Last-Minute Shopping Tips Save Time, Trouble & Money

As the holiday shopping season gets shorter, the pressure gets turned up. But by taking a few steps at home before hitting the stores and being mindful while shopping, you can save money and relieve some stress this holiday season.

“The holidays can be a hectic time, and the deluge of market can be confusing to consumers,” said Barbara Anthony, the Undersecretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation in Massachusetts. “Taking a little time at home to prepare and being aware of some of the tricks of the trade in the retail marketplace can reduce the stress and headaches and make a happier holiday season.”

Anthony offers these tips:

Make a list and check it twice. Make a list of everyone you need to buy presents for, and set a budget and stick to it.

Comparison shop. Take advantage of sales and promotions. Research online and look at the sales circulars before you shop.

Bring sales circulars with you. Bring circulars to the stores so you remember the exact item you want to buy, and can verify that the price is accurate.

Save receipts. You will need them for returns and exchanges. Do your gift recipients a favor, and enclose gift receipts in the box.

Don’t rely too heavily on credit cards. If you choose to make purchases with a credit card, use just one. This makes it easier to keep track of your spending. Paying by credit card also provides legal protections if products are defective or you don’t receive what you ordered.

Ask about refund policies before you buy. Some stores offer a full refund, while others offer only a store credit or no refund at all. A store can have any return policy it wants; as long as it is disclosed clearly and conspicuously before the sale is made. Make sure you are comfortable with the store policy if you think the item might be returned, and take note of time restrictions for returning items.

Stuck for ideas? Think local. No matter where you live, chances are there are many great gift ideas just around the corner. Or, be creative. For the person on your list who has everything, consider a donation to favorite charities in the name of the recipient.

Know the rules for gift cards and certificates. Be wary of expiration dates, fees, and what happens if your card is lost or stolen. These rules can vary by merchant.

Check shipping dates. When you are shopping online, make sure your purchase will get to its destination in time. Also, know the rules on shipping fees, and look for return policies for online retailers.

Consider time and travel costs. If you find an item on sale across town, consider whether the savings outweighs the extra time and gas it will take to pick it up.

Keep an eye on belongings, especially your wallet. Stay alert to your surroundings, as con artists will try to distract you with the intention of stealing your money or shopping bags.

Guard against identity theft. When shopping online, check that the website is secure before entering your personal or financial information. Secure websites begin with "https://" rather than just "http://." They also display a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen. An unlocked padlock means the page is not secure. Read the retailer’s privacy policy before providing personal information, and only give the information necessary to complete the transaction.