Black Friday is one of the most awaited dates by consumers, as you can find incredible deals on all kinds of products and services. However, it is also a time of risks, both for online and in-person purchases. That’s why, from our insurance agency in Florida, we want to give you some tips and tricks to help you take advantage of Black Friday without endangering your life, your money, or your belongings.
Don’t gamble on Black Friday, follow these tips to shop safely and save on Black Friday and learn how to avoid scams, thefts, and frauds.
Tips for shopping and saving in physical stores on Black Friday
If you prefer to shop in physical stores, you should keep in mind that Black Friday usually generates crowds, long lines, stress, and confusion. That’s why we recommend you follow these tips to select the store, before leaving home, to park, and to inside the store.
Tips to select the store
- Before going to a store, research if it has good reviews if it complies with the prevention measures against COVID-19, and if it offers guarantees and returns. It is very important to check the opinions and ratings of other customers about the products and stores that interest you to be able to shop safely and save on Black Friday. This way you can have a better idea of the quality, the service, and the satisfaction of the buyers. In addition, you can avoid falling into false or deceptive offers that only seek to attract your attention.
- Compare the prices and discounts of the different stores, and choose the one that suits you best. You can use applications or websites that help you find the best deals, such as DealNews or BlackFriday.com.
- Plan your route and the time of your visit, avoiding peak hours and the most crowded areas. Some stores offer reservations or appointments in advance to avoid crowds.
Tips before leaving home on Black Friday
- Make a list of what you want to buy and set a budget. This way, you will avoid impulsive purchases and excessive spending.
- Carry only what you need: your identification, your credit, or debit card, your cell phone, and some cash. Don’t carry valuables, jewelry, important documents, or large amounts of money. Remember to wear a mask and hand sanitizer.
- Check the condition of your vehicle, especially the tires, brakes, lights, and gas tank. Make sure you have an emergency kit, a cell phone charger, and a map or GPS.
- Keep in mind that the risk of being involved in a car accident is higher on this date. Therefore, take extra safety measures when driving, know what to do in case of a car accident, and don’t forget to check the status of your vehicle’s policy.
Tips for parking
- Choose a safe, well-lit, and close to the store entrance. Avoid dark alleys, abandoned parking lots, or those that have no surveillance.
- Close your vehicle well and activate the alarm. Don’t leave anything in sight that might attract the attention of thieves, such as bags, suitcases, gifts, electronics, or documents.
- Remember where you parked and take a picture or write down the number of the spot. Don’t lose sight of your vehicle and have the keys handy when you return.
Tips for safety inside the store
- Maintain social distancing, wear a mask and hand sanitizer. Avoid touching unnecessary surfaces and wash your hands frequently.
- Be respectful, patient, and courteous with other customers and store staff. Don’t get involved in arguments, fights, or pushes for a product.
- Check the quality, price, and conditions of the products you buy. Keep the receipts, invoices, and warranties. If you pay with a card, don’t lose sight of the terminal and verify the amount before signing.
Tips for shopping and saving online on Black Friday
If you choose to shop online, you should keep in mind that Black Friday attracts cybercriminals, who take advantage of it to commit fraud, data theft, or scams. That’s why we advise you to follow these tips to shop online safely.
- Shop only on well-known and reputable websites. Verify that the address starts with “https” and that it has a green lock in the browser bar. This indicates that the connection is secure and that your data is encrypted.
- Don’t give anyone your personal information, such as your social security number, your job title, or your place of birth. These data are not necessary to make an online purchase and can be used to impersonate your identity.
- Don’t connect to any public Wi-Fi network to make your purchases. These networks are very vulnerable and hackers can access them easily. Use a private network, such as your home, or a VPN (virtual private network).
- Check the movements of your credit or debit card. If you detect any suspicious charge, report it immediately to your bank. A safer option is to use a prepaid card, which only has the balance that you load.
- Read the privacy and return policy of the website. Make sure it is updated and that it includes the costs, deadlines, and requirements to return a product. Also, check that the website has a customer service and a physical address.
Final words
We hope that these tips and tricks will be useful for you to shop safely and save on Black Friday.
Remember that the most important thing is to take care of your health, your safety, and your economy. And if you need insurance that protects you from any eventuality, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are an insurance agency in Florida with more than 20 years of experience, and we offer you the best coverage and prices in the market.
Happy Black Friday!
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