NASHVILLE, Tenn. (OSBORNE) -- If you have big holiday shopping plans for Black Friday or Cyber Monday, the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs is offering some shop-smart tips.
While it may go against the grain, Consumer Affairs recommends you not remove price tags. Black out the price, but leave the barcode and other information visible.
The state’s Claire Marsalis also suggests you make sure you have a handle on the return policy for each item you buy.
“Items that are either on final sale or non-returnable, something that’s on clearance...especially for things like custom orders or electronics and large appliances.”
Of course, also remember to hang on to those receipts, make sure you know if you’re entitled to cash back or in-store credit, and check those return dates.
“Just be sure to mark your calendar so you don’t miss that date if it’s an item that you’re just not sure of. Make sure you know when the final day is that you can return that.”
If you do need to return an item and you feel the store just isn’t honoring its return policy, Marsalis says the state may be able to help.
“You can file a complaint by using our website, which is www.tn.gov/consumer.”
Remember that you can also file a complaint with the local office of the Better Business Bureau.