Keep mom in a good mood this Mother’s Day, shop wisely
Follow these BBB tips for successful Mother’s Day shopping
AUSTIN, Texas - May 10, 2012 – Mother’s Day is on Sunday, and whether you are ordering flowers, shopping for custom jewelry, or arranging a special spa day, Better Business Bureau wants you to be a smart consumer.
According to a survey conducted on behalf of the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend an average of $152.52 on Mother's Day gifts, up about 8 percent from last year. Flowers and dining are the more popular ways to celebrate, with two-thirds of consumers buying flowers, and more than half going out to dinner or brunch.
In 2011, more than 96,000 consumers searched for trustworthy florists on www.bbb.org. Be sure to look for the BBB Accredited Business seal when shopping online. All online seals should directly link to the company’s BBB Business Review.
When finalizing gifts or shopping online, BBB recommends adhering to the following:
· Do your homework. Before making a dinner reservation, ordering flowers, jewelry or any other gifts for Mother’s Day, check out the company’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org.
· Confirm shipping and delivery. If having a gift shipped or delivered check with the retailer or on the website to be certain you have allowed enough time for delivery. Make sure the date is clearly specified and guaranteed.
· Pay with a credit card. It is best to use a credit card when shopping online, because under federal law the shopper can dispute the charges if he or she doesn’t receive the item.
· Make sure the business has your contact information. There are times when delivery instructions or dinner reservations need to be confirmed or a delivery driver needs additional directions. Make sure the company you are working with has a call-back phone number for you in case he or she needs to reach you.
To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.
About Better Business Bureau:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.
Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.
Contact BBB serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin at (512) 445-4748.
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