Here are ways to keep the ‘scary’ out of Halloween prep
Shopping for Halloween should be fun, not terrifying. With so many costume and home decoration ideas, it’s hard to choose what to buy, and where to buy it from. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas recommends the following tips to avoid getting spooked this Halloween:
• Look around your home. Before you head out to your nearest Halloween store, check what items you have in your home. You may find an old costume you can re-purpose, or Halloween decorations you can put out. Doing this will not only help you save money, but you won’t end up with more than you need.
• Look for sales. Compare prices on Halloween costumes and home/yard decorations from various retail or online stores. Along with comparing prices, look for coupons and sign up for email alerts. This will help you get the best deals, saving you a nice chunk of change. Make sure you are clear on what items are marked final sale.
• Rent a costume. Some people don’t like the idea of spending a lot of money on a costume that will only be worn once, so they consider renting. While renting a costume leaves more room in your budget, know that the costume you may be getting may not be in great shape. If you opt for renting a costume this year, check out the condition of the costume first. Make sure you try it on and note any defects with the owner. Read over the rental agreement carefully and make note of the rental period.
• Shop smart online. When shopping from an online website, the first step is to make sure the URL starts with “https” and includes a lock symbol. The S in “https” stands for secure. Look up the website’s privacy policy and contact information. If it is not clearly listed, or they only have an email as the point of contact, take that as a big red flag and shop elsewhere. Also, be sure to use your credit card instead of your debit card, as credit cards not only provide additional protection, but it’s also easier to dispute a fraudulent charge.
• Seasonal stores. If you decide to shop from a seasonal store, ask whether or not they will be open after the holiday, how long they plan to stay open, and if they will accept returns after Halloween is over. If they plan to close up shop Nov. 1, or refuse returns after, either consider shopping elsewhere, or take more time to be sure that item is exactly what you want before making the purchase.
• Always check the return policy. Whether you are shopping in a store or online, always make sure you are clear on the store’s return policy before you buy. Find out how long you must keep your receipt, or what happens if you should lose your receipt. This will help you avoid any mishaps like unwanted items being non-refundable. See if they have a website in case you have to contact them later. Remember: Buying items with the intent of simply returning it after Oct. 31 is considered fraud.
On a final note, when shopping, always research the business first at BBBHouston.org to read any possible customer reviews or complaints.
Compare prices on Halloween costumes and decorations from various retail or online stores. Along with comparing prices, look for coupons and sign up for email alerts.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include your mailing address and phone number.