The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding shoppers to be smart before rushing into their Boxing Day deals.
With the rush to the stores and frenzy of sales activity consumers can often forget to be proactive and savvy when purchasing their items.
"Retailers are already pushing sales for Boxing Day and consumers are getting caught up in the excitement of finding a great deal," said Lynda Pasacreta, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. "We want consumers to be smart shoppers. Read the fine print in ads and know the store policies regarding Boxing Day sales."
The organization encourages people to read ads carefully and make sure the fine print is understood. Some retailers, Pasacreta said, have price exemptions specifically for Boxing Day, which can affect 14-day price guaratees.
There is also technique retailers used that the BBB calls the bait and switch.
One of the biggest problems during significant sale days like Boxing Day is the practice of offering a popular, expensive item for a great sale price, but only stocking a limited number of these products.
Even if the product is unavailable, the organization said it gets shoppers in the store who then may take advantage of less valuable sales.
The BBB recommends contacting retailers in order to make sure they have the featured product in stock.
Retailers that claim they have items "up to 70% off" for example, can also be misleading. Often, the BBB said, only one item will be marked down by the advertised sale percentage while the rest are marked much lower.
There are also deals that may not be worth it, the organization said. Consumers can often get caught up in the rush and forget to ask themselves pertinent questions about how much they can afford to spend and if they require the item.
Comparison shopping is recommended and can be done easily online or through smart phone applications.
For more information go to www.mbc.bbb.org.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
