TOP TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS - PART ONE - SHOPPING

In the build up to Christmas we will be giving you advice and assistance to help you plan, be safe and get the best from Christmas.

PLANNING

Be Prepared, Shop early to take advantage of the widest choice and pre-Christmas Sales.

Put money aside into a Christmas fund each month throughout the year, to make Christmas more affordable.

Before buying any Christmas Presents decide how much you are going to spend on everyone and write lists of everything you need to buy. Keep to your lists and try to avoid impulse buys.

BUYING

Buy from reputable traders. Don’t fall for counterfeit goods. Clothes, CDs computer games, DVDs perfume, aftershave and videos are all popular with counterfeiters. Look at the price of the goods. If it is too cheap, it is probably fake. Check the quality of the packaging and check for spelling mistakes.

Look for bargains online, online shopping is becoming very popular. Remember pay for items over £100 by credit card – this gives you extra protection but make sure you are buying from a secure site when you give your credit card details. Never send your credit card details by e-mail.

Beware of scams especially of sites that say “this is not a scam” - reputable traders don’t need to say this.

AT THE CHECKOUT

Different shops have different policies. Check the shop’s policy on unsuitable goods. You do not have an automatic right to a refund on unsuitable goods. Some shops will offer a refund on unsuitable goods while others will just offer credit notes or exchanges. Some may not offer anything. It is up to the shop what its customer policy is. Check on time periods for returning unsuitable goods. This can also vary from shop to shop.

KEEP ALL RECEIPTS

You will need the receipts if the presents are unsuitable and the shop is prepared to offer an exchange. It is always useful to have receipts if you have bought something that is faulty. If you pay by credit card check your receipts against your statements. If you purchase your presents online ensure you keep all email confirmations sent to you from the e-tailer.

Take care when buying toys. Always check for the CE safety mark and make sure the toy is suitable for the child’s age.

Use cash for small purchases and check your change. Use your credit card for items over £100 for extra protection.

CHECK YOUR PURCHASES

Test any toys you buy to make sure they work, and that all the accessories are there. Check if they need any batteries and buy these so that the toy can be played with on Christmas Day.

If something you have bought is faulty return it as quickly as possible. Delays in returning faulty goods can affect your rights.

TOP 10 TIPS ON RETURNING GOODS AFTER CHRISTMAS

Go back to the shop as soon as possible, but NOT on the day they start their sale!
Do not remove labels if you think goods might be unsuitable and may have to be returned
Keep unsuitable goods safe and secure and preferably not in a smoky atmosphere
Bring the receipt – most shops ask for this when unsuitable goods are being returned
Check the shops policy. If the shop says its policy is to offer exchanges or credit notes on unsuitable goods THIS IS REASONABLE
Know your rights. If you have bought faulty goods you can ask for a refund or a repair or a replacement. Exactly what you are entitled to depends on the particular circumstances of your complaint
Remember shops do NOT have to give refunds on unsuitable goods unless this was agreed before the goods were bought
Being told you can bring goods back does NOT necessarily mean the shop will give a refund. It may just be offering an exchange or credit
Different shops have policies on unsuitable goods. This is legal. In law shops do not have to make any offer at all when someone is returning unsuitable goods.
KEEP CALM – DO NOT LOSE YOUR TEMPER! Do not be rude about the item, especially if the person who bought it is with you. Be polite and friendly and expect the assistant to want to help you – they usually do! Smile! It can work wonders

Tags: 2008, Advice, Blog, Christmas, Christmas sales, christmas shopping, Fun, Games, money, Offer, presents, Sale, Sales, Shopping, Top Tips

Sales start early!

Did you know that nearly 3.5 million UK online shoppers are expected to spend in the region of £50 million on Christmas day, tomorrow, according to the e-tailing trade body  Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG).

The online shopping rush is expected to start late afternoon, generally after the Queens speech, with peak times between 8 - 10PM.

Online sales on the ‘big day’ this year are expected to be 66% higher than last year, brought on by the sale of top up gifts associated with products like the iPod, with people logging on to buy songs on iTunes.

Tags: Christmas, Christmas sales, Gifts, January Sales, online sales, Sale, Sales, save money, Shopping