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BBB Offers Black Friday, Cyber Monday Shopping Advice
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- As Black Friday and Cyber Monday loom, the Better Business Bureau advises consumers to plan carefully plan before shopping this holiday season.
Among the recommendations is to develop a budget prior to starting holiday shopping and sticking to it. ClearPoint Credit Counseling solutions, a nonprofit credit counseling service and BBB-accredited business and BBB national partner, offers an online holiday planning calculator to help holiday shoppers plan how much they should spend.
BBB also advises Black Friday shoppers to compare prices online before making their purchases to get the best deals possible. They should also sign up for email alerts and take advantage of social network opportunities, and be aware of store return policies and get gift receipts with purchases.
Cyber Monday shoppers are advised to protect their personal information, making sure that they understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. While shopping online, consumers should make sure their computers have the most recent updates for span filters, antivirus and antispyware software. They should only shop on trusted websites and are advised to look for the BBB seal and Ad Choices logo for sites that provide more control over whether advertisers can use information for targeted marketing.
Online shoppers also should make certain their purchases are secure by looking in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. They are also advised to pay using a credit card in case the shopper needs to dispute a charge if the item isn’t received, and to keep documentation of the order.
Whether shopping retail or online, consumers are advised to know their rights, and to check with BBB for business ratings online or by calling 330 744 3111.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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