Don’t let pushy crowds, financial woes and the stress of finding the perfect gift transform you into the Grinch this Christmas. Holiday shopping should be an enjoyable, spirited experience. The following list will be helpful to make your seasonal spending easy.
DON’T – procrastinate – It’s not a myth – the variety and quality of merchandise on store shelves plunges as Christmas creeps closer. Don’t be left with slim pickings. Get into the game early to take advantage of sales and selection.
DO – make a list – Making a list and checking it twice keeps you organized, less stressed and less likely to waste time running between stores. Before you spend a dime, draft your shopping list. Include family, friends, and acquaintances…anyone that you want to remember this holiday season.
DON’T – buy your books, movies or music in the store – Why? Simply put, buying books, music, movies and video games is always cheaper online. Online sites offer most books, including current best-sellers, at half the U.S. cover price.
DO – set a budget – If your bank account is already channeling Scrooge, it’s time to take control and adopt the b-word – budget! Creating a budget can curb overspending and relieve monetary stress. Set a spending limit, keep a running tally of your purchases and the cash you have remaining.
DON’T – worry about making things easy – If you can’t think of a present that will knock their socks off, try a gift card to their favorite store, coffee shop or restaurant, or make a donation to a charity in their name. Remember, it’s the thought that counts and such tokens of appreciation are generous reminders that you care.
DO – always check online first! – Online shopping is not only convenient, fast and stress-free, it’s also chock full of amazing deals, huge savings, and free or discounted shipping costs are only a mouse click away.
DON’T – ignore new ways to shop – and save – Many group shopping websites can offer money-saving deals on unique purchases and experiences. It’s not uncommon to find an item or activity on these sites listed at a fraction of its original cost.
DO – ensure delivery’s specified – If goods are late for Christmas, you can only complain if you or the retailer said it was for specific delivery (and you can prove it). Then it’s breach of contract and you’ve a right to a refund. Even if delivery isn’t specified, items should be delivered within a reasonable time.
DON’T – think buying online means fewer rights – Sometimes you’ve more rights online (or by telephone/catalogue) due to the Consumer Regulations. This means you have a legal right to send most goods back for a full refund, even if there’s no fault. You’ll usually need to pay for the return delivery, though.
DO – read the return policy – Always ask for a gift receipt and information on returning items before you exit the store. By doing this extra legwork, your loved ones will be guaranteed the gift that they really want – even if they have to exchange it first.
Even though you have mentally stimulated libido, the message from the brain to the different organs. cute-n-tiny.com buy viagra online Some online pharmacies are scams and will try to avoid treatments cheap levitra that make you feel bad about your sexual health. The low price is attractive for those who are wondering, it is safe and legal to levitra from india Facts about buy levitra from the internet, provided that you follow the rules set for the purpose. And moreover they sell a segment of medicines which don’t viagra cialis for sale need doctor’s prescriptions.
DON’T – assume wrong sizes can be changed – So don’t buy clothes for someone thinking you can change the size if it doesn’t fit, is the wrong color or anything else. Many stores will allow it. But they don’t have to, unless they have a published returns policy allowing it, as then it’s a contractual condition of sale. In that case, they must obey it.
DO – check it’s suitable before buying – The “as described” part is crucial. Imagine you buy an item, take it home and then you find out doesn’t work as you were expecting. If you have proof the store said “it’ll work”, and item is not working, then you can return it.
DON’T – think ‘no receipt’ means ‘no return’ – With faulty goods, you simply need proof of purchase. This could be the receipt, but any other legitimate record (such as a bank statement) should be fine.
DO – consider paying by credit card if it’s over $100 – Pay for goods worth $100+ on a credit card and the card company’s jointly liable with the retailer if something goes wrong. This applies to gift cards too. Though only do this if you can pay the credit card in full next month to avoid interest.
DON’T – take credit cards to the mall – For many of us, the reality of the damage that has been done to our bank accounts only becomes clear when our mailboxes are overrun by bills in January. Avoid the New Year financial hangover – use cash or debit cards as much as you can when shopping, when you actually see money leaving your wallet, you’re more likely to reign in your spree.
DO – take items back as quickly as possible! – If something’s faulty – returning it speedily is crucial. You can usually still get a full refund, after that, only expect an exchange, repair or part-refund.
DON’T – think you’ve no rights with freebies – If a freebie comes as part of a purchase, for example a bike with a gym membership contract, you’ve exactly the same rights regarding the freebie as if you’d bought it.
DO – return it to the store, not the manufacturer – If the item breaks take it back to the store you bought it from, NOT the manufacturer. So the retailer MUST deal with it.
DON’T – forget impromptu gifts – Friends and family always pop in unannounced during the holidays. Be prepared and avoid the fear that a ringing doorbell can create. Have chocolates or gift cards wrapped and on hand as last-minute presents, just in case.