Holiday shopping, Dos and Don’ts

As the holiday shopping season kicks off the shoppers rush out to take full advantage of the sales and it’d be wise to realize that those savings don’t always help to keep your wallets full during holidays. Since you don’t want to resent splurging, later, it’s better to keep some tips in mind to make most of the festive season. Read on to know the dos and don’ts.

Dos

- Do the math and calculate how much can you spend comfortably and realistically.
- Besides the gifts, make a list of all other expenses that you can credibly think of. Remember to include the cost of wrapping paper, bows, gift bags, cards, decorations, entertaining.
- Everything looks attractive this time of year. Figure out the possible gift choices while considering whom you want to buy for.
- Compare prices before tossing down your hard-earned money. To avoid the sticker-shock, use web sites where you can compare prices of online retailers.
- Make sure you read the seller's description of the product closely if shopping online.
- Check shipping and handling fees.
- If you’re shopping by a catalog, phone or online, keep a track of the company's name, address, phone number and the date of your order.
- Before purchasing anything consider the retailer's refund, return and exchange policy.
- Do see the manufacturing, packaging dates while buying eateries.
- Make use of debit card in place of credit cards.
- Gift receipts do not include the price of the product but can be used by the gift recipients to return it. Consider asking for them.
- Be an informed customer. Do all the research regarding the price and quality of products.

Don’ts

- First and foremost: if you don’t have the money, don’t spend it.
- Preferably avoid using credit cards. Understand the interest you will be charged before making purchases. Also, studies suggest that people end up spending 30 per cent more with credit cards. So curb their use.
- While making the list do not stretch in hope for the Christmas bonus that you have not yet received.
- Never pay retail price; you know everything is negotiable, anyway.
- Avoid last minute shopping if possible. You tend to make hasty decisions and satisfy yourself with something that you feel is not worth your money.
- Do not fall prey to the attractive discounts or buy stuff you don’t need just to get that free gift. Remember the free gifts are only to attract consumers to the items that are less worthy.
- Do not forget to ask for warranty/guaranty cards.
- Do not provide your personal information unless you know who is collecting it and for what purpose. Protecting your privacy is important, after all.

It is the time of the year when you try to fulfill all those desires that have remained obscure for the whole year. Shop on, Splurge!