Tips for Happier Holiday Shopping

Tips for Happier Holiday Shopping

'Tis the season for holiday shopping, and whether you plan to make your purchases at a local retailer, at a shopping mall or online, taking a few precautions can save you time, money and stress down the road. Follow these tips from the Iowa Attorney General's office to help you have a safe and happy holiday season.

Do product research. If you know what you're looking for, make sure it's a good product at a good price from a reputable seller. Is it a quality item or is it something that's simply cheap? A cheap price isn't always a better bargain. What do you know about the seller -- is this a store or website you know and trust?

Take your ads with you. If you're headed to a store, make sure the product and price match the ad.

Keep your receipts and paperwork. Most stores won't give refunds without a receipt, and many won't offer exchanges without a proof of purchase. If you really think you need a service contract and end up paying for one, be sure to save the paperwork. (Find out more about service contracts by going to www.ftc.gov and typing "service contracts" in the search box.)

Know return and layaway policies. Make sure you know a store's policies on returns, layaways, restocking fees and return shipping costs for online retailers before you make a purchase. Remember, no state law requires stores to give a refund, exchange or credit for merchandise that is returned or taken off layaway (unless the store advertises that it accepts such returns, or unless an article is defective or was misrepresented). Keep in mind that Iowa's three-day-right-to-cancel law only applies to door-to-door sales, or sales made away from a seller's usual place of business. In short, most refund policies are up to individual retailers.

Shop with reputable online sellers. Make sure the seller lists an address or phone number in case you have a problem. Be sure purchases are refundable in case you're not satisfied. Get all details on shipping and handling fees, refund and return policies and complaint procedures. Consider printing and keeping them. Also print and keep records of your purchase.

Use caution when making online payments. Consider making online payments with a credit card rather than a debit card or check so you can dispute the bill and withhold payment if necessary. Use only secure websites. Secure sites utilize an "https://" prefix for their website address, with the "s" signifying it's secure. Emailing credit card or financial information is not secure. Be wary of online classified ads and auctions, and avoid providing financial information directly to classified ad sellers.

Know your mail-order protections. If you order gifts by mail, by telephone or through a website, you have certain protections. Federal law requires the seller to ship your purchase within 30 days, unless the offer or ad specifies a later date. If there is a delay, the seller must notify you, allow you a chance to cancel your order and send a full refund if you choose to cancel. Don't send cash or use your debit card -- a credit card gives you the most protection.

Check the retailer's policy on gift cards. Find out if the retailer will give a credit or cash return if the purchase price is less than the value of the gift card, and know any other terms the store places on the card. Money on a gift card cannot expire for at least five years from the date of purchase, or from the last date you loaded any additional funds onto the card. The card's expiration date must be clearly disclosed on the card, and fees must be clearly disclosed on the card or its packaging.

These tips are provided by the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA), representing banks and thrifts in the state. The IBA serves it members by providing legislative advocacy, training, regulatory compliance and other services designed to enhance the ability of banks to serve their communities. Learn more at www.iowabankers.com.