CHICAGO,IL – May 8, 2012 – It’s almost Mother’s Day and whether ordering flowers,shopping for jewelry, or arranging a special spa day for your mother, be asmart consumer. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northernIllinois (BBB) warns consumers to proceed with caution before falling victim toMother’s Day vendor rip-offs, especially when shopping online.
“Consumers must take extra precautions when placing ordersonline,” said Steve J Bernas, president & CEO of the BBB serving Chicago and northern Illinois. “While some people are extremelyhappy with their online purchases, others find themselves disappointed whentheir orders don’t arrive on time, or don’t arrive at all.”
Whenfinalizing gifts and shopping online, the BBB recommends adhering to thefollowing:
- Do your homework. Check out the company’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org before ordering flowers, jewelry or any other gifts for Mother’s Day. This is a great way to help prevent disappointment with the product or customer service.
- Protect your personal information. Take time to read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. When placing an order, there is certain information that you must provide to the web merchant such as your name and address. Often, a merchant will try to obtain more information about you for marketing purposes, which can lead to “spam” or other solicitations. Providing your Social Security number is also not a requirement for placing an order. Giving out your Social Security number could lead to having your identity stolen.
- Allow time for shipping and delivery. Check with the retailer or website to be certain you have allowed enough time for delivery. Make sure this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order. If you order ahead of time, delivery and other charges will cost less than last-minute or overnight shipping
- Have a back-up plan. Make sure you understand the store's guarantee. Find out how customer complaints are handled and what recourse you will have if the arrangement is not satisfactory. It’s best to use a credit card when ordering online, because you can dispute charges if the vendor doesn’t come through. Charges made on a debit card are the same as cash and you have no recourse through your bank if there is a problem.
- Make sure the business has your information. When it comes to delivery, there are times when delivery instructions need to be confirmed or a delivery driver needs additional directions. Making sure the retailer has a call-back phone number to help them make sure your mom gets your gift.
For more shoppingtips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.
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As a private, non-profitorganization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote anethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means ofconciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims,online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop andissue reports on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encouragepeople to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.
