Is A Sale Price Your Best Deal?
(NAPSI)-With consumers soon to be
blanketed by pre-holiday sales, holiday sales and post-holiday sales,
the trick is to make sure the deal you're getting is really the best
deal. To help you get the most for you money, the Federal Trade
Commission offers these tips:
• Shop around. A "sale" price isn't
always the "best" price. Some merchants may offer the sale price on the
item you want for a limited time; other merchants may discount the item
you want every day. Also, when you're comparison shopping, make sure you
have: the item's manufacturer, model number and stock number or other
identifying information.
• Read sales ads carefully. Some may say
"quantities limited," or "not available at all stores." Before you step
out the door, call ahead to make sure the merchant has the item you want
in stock.
• Take time and travel costs into
consideration. If an item is on sale, but it's all the way across town,
how much are you really saving once you factor in your time and the
costs of transportation and parking?
• Look for price-matching policies. Some
merchants will match, or even beat, their competitors' prices. Read the
merchant's pricing policy carefully. It may not apply to all items.
• Go online. Check out Internet sites
that compare prices for items offered online. Some sites also may
compare prices offered at stores in your area. If you decide to buy
online, keep shipping costs and delivery time in mind.
• 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.
• Ask about refund and return policies
for sales items. Merchants may have different refund and return policies
for sales items, especially clearance merchandise.
And remember that if you buy something
and it goes on sale the next week, you may be able to get a credit or
refund for the discounted amount.
For more information on holiday shopping, visit
www.ftc.gov. The FTC works for the
consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices
and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them.
To file a complaint, call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
If you buy something and it goes on sale the next week, you may be
able to get a credit or refund for the discounted amount.
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