Christmas Shopping 2006

Shopping from Home

Consider shopping by catalog or online. Many folks find that catalog or online shopping helps them stick to a budget because they're not seduced by the myriad choices available in stores. Shopping from home often saves time, gas, and your energy. However, shipping charges will need to be included in your budget.

Verify the delivery date. When you place an order, the vendor usually tells you when to expect delivery. Sellers are required to ship items as promised or within 30 days after the order date, when no specific date is promised. If the seller can't ship the goods within the promised or 30-day deadline, the seller must notify you, give you a chance to cancel your order and provide a full refund if you've chosen to cancel. The seller also has the option of canceling your order and refunding your money. It's also a good idea to plan for a couple extra days in delivery time during the holidays - even the best retailers can fall behind. Nothing's worse than giving someone an IOU because your gift is backordered.

Stay tuned for information on the steps you can take if you need information on problems with returns or your credit.