As with anything, it's important to know who you're buying from. Whether it's a year-round brick and mortar store, a seasonal Halloween store only open for a couple months or an online retail store. Research the companies you plan on purchasing from and check their BBB Business Reviews at www.bbb.org.
A problem many Halloween shoppers experience is some costumes and decorations are sold at absurdly low prices, but once customers get them home and check them out they find they’re broken or made poorly. People also complain that deliveries were late or never arrive and difficulty obtaining refunds.
Many Halloween shoppers buy online. While convenient, without the right precautions, you can fall victim to shady business practices. Protect your personal information when buying online and make sure the site you’re using is credible and safe. Also, make sure to keep delivery dates in mind as you order to ensure purchases arrive when you need them.
Use these additional tips from your BBB to shop smart for Halloween:
• Watch out for deals that sound too good to be true.
• Keep all your receipts and order confirmations.
• Do your research. Some seasonal businesses change their names from one year to the next as a way of disguising their poor track records.
• Read the fine print.
• Look for “https” in the URL and the locked padlock when making online purchases. Watch your account to be sure no unauthorized charges are withdrawn.
• Know return and exchange policies before making purchases. There are often no returns or refunds for seasonal items.
• Make sure you know how long seasonal stores are open. Some may close immediately after the holiday, making returns impossible.
• Pay with your credit card. If a purchase is problematic, then you may be able to dispute the charge with your credit card company.
• Get details when renting a costume. Find out the store’s policy if the costume is damaged or lost. Make sure you understand the rental agreement before signing.
For more information on Halloween shopping and to research any company you plan on patronizing, contact your Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.
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