Thinking back to my biggest shopping mistake would have to be admitting that I’m not very good at shopping for cars. I don’t do the research and I am terrible at negotiating a fair price. I hate buying a car and just want to get the process over with as soon as possible. So my biggest shopping mistake was buying a car without going on-line, finding the best price, and then making the dealer I want to work with give me the best price. You can save thousands of dollars by being prepared. I’ve seen my parents do it so I know I can do it.

Next time I go buy a car look out because I’m an on-line informed shopper. My other shopping mistake was overspending. Yep I’m guilty of that too. Sigh!

I’m working with American Express Membership Rewards again to share some Savvy On-line shopping tips with you guys so you make smart purchases all the time.

How Can You Be A Savvy Shopper?

Do Your Research. You should always be in the know before you make a purchase. There are so many tools on-line to find the best price. Before buying a car you can find out how much the dealership paid for it, then you should only pay 100 to 500 more than what they paid for it. Use Consumer Reports for product information and about how much it should cost. Is it worth your money to buy. Know before you buy. While we’re thinking about cars did you know that American Express covers roadside assistance? Cardmembers can use Roadside Assistance if their car dies or blows a tire and they’re stranded.  They will be covered for up to four times a year, up to $50 per service call.

Think Before You Buy. It’s very important when you’re making a purchase over 250.00 to think about it first. Make sure you need it and that you won’t regret it. Sometimes sleeping on it is much better than in impulse buy that you are going to regret.

Understand return policies. As I mentioned I’m guilty of overspending on occasion and often have buyers remorse. I’ve taken a thing or two back to the store, but you have to know before hand that the store will take things back. Also, make sure items come with a warranty so that if you get a dud and you opened the box you can still take it back. American Express Return Protection can be used when a Cardmember no longer wants an item they purchased but the merchant’s return policy has expired and they will no longer take the item back. Return Protection refunds the full purchase price of an item up to $300, excluding shipping and handling of eligible items bought with the Card for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. The maximum annual refund is $1,000 annually per Card account.

Know who you are buying from. No I’m not saying you have to personally know everyone that you buy something from. You need to make sure that people you buy from are verified sellers, or trusted retailers. Also, it’s important to understand how your credit card will protect you when you purchase something on-line from an untrusted vendor. American Express Purchase Protection can protect eligible purchases made with the Card against accidental damage and theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase.  This service can be used when something a Cardmember buys is broken or stolen. With Purchase Protection, American Express will repair, replace, or reimburse up to the amount charged to the Card, not to exceed the original purchase price.  Coverage is up to $1,000 per Occurrence, up to $50,000 per Cardmember Account per Calendar Year.

When using credit make sure you’re earning points like the American Express Membership Rewards. We are always using points when we use our cards and it’s fun to redeem the points for things we need or want for Christmas. You can easily earn points on everyday items like gas, groceries, phone bills and redeem them for practical items like paying your taxes OR social efforts like donations to charities OR for the things you love – like extraordinary shopping to entertainment to travel rewards – it’s a world of possibilities and the choice is yours! There are six major points when it comes to using your American Express Membership Rewards:

Points Don’t Expire
Rewards at a Few Points
Travel Your Way
Find Great Deals
More Choices to Use Points
Redeeming is Easy

Visit American Express To learn even more about American Express Membership Rewards.

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