Five tips for avoiding a Halloween shopping scare
By SANDRA GUY Business Reporter/sguy@suntimes.com October 10, 2011 6:22PM
Updated: November 16, 2011 12:39PM
Halloween shoppers may get a fright from a deal gone bad if they’re not careful when buying costumes at pop-up stores, Consumer Reports warned Monday.
Like Dracula risen from the grave, pop-up stores that open just to sell Halloween goods may send shoppers into a trance of rushing to take advantage of the store’s short time window. Here’s how to avoid a scary sale, Consumer Reports advises:
†Don’t get spooked. Though Halloween is coming soon, take time to comparison shop online or at a local retailer before buying a costume just because it is there for a short time.
†Don’t be impaled by a return policy. Ask about the store’s return policy. What types of merchandise does it take back, and how does it take something back after the store closes? Don’t let your bones get rattled if you have to go to a website to find the answers.
†Review merchandise with superhero vision. If you’re looking to spend $70 on a fog machine or $700 for a Darth Vader costume, inspect the products carefully.
†Look into the future. Use credit cards to pay for goods, since you can dispute a charge if you don’t get what you paid for.
†Haunt clearance sales. Wait until Nov. 1 to snag the inflatable tarantula you’ve had your eye on — at 50 percent off.
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