The shopping rush begins... C
hristmas is approaching fast, especially now Black Friday has reared its head. And that meanswe need to turn our attention to weaving through the festive maze of issues that could arise.
But what happens when things go wrong? What pitfalls do we need to avoid and how on earth do we all get through it without collapsing in a heap and needing a mulled wine.
We hear from Resolver users more than ever at this time of year with complaints around festive problems. Christmas is a time for cheer but it can also see Scrooge-like misery in many areas.
On resolver.co.uk you can raise a case for free if there’s a problem and track its progress until you get a resolution. Here’s five of my favourites.
WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS:
Cyber criminals love Christmas more than a little child. In fact, they love any time they can use an event to convince us to part with our credit card details. But always be careful of clicking on links in emails and on social media that are promising great and extra special deals around this time.
CHECK THE POLICY REFUND:
Purchases made for Christmas are no different to those made at other times of the year when it comes to a refund entitlement but they may come with better terms. In many stores, the refund period is extended to early January
in case the recipient of your gift doesn’t like what you bought. Remember, always get a gift receipt so not to reveal how much you paid. If you’ve bought stuff online you normally get up to 14 days AFTER you receive the goods to return them.
DELIVERY WOES AREN’T ACCEPTABLE:
Christmas means there is huge additional pressure on delivery services and we know from Resolver users that this is one sector they have problems with all year round. So whether it’s a parcel left in a bin that was then emptied, a damaged package with the contents ruined or left outside in the rain, or an order that doesn’t arrive at all, you can raise a case via resolver. co.uk and track it all the way to resolution.
WAIT UNTIL THE BOXING DAY SALES:
Prices are heavily slashed after Christmas, more so than on Black Friday. So sometimes if you don’t need an item yourself straight away or can persuade a family member to wait a day or two, you can pick up the same gift with loads of money off. You’ll also be able to grab a bargain on old stock and models that may well work just as well but have a much lower price-tag.
BE CAREFUL WITH GIFT VOUCHERS/CARDS:
Gift cards and vouchers bring so many problems. These include expiring quicker than you’d expect or may realise or being left with tiny amounts on a card you can’t easily spend. But in the past we have seen companies go into administration or close down totally leaving real uncertainty over whether they can or will still accept these cards or vouchers. This sort of present poses a real risk.