BBB: Shop safe this holiday season

Thanksgiving weekend always kicks off the holiday shopping season. Better Business Bureau's Emily Valla shares her safety tips so you can shop happy all winter long.

Black Friday

• Price compare. Most retailers provide their deals well in advance. Read the fine print and know exactly what the deal includes. 
• Before impulse buying, make sure you know what you need. And, make sure you know the return policy. There may be restocking fees, especially for electronics that have been opened.

Small Business Saturday

• Get involved! Shopping with small businesses supports them, and is one way to help grow local business. Sign-up for email alerts. Many stores have Small Business Saturday specials just for people who have signed up to receive their emails.
• Check social media. Many small businesses will advertise their SBS sales via social media, so be sure to check your favorite small businesses on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Use #ShopSmall to search for information or to share plans with your friends.
• Invite your friends and family. Visit your favorite local stores, try some new ones, get a head start on the holidays and enjoy time with loved ones.

Cyber Monday

• If you’re shopping online, before sending any personal, sensitive information, such as your credit card, make sure you are on the real company website. Double check the address bar, and look to see if the website has “https://” at the beginning of its web address. This indicates that the website is more secure, which makes it safer to enter credit card or other personal information. Pay by credit card whenever possible.

For more information visit www.bbb.org .