Consumer Shopping Tips
Shopping is a favorite pastime for millions of people across the country, especially when the item they want is on sale. Whether you are shopping online or inside a store, you need to watch your wallet so you do not go over budget and also keep a good record of all of your purchases. However, there are additional consumer shopping tips that can help you get the best price and save you from hassles that can arise when shopping.
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Use Secure Internet Sites
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Though shopping online is convenient, look for a company website that has an encryption facility or security in place when paying. A padlock will appear at the bottom of the page where you submit payment information. In addition, look for "https" in the website address. The "s" means the web traffic between your web browser and the company's website uses a Secure Sockets Layer, or SSL, which creates an encryption for your information. If someone happens to intercept your information, the person will only see gibberish.
Plastic Liability Varies
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There are numerous ways to make a payment, such as a credit card, debit card, gift card or cash. However, not all plastic cards give you the same protection. Note when you shop with a gift card or certain debit cards, you are liable for unauthorized use of the card. The maximum liability for unauthorized use of credit cards is $50 under federal law. However, it may be higher when you use a debit card or gift card. Check with your bank to find out your liability on your personal debit card and read the fine print in regards to a gift card.
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Read Rent-to-Own Policies
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Rent-to-own may seem to be a great way to pay for an item initially. However, the interest rate on a rent-to-own purchase typically is high. It is possible to pay double the original price of an item when you have finished paying for the item through rent-to-own. In addition, you might lose the item if you happen to miss a payment for a rent-to-own item. Consider other options -- such as a thrift shop, layaway or local newspaper -- before purchasing rent-to-own items.
Skip Extended Warranties and Services
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You can skip the extended warranty on most items, such as plasma televisions or electronic game devices. Most of these items will rarely need repair for the first few years of use. Purchase the item with a credit card that typically doubles your warranty or shop at stores that automatically give you a year of standard coverage, such as Costco, rather than opting for the extended warranty.
Price Match
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Sometimes there is no need to go from store to store to compare prices. A great deal of retail stores will honor or match local competitors' sale prices if the other store is lower. Assure you take a competitor's most recent ad to show the lower price. Keep your receipts and check the store's ads after you purchase an item. Most stores will promise a refund of an item within seven, 30 or 60 days. If the store lowers the price of an item purchased within the allotted refund time, you can return the item to get the lower price.
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References
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