Shoppers by the thousands take to the malls during Memorial Day sales.
The Better Business Bureau has some tips for spending wisely and making sure that good deal….really is a good deal.
TRIPLE-A expects shoppers to spend an average of $659 each this weekend. The Better Business Bureau sometimes gets complaints about deals that seem too good to be true, so they created an advertising guide with basic standards that sellers should adhere to.
The word "sale" should only be used if there is a significant price reduction for the merchandise offered – and for a limited period of time. Sale merchandise should be taken off "sale" and priced regularly immediately after the sale time period.
Advertisers often use words like “regularly” or “originally.” If the business uses the word “originally,” the original price should be the most recent price before the sale.
Watch out for ads that say “save up to” a certain amount. Businesses must clearly state the range of savings without focusing on the maximum. They should also have a good amount of items available at the discounted price.
It’s difficult for sellers to compare their lowest price with all competitors. If advertisers claim they have the lowest price they should have evidence to verify their claims.
The word “free” may be used in advertising only when the business is offering an unconditional gift. The advertiser must clearly disclose this condition with the "free" offer.
The stores should be crowded with out-of-town visitors as well. AAA says Almost half the travelers on the road will be shopping.
