The holiday shopping season is in full swing and the whether you are shopping online or making a purchase at your local retail store, the Ohio Attorney General offers tips to help you shop smart this holiday season.
In the midst of store closings and tough economic times, retailers are getting more aggressive to attract customers. Stores are advertising “buy one, get one free” deals, “free shipping,” and “20-50 percent off” offers.
Regardless of how good an offer sounds, shoppers should always read the fine print in advertisements to avoid wasting time or money. For example, some ads may say “quantities limited,” “no rain checks,” or “not available at all stores,” or “available online only.”
Before you head out to fight the holiday shopping frenzy, remember your shopping rights and follow these ten tips to help you shop smart:
1. It’s your right: exclusions must be in sight: All material exclusions and limitations of an offer must be listed in the ad or on the coupon. Bait and switch tactics are illegal. For example, the seller may not use an advertisement to lure you into the store and then trick you into buying a higher-priced product. And it is illegal to advertise a sale without listing any limitations or exclusions, if they exist.
2. Rebate offers can be risky: A rebate promises you money back for purchasing a product or service. There are two types of rebates: instant rebates and mail in rebates. Instant rebates allow you to deduct the amount off of the sale price before you make a purchase. Mail in rebates (MIR), however, can be tricky and frustrating to redeem. MIR’s often require buyers to mail in a coupon, receipt, and a bar code in exchange for a check. The turnaround time is generally four to eight weeks, though some rebates can take up to twelve weeks. To ensure you are able to redeem your rebate, always look for specific time limitations and documentation requirements in the offer. Keep copies of receipts, barcodes, and the rebate offer before mailing.
3. Use credit cards for large purchases: When you pay by credit card, your transaction is protected by the Federal Fair Credit Billing Act on purchases larger than $50. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges and temporarily withhold payment while a creditor investigates. Consumers are only held liable for $50 in unauthorized credit card charges.
4. Consider cash over gift cards: Be careful purchasing gift cards from a retailer that may be closing or that has filed bankruptcy. You may not be able to redeem the gift card if this occurs. Most gift cards must not expire or be assessed fees within two years of the issue date. If a gift card has no expiration date, it is valid until redeemed or replaced with a new card. Exceptions include gift cards that can be used with different retailers, for example a mall gift card, or gift cards received through a rewards, loyalty or promotional program.
5. Look before you layaway: Layaway programs are designed for customers who want to buy merchandise without using credit or paying the full price immediately. To avoid problems, get the store’s layaway policy in writing including the terms of the layaway plan and the refund policy.
6. Click before you commit: When shopping online take the time to click through the Web site to find the cost of shipping and handling fees, and whether they provide a free shipping label for returns. Look for the refund policy and the privacy policy and opt out of future solicitations, or permission to sell your personal information to others.
7. Request a rain check: If you respond to an ad and find the advertised goods are sold out, you have the right to a rain check. A rain check allows you to buy the advertised goods for the sale price at a later time. You do not have the right to a rain check if the ad mentions the number of goods available, or if the store is selling seasonal or clearance items.
8. Pocket your proof of purchase: Keep receipts and any other documents related to the transaction. Ask for a gift receipt, even if the item is not a gift, so you will have an extra copy for your records. When ordering by phone or by computer, write down or print out information related to the transaction, including the seller’s name, address, and telephone number; the name of the person you spoke with, if applicable; a description of what you ordered; confirmation numbers; and the seller’s delivery date, terms and return policies.
9. Look for the point of “No Return”: Check return policies before you buy. Ohio law does not require sellers to have any specific return or refund policies. However, return policies must be clearly posted. Most will require you to provide a receipt for returns or exchanges.
10. Beware of billing errors: Look for errors and unauthorized purchases. Notify your financial institution immediately if your credit card, debit card, or checkbook is lost or stolen, or if you suspect unauthorized use.
Remember, always shop around. A “sale” price may not always the “best” price. Some retailers may offer a sale price on the item you want for a limited time; other retailers may offer items at a discount every day.
© 2008 Office of Ohio Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers.