Shop Talk: Buying into Grand Strand retail

Holiday shopping tip: Look for online promo codes

Most online merchants have coupons and promotion codes all the time.  Before buying anything online, always surf the Web to see if that particular merchant has a coupon code available.

 

Source: MoneyNing, a personal finance blog

Holiday shopping tip: Look for price-matching policies

Look for price-matching policies: Some merchants will match, or even beat, a competitor’s prices.

 

Source: Federal Trade Commission

Holiday shopping tip: Do your research before you buy

Research the Right Product: A low price on a lousy product is no bargain. Check websites where professionals evaluate products, such as Consumer Reports, Steves-Digicams.com (for cameras), Ecoustics.com (TV/hi-fi equipment), PCMagazine.com (computers), best/worst toy lists, etc. Also, nothing beats reading customer reviews by real owners of the products you are thinking of buying. Check Epinions.com, and read the user comments posted after most product descriptions at Amazon.com.

Source: ConsumerWorld.org, a guide to consumer resources.

Holiday shopping tip: Keep good records

Keep good records. Whether you’re ordering by mail, phone, or online, it’s important to keep detailed information about the transaction, including your order number, shipping costs and dates, warranties, and refund and return policies.

Source: Federal Trade Commission

Holiday shopping tip: Ask for a discount

Ask for a Discount – Cashiers often times have the coupons right in front of them to save time.  Always be friendly and ask if there are current coupons that apply to your purchase at checkout.  It won’t always work but it’s so easy that it’s worth a try!

Source: MoneyNing.com, a personal finance blog.

Holiday shopping tip: It's the thought that counts

It’s Not a Competition – There’s no need to try getting the biggest or most expensive gift.  Try something sensible and personal.  The best gifts are ones that come from the heart.

Source: MoneyNing.com, a personal finance blog.

Holiday shopping tip: Ship gifts right away

Get the Items Shipped ASAP – It’s the holiday season so shipping may take longer than usual.  Remember to get everything shipped to you in ample time or you might not have a gift to give during Christmas!

Source: MoneyNing.com, a personal finance blog.

Holiday shopping tip: Clip coupons

Clip coupons. Coupons are useful when they save you money on what you’re already planning to buy. Check coupons for any restrictions. For example, do expiration dates apply, or do you have to spend a certain amount before you can use the coupon? Some retailers will accept expired coupons, and even coupons from their competitors. Check with the retailer before you leave home to learn their policy.

Source: Federal Trade Commission

Holiday shopping tip: Check out thrift stores

Vintage or Thrift stores are the best to find those one of a kind ideas that will knock the socks off the recipients while allowing you to afford new ones for yourself.

Source: Tricia Cunningham, posted on The Sun News Facebook page.

Holiday shopping tip: Cyber Monday online deals

Today is Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving that has become huge for online sales for the holidays.

Here's a couple of tips for those shopping with a mouse click:

Have your credit cards and address book handy. Many Web sites have timed windows to complete a transaction, so you need to have shipping information at your fingertips.

Use common sense. A golden rule of online shopping is that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is and you should avoid it. Shop with retailers that you trust. If you aren't familiar with an online retailer, look for privacy and security seals, which indicate that their security and privacy measures have been verified.

Source: National Retail Federation