Bronson urges consumers to be savvy while holiday shopping

Bronson urges consumers to be savvy while holiday shopping

TALLAHASSEE – With the holiday shopping season kicking off this past weekend, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is encouraging consumers to shop wisely, know your rights and keep track of your purchases.

Whether you shop by telephone, catalog, in retail stores or online, it pays to be a savvy consumer.

"Being smart about shopping and exercising a little care can be the difference between having a happy holiday season and a disastrous one," Bronson said.

Among tips to help you shop wisely:

Get the best deal. Comparison shop and research merchants’ pricing policies, as some will match, or even beat, a competitor’s price. Where applicable, check shipping and handling fees and don’t forget to factor those into the cost of the item.

Can you get your money back? Check out a merchant’s refund and return policies before you buy.

Check delivery dates. When shopping by phone, in a catalog or online, find out how long it takes for the item to be delivered. And be sure to order merchandise early enough to make sure that it arrives on time.

Protect your privacy and know whom you’re dealing with. Provide personal information, such as a credit card number, home address or telephone number, only when necessary and make sure that you know the merchant with whom you are dealing. If you’ve never heard of the seller, check them out with your local Better Business Bureau or with Bronson’s Division of Consumer Services (1 800 HELP FLA 435-7352), before you decide to make a purchase.

Track your purchases. When shopping online, keep printouts of the web pages with details about the transaction, including any warranties, or return and refund policies. When shopping by phone or from a catalog, keep records of your order, including the company’s name, address, phone number, date of your order and item number or description of the merchandise you ordered.

Keep receipts. You may need them to return an item or reconcile a credit card statement. When purchasing a gift, ask for a separate gift receipt.

For additional consumer information or to file a complaint against a business, Floridians can visit the department’s Consumer Services Division website at www.800helpfla.com  or call 1 800 HELP FLA (435-7352).