Here's How Many Holiday Shoppers Run Into Shopping Headaches and How You Can Prevent Them

if you play your cards right, your holiday shopping will go off without a hitch and leave you without the headaches many shoppers get

The holiday shopping season is now just a few weeks away from reaching full swing, and early sales have already started across North Carolina and online. While deals are tempting, rushing into purchases can lead to overspending, scams, and headaches that stretch into the new year. This year’s shopping season is starting earlier than ever, with many Black Friday-level promotions already live in early November. Planning ahead now can help you avoid the pitfalls that catch many holiday shoppers off guard.

Set a budget

Impulse purchases often cause consumers to overspend and can even lead them to start the New Year in debt. Establish a budget for holiday purchases and then stick to it to avoid these problems. Consider using prepaid cards or dedicated shopping accounts to help keep spending in check.

make sure the deal isn't a steal (from you)

Retailers often advertise deep discounts on popular items to draw shoppers in for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. To make sure you are truly getting a bargain, research the items and their prices before you shop. Check price history tools and apps to confirm whether the advertised deal is genuine. If the product you want sells out, compare similar items carefully to avoid paying inflated prices for a substitute.

Be careful when signing up for credit

Many major retailers offer a one-time discount for signing up for a store credit card during checkout. Before applying, review all the terms, especially interest rates and whether there’s a deferred interest clause. Deferred interest can lead to paying high rates on the full purchase if you miss the payoff deadline by even one day. Read the fine print before you sign up.

Give wisely to charities

The holiday season is a popular time for giving, but scams often spike in November and December. Research any charity before donating, using resources such as the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance or the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division. Avoid high-pressure solicitations, and be cautious of text messages, emails, or phone calls requesting personal or payment information.

buy from stores you know

Shopping at stores you are already familiar with increases your chances of easy returns or exchanges if something goes wrong. Established retailers are more likely to honor their posted return policies.

Be careful online

Stick to reputable websites with secure checkout processes, look for “https” in the URL and a lock icon in the browser bar. Verify the seller’s address and phone number before ordering. Be wary of “too good to be true” deals from unfamiliar sites, and avoid clicking on unsolicited links in emails or social media posts. If buying from an online marketplace, review seller ratings and buyer feedback carefully.

Check store policies

Return policies vary widely and are not required by law. Check them before you buy. Some retailers only offer store credit, impose restocking fees, or shorten return windows during holiday sales. Keep all receipts, and for online purchases, save order confirmations and shipping records. If you need to return a mail-order gift, expect to pay return shipping unless otherwise stated.

Pay with credit card

Credit cards often provide better protection than cash or debit cards if there is a problem. If the retailer goes out of business, if an order never arrives, or if an item is not as advertised, your credit card company may help you recover your funds. Promptly report lost or stolen cards to limit your liability.

Gift Cards and certificates

Before buying, confirm the business is stable enough to honor the card for at least the next year. Under North Carolina law, retailers cannot charge maintenance fees within the first year and must clearly disclose any fees after that. If the business closes, you may have limited recourse unless you paid for the card with a credit card and can dispute the charge.

Criminals and crooks don't take a holiday

Be aware of your surroundings when shopping in public. Keep wallets, purses, and credit cards secure, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Ignore unsolicited requests for personal or financial information, whether by phone, text, or email. When meeting a stranger to exchange an item purchased through an online marketplace, choose a well-lit public location or a designated safe-exchange spot, such as a police department parking lot.