BBB Chief Exective Jim WinsettQ. What advice does the BBB have for shopping during “Black Friday”?
A. A week from today is Black Friday, that special day after Thanksgiving when retailers gear up to offer their best. Better Business Bureau’s past experience tells us that all deals are not created equal. Often the fine print is the most important thing to understand. Before you head out the door and get caught up in the frenzy, BBB offers the following tip sheet to help you save time and money.
* Know before You Go. Now and in the coming weeks many retailers will release their Black Friday deals online, in social media and other publications. Research where the sales are and make a list of your gift priorities to compare prices and plan your day of deals. Since many advertisements will begin before the actual sale, build up an ad collection as soon as possible. Remember to bring ads with you on Black Friday just in case the price is not what you expected or advertised.
* Do not Fall for False Advertising. Despite BBB’s effort to advance trust in the marketplace, some companies will resort to advertisements that are untrue, misleading, deceptive, or plain fraudulent. Black Friday advertising will be abundant and BBB urges consumers to watch for red flags.
Many consumers have experienced frustration and lost money they cannot afford to lose after being lured by prices too good to be true. Be alert to bait and switch ads that are designed to bring you in but push you toward more expensive items. Read the fine print return policies, final sales, and deals that end before the day is done. To protect you on Black Friday, BBB advises consumers to not believe all they see or hear without doing their own research.