As consumers shop for the perfect gift to celebrate mothers and how much they mean to us, we have some tips to help make buying that gift a little easier.
- Plan now to avoid a last-minute dilemma
It can take time to pick out the right gift for mum, and if you’ll be buying online you’ll need to take delivery timeframes into consideration. Check the seller’s estimated delivery schedule and allow a few extra days to make sure your gift arrives in time. Bear in mind that personalised gifts, where you choose your own design or wording to go on the item, can take a little longer than a standard product that’s ready to be dispatched.
It’s also a good idea to check reviews and ask for recommendations from family and friends, as some suppliers can be notoriously slow to deliver items to their customers.
- Make sure you’re dealing with the right supplier
Scammers often create fake websites that look like a legitimate retailer, and they post ads on social media linking to these fake sites. Check the URL is an exact match for the actual retailer you want to buy from, and that the address begins https (not just http). Also look for the closed padlock symbol.
Before you agree to buy, read the terms and conditions and take note of any additional fees or cancellation charges. Take a screenshot and save copies of documentation – e.g. receipts and confirmation emails. See more tips for shopping safely online.
- Understand your options if the gift isn’t quite right
If you’re worried that despite your best efforts your gift might still miss the mark, check the store’s refund or exchange policy before you buy. You don’t have an automatic right to a refund for change of mind purchases. Some businesses will exchange or refund for any reason, but they are providing more than the Australian Consumer Law requires.
If there’s a problem with the item, like it’s faulty or they sent the wrong item, you are entitled to a remedy. The remedy could be a refund, repair or having the goods replaced, depending on the nature of the problem. Read more about your consumer rights and guarantees.
- Check if the gift card will be suitable
Gift cards can be a popular item if there’s a particular store you know your mum really likes, or if you’d like mum to have a range of options in choosing her own gift. The terms and conditions that come with gift vouchers can vary across retailers, so check that the T’s and C’s for the specific gift card will suit mum so she can make good use of the card.
Most gift cards must have a minimum three-year expiry period. Encourage mum to put a reminder in her phone or calendar so she can use the gift card before it expires. Read more advice about gift cards.
