Festive season sale: Avoid these 10 sale traps before you hit 'buy now'

Always read the terms and conditions of the sale. Look out for hidden charges, return policies, and warranties that might affect your purchase (Image: Canva)

You open your phone, and there it is, the festive sale you’ve been waiting for. Flashy banners, big discounts, and suddenly, everything seems like a must-buy. That dress? Those shoes? Add to cart. Before you know it, you’re ready to check out with a full cart, the excitement hard to resist.

But wait, shopping in a sale is tempting, and it’s easy to go overboard. Once the thrill fades, you might regret those impulse buys or face a hefty bill. So, enjoy the sale, but shop wisely to avoid any regrets later!

Here are 10 things to watch out for:

Check for authenticity: First things first, always verify that the website or seller is legitimate. Look for reviews, check their social media presence, and ensure the site has proper security features.

Also read | Festive shopping: 7 tips to make the best of 'handsome' offers

Read the *conditions apply: Always read the terms and conditions of the sale. Look out for hidden charges, return policies, and warranties that might affect your purchase.

Compare prices: Don’t be fooled by “discounts” that aren’t real. Compare prices across different platforms to ensure you’re getting a genuine deal.

Be cautious with personal information: Ensure the site uses secure encryption methods to protect your personal and payment information. Look for “https” in the URL and avoid sharing sensitive details unnecessarily.

Beware of flashy ads: Ads promoting extremely low prices might be scams. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research before making a purchase.

Also read | Premium smartphones to drive sales as brands gear up for deep discounts this festive season

Check reviews: Look at customer reviews and ratings for the products you’re interested in. This can give you an idea of the product quality and reliability of the seller.

Return policies: Ensure you’re aware of the return and exchange policies. Some sales might have stricter return policies or no returns at all.

Bank statements: Keep an eye on your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions or discrepancies after making purchases.

Avoid impulse buying: Stick to your shopping list and avoid purchasing items just because they’re on sale. Impulse buying can lead to unnecessary spending.

Shipping cost: Sometimes, the discounts aren't as great as they seem once you factor in shipping. For example, a dress might be 40% off, dropping the price from ₹1,000 to ₹600, but if shipping costs ₹300, your total comes to ₹900. That’s not much of a deal after all. Always calculate the total cost, including shipping, to see if the offer is truly worth it.