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Smart Shopping Tips
The holiday season is quickly approaching and while we areanticipating the festivities, retailers are gearing up for customers shopping for gifts. To make it a successful shopping season and get the best deal for your money, here are a few consumer tips that you should not leave home without.


Shop around. Do not assume that the store sale price or outlet stores offer the best price. The advertised price may not always be the lowest price. When comparison shopping, consider similar products and their features; make sure you have the model number and other identifying information to guarantee that you get the best deal.

Online Shopping. Check out Internet sites and compare prices and visit sites that offer product reviews. Before making a purchase, make sure you are on a secure site by looking for the closed lock. Paying by credit card when shopping online offers the most protection if the item is defective or not received, since federal law gives you 60 days to dispute the charge.

Read the Fine Print. Always be sure to read the fine print at the bottom of an ad or agreement, it may put limits on the great deal you had in mind. Some offers may require a mail-in rebate or service contract agreement.

Retail Return Policies. Before spending your money ask about the return policy. Some merchants offer cash refunds, store credit; while others have a "no return policy." Sale or clearance items may have a separate policy. Consider asking for a gift receipt to make it convenient for the recipient.


Gift Cards
Florida law prohibits merchants from imposing an expiration date, expiration period, or any post-sale charge or fee, such as a service charge, dormancy fee, account maintenance fee, or cash-out fee. However, gift cards carrying the logo of American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa are exempt from the law.



Bargain Offers
Carefully consider bargain offers that are based on purchases of additional merchandise. For example, "Buy One, Get One Free" or "Free Gift with Purchase." If you don't really want or need the item, it's not a deal.


Shopping from Home
If you order products by mail, phone, fax, or computer, a Federal Trade Commission rule protects you if the seller can't make delivery within the stated time. The seller must notify you and allow you to cancel the order if a shipment cannot be delivered in the time stated in the catalog or advertisement (or within 30 days, if no delivery date is promised.)

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