Retail therapy is an easy trap. We’ve all bought on impulse believing we just had to have the perfect “whatever.” It’s easy to spend based on emotion, but remembering a few tips, such as these offered by USA.gov, can help remind anyone to balance what you want with what you can really do.
- Budget before you buy. Know what you want and what you can afford.
- Research major purchases. Gather information about the item or service you want and the seller. Review test results and other consumer reports.
- Check out a company’s complaint record with the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer affairs office.
- Get a written copy of guarantees and warranties and compare features.
- Get a copy of the seller’s refund, return and cancellation policies – before you buy.
- Make sure the price you’re charged is the price you expected to pay. Registers are not always updated, so be sure to ask if you thought you would pay a different price.
- Read and understand any contract or legal document you are asked to sign. Make sure there are no blank spaces.
- Consider paying by credit card. If you have a problem with the purchase, you can more easily dispute the charge.
- Make sure you know who to ask if you have a question or problem with the product.
- Don’t buy on impulse or under pressure.
