“Black Friday only seems to get bigger – and start earlier –
each year,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North
Dakota
Black Friday shoppers should also be sure to keep these tips
in mind:
· Getting the real deal. Do you know if a sale is really a
sale? Many times companies boast “70 percent off,” but 70 percent off what? It
always pays to comparison shop. If a company is advertising 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. Newspapers
often have coupons that give discounts for Black Friday. Black Friday ads are
also posted on the Internet. Some sites post ads for Black Friday before they
are published.
· Return policies, restocking fees and refunds. Ask for the
store’s return policy before you make your purchase. 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 in one place so you don’t lose them. Many companies will require
you to produce a receipt for a return. Ask for a gift receipt.
· Gift cards. Gift cards regularly top consumers’ wish
lists. Federal rules govern gift card sales, and those rules state:
o An inactivity fee cannot be charged until the card has not
been used for 12 months.
o Gift cards cannot expire for at least 5 years.
o No more than one fee (of any kind) can be charged to the cardholder
in a single month.
o 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.
o 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.
Note: These rules do not cover reloadable cards, such as
prepaid phone card or debit cards from the big credit card companies. Rebate
and loyalty reward programs are also exempt. If you receive a gift card, you
should redeem it promptly if possible.
· Check out the company. Visit bbb.org or call 800-646-6222
to obtain free Business Reviews. Remember, BBB Business Reviews have been
optimized for smartphones.
Lastly, consumers are encouraged to have fun and be safe.
Remember, there will be many more sales as we go through the holiday season.
