Consumer spending during the 2016 Halloween season is expected to average $82.93 per household. That means a total of $8.4 billion nationally will be spent on the traditional decorations, candy, cards and costumes. It doesn’t take witchcraft to make scary things happen to your wallet this time of year. Unscrupulous businesses would love to treat themselves to your dollars. The trick is knowing how to be a smart Halloween shopper. Here is some advice from your Better Business Bureau for avoiding the webs being spun around this fright-filled shopping season.
Don’t get spooked by pop-up stores
BBB’s all across the country get hundreds of complaints this time of year about the seasonal pop-up stores that seem to appear from out of nowhere. Some may have bargain prices that would tempt any savings-minded shopper. Here are a few general tips for making your pop-up store transaction happy rather than horrible:
• Do a little research. Check the company’s business review with the BBB. Check online for other complaints that their customers may have posted by entering their company name plus words like “complaint,” “review,” and “rating.”
• Quiz them. Ask how long they have been in business and how long they will occupy the building they are renting. A manager is a good person to ask, as some employees may not know.
• Get their return policy. This is important so get the details. Some businesses may not accept a post-holiday return so it is all the more vital that you be sure you’re satisfied with the purchase up front.
• Save any paper receipts or save any digital receipt that they may email to you.
• Pay with a credit card. This makes it easier for you to dispute problems that may arise after the purchase.
• Waiting until Halloween is nearer can pay off, as some businesses discount merchandise to move it out before the holiday passes. (Although, of course, your choice may be more limited by that time.)
For shoppers who haunt the Internet
Online Halloween shoppers have nothing to fear if they remember a few simple incantations. Besides “eye of newt and toe of frog,” add these to your bubbling cauldron (otherwise known as your online shopping cart):
• Reviews. BBB business reviews and other online ratings and reviews. Search the same way described above in the tips for pop-up stores.
• Payment methods. Services like PayPal don’t disclose your account or card numbers to the business you are purchasing from.
• Credit cards. These are still the preferred payment method for your favored reputable retailers.
• Print and save. Do this for any email notifications and confirmations regarding your transaction.
• Return policy. Take the time to look it up and read it carefully.
• Shipping and handling charges. Check them out for each item you plan to purchase so you are not unpleasantly surprised later. (There are enough little spooks and goblins out there waiting to give you unpleasant surprises already.)
• Security settings. Be sure the business’ web address begins with https://.
You may have heard it so much that the phrase is as corny to you as candy corn, but never forget the warning that BBB constantly issues to consumers: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Remember the BBB’s Shredding Event this Saturday, Oct. 15, in Wichita at the Lawrence Dumont Stadium, from 9 a.m. until noon. Bring up to three boxes or bags of documents for free shredding. Shredding is a great way to thwart identity thieves who would love to wear your ID as their Halloween costume.
For answers to your questions about Halloween shopping, contact your BBB by calling (800) 856-2417, or visit our website at bbbinc.org.