St. Louis, Mo., November 20, 2007 - With the start of the holiday shopping season, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges consumers to avoid pitfalls that can dampen the enjoyment of the season.

          Whether shopping in stores or online, start by planning a budget for the complete holiday season, including gifts, with set amounts earmarked for each person on the list, is an excellent precaution against being carried away by holiday promotions and offers.  Be wary of exaggerated savings claims and be sure to shop around to compare prices.

          More and more retailers are pushing "deferred billing" or "0% financing" as a method to finance holiday purchases.  Purchases made under these terms should be considered with a post-holiday budget in mind to prevent overspending.

Tips For Online Shoppers:

• Make sure the online merchant uses anti-fraud technology to protect your payment card information.
• Shop only at Internet merchants you know and trust.  Don't do business with any retailer that does not provide its physical address and a contact telephone number for customers.  If in doubt, check with the BBB at www.stlouisbbb.org.
• Get all the details.  Know how much the product or service costs; if there are shipping and handling charges; the delivery time frame; if a warranty or guarantee is offered; the seller's privacy policy; and the retailer's cancellation and return policy.  Print out a copy of the order confirmation in case it is needed later.
• Beware of e-mails offering cut-rate prices on popular toys, software or other gifts; if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Do not click on the links within any unsolicited e-mail.  If an e-mail asks for personal information use caution.  Legitimate businesses do not send emailsclaiming problems with an order or an account to lure the buyer into revealing financial information.  Call the contact number on the Web site where the purchase was made to ask if there is a problem with the transaction. 

Tips for Shopping by Catalog and Shopping Networks:

Mail order catalogs and shopping networks can be a convenient alternative to crowded stores with long check-out lines, but shoppers should proceed with caution, and keep the following tips in mind:

• Do not rely on a photograph of a product, which may make the product look larger or of better quality than it actually is.  Instead, read the product's description.  Look for the same or a comparable item in a local merchant's store to help determine if there are potential savings.
• Be sure to complete all required information on the order form.  Incomplete or missing information may cause a delay in order fulfillment.
• Look for the company's return policy, and if it isn't stated, ask about it before placing an order.  Mail order items should always be paid by credit card, check, or money order, never by cash.
• As soon as the merchandise arrives, examine it thoroughly to be certain that the items ordered are in undamaged condition, and the order has been filled correctly.

 Exchanges and Refunds:

Returns after the holidays are a reality for many shoppers.  Advance planning can prevent headaches for a gift recipient.  Stores are not obligated to accept items for refund, exchange, or credit unless the item is defective or misrepresented.  Before purchasing a gift, determine the store's refund and exchange policy.

Some retailers allow a customer to exchange one item for another.  Some stores allow returns for most reasons and might allow a credit or refund.  Please note that refund policies often require that merchandise be returned within a specific period of time and in new condition.  Many stores also require a sales receipt or other proof of purchase at that store.

Holiday Toy Safety:

          Keep the age and abilities of the child in mind when buying toys.  Manufacturers often list age recommendations on the package, but use personal

judgment as well.  Inspect the toys carefully.  Remember that sharp edges may cut,

moving parts may pinch, and removable parts can be a choking hazard.  Ensure that toy chests have air holes, and all fabric products are flame-resistant.    Check for a UL (Underwriters Laboratory) seal on all electric toys.

          If purchasing a stuffed toy or doll, look for a label that states it is made of washable/hygienic materials.  Toys with cords or strings may be hazardous for infants or very young children because they create a strangling hazard.  Rattles and squeeze toys should be large enough to prevent swallowing and becoming lodged in an infant's throat.  Toys and electronic devices which produce loud noises can damage hearing.  Always remember siblings share toys so a toy for a six year old with small parts can find itself in the hands of a three-year-old.

          For information on a company call the BBB at (314) 645-3300 or visit  www.stlouisbbb.org.