With the holiday season upon us, shoppers are looking for discounts hoping to find the best deals to stretch their holiday shopping dollars. Many businesses will advertise seasonal offers to attract shoppers during the days leading up to Christmas and also offer post-holiday sales. While most holiday ads provide clear information, Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends consumers take the time to closely examine holiday advertisements before heading to the stores.
“While everyone loves a bargain, consumers can save time and money by not being lured in by ads that seem too good to be true,” said Matthew Fehling, BBB President/CEO.
BBB suggests consumers consider the following when reviewing holiday advertisements and making purchases this holiday season:
- Examine the ad carefully. Read the fine print to determine the guidelines for the sale.
- Determine if the item is available for a limited time. Some sale items are only available for the advertised price during certain days, or even certain hours on a specific day.
- Consider “on sale” or “sale” claims. A “sale” is defined as a temporary reduction from the usual price of an item. If the sales price is offered for more than 30 days, this becomes the regular price and the item should not be advertised as “on sale.” Look for clear end dates on any sale.
- Be careful with “free” offers. While everyone loves something for “free,” find out if an item advertised as “free” is really at no cost. An item is free if it is offered as an unconditional gift. If you must make a purchase in order to receive the item advertised as “free,” the information should be clearly disclosed in the ad.
- Clarify the specifics of “money back on price difference” offers. Some businesses may offer a refund on the difference in price if a shopper finds the same product for a lower price elsewhere. Consumers should take the time to understand the specifics of “money back on price difference” offers by asking: Is the refund in cash or in a store gift card? Are there any exclusions or limitations? What documentation must be provided to receive the money back offer?
- Study lowest price claims. Prices for products and services can fluctuate, making it extremely difficult for businesses to claim that their prices are lower than competitors’ prices. Consumers should engage in comparison-shopping to make sure they are getting the lowest price available.
- Determine if the savings add up. Ads that offer savings as a percentage, such as “up to 50% off,” should clearly state both the minimum and maximum savings. Consumers should not be misled by ads that emphasis only the maximum savings. Also, the number of items available at the maximum savings should make up at least 10 percent of the items sold.
To learn more about BBB’s Code of Advertising, visit http://www.bbb.org/us/code-of-advertising. Consumers who believe an ad is misleading or deceptive, can submit the ad for review at www.arizonabbb.org.
About BBB Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona
BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in Central, Northern and Western Arizona, supported by over 9,400 BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Business ReviewsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.