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BBB warns "beware of Memorial Day sale ads"

Posted at 1:20 PM, May 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-22 14:20:02-04

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Memorial Day is a great excuse to get away and enjoy time with friends and family. For some, it's a good reason to shop as well due to sales being offered on electronics, cars and more. Before you sign on the dotted line though, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) says you should be aware of "misleading ads."

In a new release from the BBB, they recommend the following tips to avoid being mislead:

Read the fine print. Is the retailer offering you a discounted price on the latest model or are they trying to sell off the older version? This could be especially helpful for consumers looking to purchase tablets or other popular electronics.

What is the percentage off of? A retailer may be advertising 50% off, but are they applying the discount to the regular price of the item or a marked up price that matches what the regular price normally is once the discount is applied?

Lowest price! Is the price advertised available to everyone or only those with good credit? This could be especially helpful for consumers looking to purchase new or used cars. Even though you saw a low price advertised, you may not qualify for that offer.

Is it a limited time offer? Is this truly the only time of year this retailer will run this sale or will you be able to get the same price in the future?

Do you know the difference between a Guarantee and a. Warranty? Guarantees and warranties cover different things for a different amount of time. Does a "lifetime warranty" mean your lifetime or the lifetime of the product? Does "satisfaction guaranteed" mean you can return it used for a full refund? Make sure the retailer offers you full details on any deal they are offering you.