Be vigilant and have a plan if you’re shopping on Black Friday
After one of the biggest holidays celebrated (Thanksgiving) begins one of the best and biggest shopping sprees full of deals: Black Friday, which marks the start of the holiday shopping season as many stores offer highly promoted sales at discounted prices and often open early, sometimes as early as midnight or even on Thanksgiving. If you’re thinking about shopping on Black Friday, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Black Friday shopping can be chaotic and overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a plan. It’s crucial you’re careful what you invest in during these times as scammers amp up their tactics and take advantage of the sales and holiday season. Be sure you’re vigilant and have a plan when you go shopping this holiday season.
Better Business Bureau offers these tips when shopping on Black Friday:
■ Budget. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overspend. Decide how much you want to spend and do your best to resist impulse buying.
■ Research. Look at online reviews. Also ask family and friends for recommendations about where they shopped and who they bought from.
■ Consider deals. Look at ads online and on social media to see what, if any, deals the business is promoting. Check if one of the items on sale is something you need. If not, look at other businesses who may have the sale.
■ Start early. Some sales start earlier than others. So, take advantage of the discounts and begin your shopping early to ensure you get the product before others.
■ Read the fine print. Some retailers may offer an additional percentage off the purchase, but could exclude certain deals or items, such as “door busters.”
■ Know the return policy. Some stores may not allow exchanges or returns on certain products during the holiday season.
■ Shop online. Many deals are the same online as they would be in-store.
■ Use a credit card. It can be a safer and easier way to pay for bigger purchases. Aside from helping spread the cost, they’re safer to carry than cash and offer stronger fraud protections than debit cards.
■ Pay attention. Stores get busy and it’s a great time for a thief to blend into the crowd. Thieves may see you struggling with shopping bags and consider it an opportunity to steal your wallet or purse.