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
Q. This year it seems that we find ourselves with an even shorter holiday shopping season. There are only 27 days between “Black Friday” and Christmas Day! Are there any consumer related tips and such to be aware of this holiday season?
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A. The Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection wants to share with you the following important tips for this year’s Holiday season;First, do your research. Comparison shop for the best price, and find out all you can about an item before you purchase it. Bring your research and advertisement with you to the store to avoid any discrepancy.
Be aware of the refund policy of the merchant you are planning to buy from. Retail stores In Pennsylvania are permitted to set their own refund and exchange policies. Make sure you know the store’s policy. If you do not see it clearly spelled out, ask and remember to always read the fine print.
After making your purchases, keep your receipts together and organized. Quickly retrieve your credit cards from the cashier after using them. If you pay by credit card, the credit card company will usually help you if you have a dispute with a merchant. Be careful when using a debit card. The funds are taken directly from your account and it may be harder to dispute these charges if there is a problem. Find out the warranty information about a product before you purchase it. Warranties can vary from product to product. Sometimes, warranties are offered by the merchant, the manufacturer and your credit card company. If you are offered an extended warranty, stop and consider if the added expense is worth it. Many new items already have a warranty that covers the products for the first six months or even the first year. In most cases, if an item is defective or a “lemon” it will become apparent while the item is still new.
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Be cautious when buying gift cards. Be certain to read the fine print concerning the terms of the gift card before getting to the register. Although the face of the credit or gift card may have an amount printed on it, there may be additional fees associated when making the purchase of the card.
Be careful if you are buying gift certificates. They can be a convenient gift, but if the business closes its doors, the gift certificate is no good. When buying a gift certificate, make sure it is for a business that has a good chance of staying open, such as chain stores, malls or bank gift cards. If you are the one to receive a gift certificate don’t wait too long to enjoy it.
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Shopping on the Internet may be convenient, but be wary of merchants who don’t have a phone number and address listed. Only use merchants you know, or who have provided good service to someone you know. Check for a written description of the company’s return or exchange policy before buying. Make sure your purchase will arrive before the holiday. Many times we hear of gifts that arrive late. When shopping online, make sure the website is secure before entering your personal or financial information. Secure websites begin with https:// rather than just http://.
If you are experiencing a problem with a purchase or have any questions or concerns, you can visit us at http://www.buckscounty.org/government/CommunityServices/ConsumerProtection. Email an investigator at consumerprotection@co.bucks.pa.us or call 1-800-942-2669.Wishing you a happy and pleasant holiday season!
