BBB Offers Tips for Mother's Day Shopping

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 8th, which means last-minute shoppers will be looking for deals on gifts this week. Whether sending flowers, purchasing jewelry, or visiting a spa, BBB Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT (BBB) advises consumers to pause before they check out.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts consumers will spend an estimated $21.4 billion on Mother’s Day gifts this year. According to the survey, 35% of consumers will purchase jewelry, 67% will send flowers, and 22% will pay for a day at the spa.

"When buying gifts for Mother's Day, be sure to check out the business before making a purchase," said Paula Fleming, vice president of the local BBB. "Check with BBB for information on florists, jewelers, and many other shops before you end up with poor quality merchandise, wilting or dead flowers, or no gift at all."

BBB offers the following tips for last minute Mother's Day gifts:

Flowers. It's important to choose wisely and find a florist you can trust with your order. Complaints filed with BBB regarding florists included poor-quality flowers, late deliveries or not delivered at all. Also, it is not uncommon for local flower shops to be affiliated with third-party entities. BBB advises consumers to confirm that the business they are placing their order with is in fact affiliated with that online source.

If you’re sending flowers to another city, it’s best to check online for a florist in that area. Check out the florist's BBB Business Review at bbb.org and then place the order directly with that shop. Make sure you have enough time for delivery, ask about all fees associated with your order, and make sure the date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order.

Gift Certificates. The NRF predicts 43% of consumers will purchase gift certificates. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of any gift card or certificate before buying. If you're giving a gift card to someone who will make online purchases, check to see that the gift card is redeemable for online, and not just for in-store use.

Jewelry. If you will be purchasing jewelry with the other 35% of shoppers, be sure to request a receipt for the piece, ask about the business’s refund and exchange policy, and make sure to leave enough time for shipping and delivery, if applicable.

Spas. If you’re treating your mother to a day of relaxation at the spa, be sure to check out reputable spas and salons with BBB’s Accredited Business Directory. BBB suggests visiting the spa in person to make sure it’s well-maintained and offers the services you’re looking for.

Electronics. This year, 13% of consumers will purchase electronics. Whether you plan to buy mom a new phone, tablet or other device, make sure you leave it in the original packaging. Many retailers require the original packaging in order to process returns or exchanges.

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ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses and brands they can trust. In 2015, people turned to BBB more than 172 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 5.3 million businesses, all available for free at bbb.org.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as home to its national and international programs on dispute resolution, advertising review, and industry self-regulation. BBB Serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont was founded in 1920.