Consumer Services

Shopping on a Budget

On your mark. Get set. Shop! That's how it feels for most of us as we get ready to buy holiday gifts for family and friends. The National Retail Federation reports that 40 percent of consumers plan to start shopping as early as days before Halloween. Expect sales to continue throughout the holiday season because retail sales figures are way down. Therefore, consumers will still be able to bank on sales even after the main holiday shopping days are over.

To learn how to stretch your holiday budget so that you don't leave anyone empty-handed or yourself with an empty wallet, check out these tips for making a budget and checking it twice.

• Figure out what your total budget will be for the holidays. Know what you have before you start spending so that you don't have to worry about damage control later. Remember non-gift expenses. These include travel, gift-wrap, food, household decorations, etc.

• Make a list of everyone you need to shop for. You don't have to buy something for everyone. If too many people are on your list, sometimes a gift of sweets or cookies suffices.

• Think outside the box. Reduce your expenses by sending cards or putting together a thoughtful gift, such as writing a poem, baking cookies or cakes, making arts & crafts, or planning an outing. If you're giving to more than one person in the same family, buy a group gift they can all appreciate.

• Shop online. Some great deals are available on the Internet. Plan accordingly so that gifts arrive on time and calculate shipping costs.

• Shop around for the best price. One factor playing the biggest role in buying decisions this year is price. Use comparison-shopping websites to find the cheapest prices, such as pricegrabber.com, nextag.com and bizrate.com. Use search engines to find coupon codes to get free shipping or a percentage off your total.

• Read sale ads carefully. Some ads may say "quantities limited," "no rain checks," or "not available at all stores." Before you step out the door, call to make sure the item you want is in stock.

• Consider your time and travel costs. If an item is on sale, but the store is across town, include your time and the costs of transportation and parking in the price.

• Look for price-matching policies. Some merchants will match, or even beat, a competitor's prices.

• Ask about sale adjustments. If you buy an item at regular price and it goes on sale the next week, can you get a credit or refund for the discounted amount?

• Know the full price, and check out incentives. If you're looking for the best deal, compare total costs, including shipping and handling. The holiday season is prime time for online retailers, and many are offering incentives like free shipping. However, some shipping deals may come with strings attached, such as requirements to spend a minimum amount or buy certain products. Consider whether one company offers a more generous return policy. If you use a price comparison site to find a bargain, enter the product's model number, and be as specific as you can about its features.

• Keep a detailed record of what you have bought and for whom. If you keep a tally of how much you have spent, you will be able to make sure you don't exceed your limits.

• Pay your credit cards on time to avoid late fees. High interest rates could catch you by surprise and make you go over budget.

• Put money away early. Start putting some money away as early as January. Investing in a high-yield savings or money market account will better prepare you to meet your budget goals for the holiday shopping season.

To learn about these and other consumer issues, visit the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department website at www.miamidade.gov/csd or call the Consumer Mediation Center at (305) 375-3677.

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