ACCC explains five mistakes consumers need to avoid when online shopping
Boston, MA – November 19, 2018
Although online shopping can make life more convenient for consumers, it can also make it easier to overspend or fall victim to scams. To help ensure that the easy click of a button doesn’t cost consumers, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) explains five key mistakes consumers need to avoid while online shopping.
“Although online shopping is a convenient way to get shopping done, it is important to shop smart to ensure you’re not racking up too much debt,” said Steve Trumble, President, and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling. “Websites are designed to entice the buyer, so it is crucial that consumers approach online shopping with a plan that they can stick to.”
According to SmallBusiness.com, 43 percent of Americans say they shop online regularly. Invesp found that global online retail sales are expected to reach 8.8 percent of total spending in 2018, an increase from 7.4 percent in 2016. The study also found that almost 25 percent of online shoppers shop at least once per week.
ACCC explains five mistakes to avoid while online shopping.
- Budget – Without a budget, consumers are more likely to overspend. Consumers should figure out what they can afford so they don’t go into debt, especially over the holidays.
- Saving credit card information – Although saving credit card information on a website seems like a great shortcut, it puts consumers at higher risk of being hacked.
- Not checking for discounts – Most companies will send discount codes via email, so be sure to keep an eye out to save. Don’t use these discounts as an excuse to impulse buy more than what you need or can afford.
- Check different websites – Don’t stick to one website when making a purchase. The online market is competitive, so it is best to check other sites to make sure you are getting the best deal.
- Not reviewing your information – Consumers need to check all the information, such as address, quantity, color, etc., before placing their order. Although these things can most often be fixed, it will delay the delivery.
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling and student loan counseling, call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling, call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- Or visit us online at https://www.consumercredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit credit counseling 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial management through credit counseling, debt counseling, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling and financial education. Each month, ACCC invites consumers to participate in a poll focused on personal finance issues. The results are conveyed in the form of infographics that act as tools to educate the community on everyday consumer debt issues and problems. By learning more about financial management topics such as credit and debt management, consumers are empowered to make the best possible financial decisions to reach debt relief. As one of the nation’s leading providers of personal finance education and credit counseling services, ACCC’s certified credit advisors work with consumers to help determine the best possible debt solutions for them. ACCC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®). To participate in this month’s poll, visit ConsumerCredit.com and for more financial management resources visit https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-help/.
