Palm Beach County’s Consumer Affairs Division today released its guidelines of holiday shopping tips to make sure you save money and avoid a holiday debt hangover come January.
Here they are:
• Stick to a budget: Create a gift-giving budget based on what you can afford. Make a list of all those who will be receiving gifts, and put a dollar limit for each person.
• Evaluate online deals: The Internet brings a whole new dimension to holiday shopping. Here are some favorite websites that bring the deals to you from thousands of retailers: 
— consumerworld.org
— coupons.com
— couponwinner.com
— fatwallet.com
— gottadeal.com
— overstock.com
— dealnews.com
• If you shop online: Only deal with reputable online companies. Make sure the company provides its physical address and a local phone number. Read and understand the privacy, shipping and return policies. Don’t use debit cards for online purchases — only use a credit card and print a confirmation receipt of your purchase.
• Quick saving tips: Some strategies to use when making purchases:
— Sales adjustment: Ask the retailer if the sticker price is the best they can do. Even big-box stores often give authority to sales clerks to lower prices on bigger ticket items.
— Price matching: Many retailers will not only match published prices of competitors but may reward you with an additional 5 to 10 percent off.
— Triple plays: Reward yourself when you find an advertised special. Use a percent-off coupon and find a manufacturer that is offering a rebate.
— Extended warranties: Be very cautious before purchasing extended warranties. It not only runs up the cost for merchandise – but if you are a careful person it is often a waste of money. Consumer Reports recommends against purchasing extended warranties.
— Use credit wisely: Take only the credit card you plan to use, and make sure it’s the one with the lowest interest!
• Returns and Refunds: Ask about the return and refund policy before making your purchase. Stores are not obligated to refund money on returned merchandise, but they are required to post a sign stating their policy. If there is no “no refund” notice posted, you may, within seven calendar days of the date of purchase, return any new, unused item (in the original packaging) to the store with the receipt/proof of purchase. Keep all your original receipts in a folder or envelope. Keep the original packaging for items that may need to be returned or exchanged.
