Shopping

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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Well before shopping:

• Research the following about items you’re considering buying:
  • Cost
  • Features available
  • Warranties available

Before leaving to go shopping:

• Call store(s) to ensure the item is available
• Ensure store(s) will be open when you plan to visit

While shopping:

• Avoid having to carry a lot of purchased items with you difficult to ward off attackers

If a store does not have the item you’re looking for:

• Ask if they can recommend where you might check for the item

After shopping:

Before walking to your vehicle:

• Have your vehicle keys ready

While walking to your vehicle:

• Be aware of your surroundings (look for potential attackers)

Buying items:

Before buying an item:

• Ask if the item, or a similar item, is on sale
• Ask if the price is negotiable
• Ask about the warranty
  • Is labor covered? If so, for how long?
  • Are parts covered? If so, for how long?
  • Ask about return policy
  • Time limit?
  • Avoid buying too large a quantity of an item you may not use it all, e.g., your tastes may change
• Avoid spending too much on a gift if it might make the recipient feel too much in debt to you and/or others giving gifts might feel their gifts are inadequate
• Consider using credit card if you use check or cash, less chance of getting your money back if problems (e.g., store doesn’t deliver)
• For free over-the-phone information on a wide range of consumer issues specific to your state, call United Way of America 1 (703) 836-7100
• Call (800) 664-4435 for a free copy of the Consumer’s Resource Handbook – lists all Better Business Bureau’s, Consumer Affairs offices, Attorney General offices, etc in the U.S. (published by the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs)
• Consumer’s Information Catalog 1-(719) 948-3334

After buying an item:

• Check for indications that the item (especially electronic items, cameras, etc.) is not new:
  • No warranty card(s)
  • Accessories not wrapped up
  • ‚ÄúX‚Äù marked on outside of box or on item
  • Stickers removed from box
  • Outer box not sealed

Children:

When shopping with children:

If child says he/she wants something:

• Offer to put the item on their ‚Äòwish list’

Fur:

• Don’t buy real fur coats, etc.

According to furisdead.com: "Millions of fur-bearing animals including foxes, raccoons, minks, coyotes, bobcats, lynxes, opossums, nutria, beavers, muskrats, otters, and others are killed each year on fur farms … and in the wild …"

Jewelry:

• Call The Jewelers of America 1 (800) 223-0673 for information on buying jewelry

Sunscreen:

• SPF of at least 15
• UVA and UVB protection
• Waterproof (if you might be swimming)
• Paba-free (if you’re allergic to Paba)

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