Smart Shopping Tips for Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Avoid Overspending and Protect Yourself from Scams
Black Friday (29th Nov 24) /Cyber Monday(2nd Dec 24) present a fantastic opportunity to score big savings, but it’s important to approach the sales with caution. With a little planning and awareness, you can make wise purchases, avoid poor-quality products, and steer clear of fraud.
Consumer Rights
At the Consumer Protection Bureau, we believe that informed consumers are empowered consumers. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is key to making confident purchasing decisions and resolving any issues that arise.
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Safety: Buy products that are safe and meet quality standards.
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Information: Access clear and accurate details about products and services.
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Choice: Enjoy a variety of options at fair prices.
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Redress: Request repair, replacement, or refunds for defective items.
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Education: Learn about your rights to make informed decisions.
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Be Heard: Raise concerns and have them addressed fairly.
How CPB Can Help with Consumer Rights
At the Consumer Protection Bureau, we are dedicated to protecting and empowering you:
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Educate You: Provide resources on your rights and smart shopping tips.
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Resolve Complaints: Help settle disputes with sellers or service providers.
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Legal Support: Offer guidance on legal options for serious issues.
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Raise Awareness: Keep you updated on scams and new consumer protections.
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Assist with Refunds: Support you in securing returns, refunds, or compensation.
Essential Shopping Tips to Keep You Safe and Smart This Black Friday & Cyber Monday
- 1. Set a Budget and Stick to
It:
- Decide on a maximum spending limit before shopping.
- Focus on items you genuinely need or have been planning to purchase.
- Avoid impulse buying by comparing deals with your planned list.
- 2. Research Prices to Spot
Genuine
Deals:
- Use price comparison tools or apps to verify discounts.
- Look out for inflated original prices and misleading “deals.”
- Monitor product prices before the sale period to identify true savings.
- 3. Prioritise Quality Over
Discounts:
- A low price doesn’t always mean good value.
- Read product reviews, check ratings, and assess brand reputations.
- Avoid buying items solely because they’re discounted.
- 4. Be Cautious About Faulty
or
Low-Quality Products:
- Watch out for sellers who offload defective or refurbished items.
- Check for a valid manufacturer warranty.
- Confirm the store’s return and refund policies.
- Review the product condition carefully (new vs. refurbished).
- Read genuine customer reviews on third-party platforms.
- 5. Beware of Flash Sales and
Deceptive Tactics:
- Flash sales can create a sense of urgency—don’t rush.
- Evaluate if the deal is genuine. If it feels “too good to be true,” it likely is.
- 6. Inspect Products Before
Buying
(In-Store & Online):
- Examine physical items for damage or defects.
- Understand the store’s return and exchange policies for online purchases.
- 7. Factor in Hidden
Costs:
- Be mindful of additional fees like shipping or handling charges.
- Calculate the total cost before completing your purchase.
- 8. Resist the Pressure to
Rush:
- Take time to assess the deal and its value.
- A better offer might be available later in the sale period.
- 9. Understand Return and
Refund
Policies:
- Always review return policies, especially for discounted items.
- Reliable retailers should offer a clear and fair return process.
- 10. Protect Yourself from
Scams:
- Shop only on secure websites (look for “https” and the padlock icon).
- Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or unknown retailers.
- Trust your instincts: if an offer seems suspicious, it’s best to skip it.
