This release was issued under a previous government.

Protect yourself from consumer woes this holiday season

According to BMO Capital Markets’ annual holiday shopping report, the average Albertan expects to spend about $1,947 during this year’s holiday season. That’s nearly 30 per cent more than the Canadian average of $1,518.

Online shopping

Online shopping has become a popular option for consumers, particularly at this time of year. Before you buy online, it’s important to read the site’s terms and conditions. By accepting the terms, you are entering into a contract with the site’s owner.

Before making a purchase online, read these tips about the Internet Sales Contract Regulation – part of Alberta’s Fair Trading Act. Sellers must provide business and transaction details, including:

  • The business name, address and telephone number;
  • A description of the goods or services;
  • An itemized list of the price of goods/services and any other consumer costs, including taxes and shipping charges; and
  • A description of any other charges, such as customs duties, that cannot reasonably be determined in advance.

Before providing credit card or other financial information, make sure the merchant has a secure transaction system. Look for a website address that starts with “https://” or has a secure site icon – that often looks like a lock or an unbroken key.

Gift cards

Gift cards will also make up a substantial portion of seasonal spending. Service Alberta’s tipsheet on the Fair Trading Act’s Gift Card Regulation provides timely information. For instance, gift cards purchased in Alberta must not have an expiry date and may not impose fees that lower a card’s value over time.

The regulation applies to gift cards, gift certificates, electronic cards or vouchers with a specific dollar value. Cards that allow consumers to increase the value of the card by “reloading it” are also included.

The regulation does not apply to gift cards where there is a direct agreement between the consumer and the financial institution, such as a bank or a treasury branch that actually issues the card. Such cards may be subject to an expiry date or service fees that could deplete the value of the card over time.

Consumers should be aware these types of cards exist and ask questions about fees or expiry dates before deciding to buy the card.

The more information you have, the less likely a consumer problem will affect your Yuletide cheer.