- Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
If you’re someone who likes to save money, you may have used a daily deal site such as Groupon or Living Social. With a strong presence in the U.S. and abroad, these websites are well-known for daily deals and deep discounts on services, clothing, products, trips and much more. However, while these killer deals can be alluring, it’s important to consider these tips before making a purchase:
- The fine print contains important information that is often overlooked. Make sure to read the “fine print” as it contains essential information about expiration dates, how many persons the deal is valid for, cancellation policies, and much more.
- If purchasing deals for spas, gyms, or restaurants, make sure to check for availability. In some instances, consumers purchase deals without checking for appointments and cannot use them because they are overbooked due to high order demands.
- Read the privacy statement. Know what information is gathered, how it is used, and who it is shared with. Some sites will sell or trade personal information with non-affiliated third-party companies for marketing purposes. If you’re not OK with that, see if you can opt out.
- Make sure to read the reviews about the service or product to see what others have said about it.
- Be cautious of false advertising. Don’t fall victim to misleading marketing claims, especially those regarding health and beauty products. Scammers may pose as a business to sell fraudulent products and services. Not everything is as great as it seems, so make sure to check for legitimacy of your purchases by doing some research.