The average American plans to spend $ 998 during the winter season, according to the National Retail Federation . This means that it will be a hectic time for both online and brick and mortar retailers.
But all that life and movement can create opportunities for real grinches. This time of year, thieves, pickpockets and porch pirates are on the hunt to loot your packages. But you can outsmart them! This is how you stay aware – and keep your holiday trip safe.
& # 39; Tis the Season for (Safe) Holiday Shopping
Although many of us plan to turn to online shopping this year, you may still decide to take a quick trip to the mall or your favorite stores. Keep these quick safety tips in mind when traveling.
- Reselampa. Leave your purse at home if you can, and only bring keys, telephone and cash or credit cards (and keep them in a front pocket to protect against pockets in the crowd).
- Was a picky parker. Shopping in daylight is probably safer, especially when passing through the parking lot with bags filled with gifts. But night shopping, especially with the season's shorter daylight hours and hectic work schedules, is a necessity for many. Park your car in a well-lit area as close to the entrance as possible. If your car is broken into, here's what to do next.
- Stay aware and go with a purpose. No matter how stressed or rushed you feel, take a breath and pay attention to your surroundings. Before you go out to your car, have your keys ready. Then you do not need to set your purse or your packages to fumble for them. If you feel unsafe when walking alone in the car parks, ask a security guard to escort you.
- Drive with caution. Whether you walk in or out of cramped parking lots or ramps, cars can pull out suddenly and people can look out of nowhere. Slow down and minimize interference in the car to give your driving your full attention. This is a way you can avoid a splash guard in a parking lot.
- Keep gifts out of sight. It's best to go straight home after your shopping trip, but it's not always practical. If you have more errands on your list, be aware of where you store your gifts in your vehicle. If possible, clean the luggage compartment and do not leave gifts or bags with valuables on the front seat.
Send your holiday packages with care
When you send gifts, it is easy to send your packages and leave. However, a lot can happen after a package leaves your hands. Here are some tips to keep in mind before sending your holiday gifts and packages:
- Schedule accordingly. Remember that this is the season for parcel deliveries ̵1; and parcel thefts. Before sending, consider your recipient's lifestyle and schedule. You really do not want your gifts to sit unattended for hours or days. Before filling in the package, give the recipient a try about their special delivery and get OK to send it to its place.
- Pack carefully. Bubble wrap is always the reliable way to keep almost everything in one piece. To prevent smaller gifts from being overlooked in the drawer, tape all the gifts together. Before sealing the transport box with tape, close the lid and shake the box. If things move too much, add more cracked newspaper or packaging pellets.
- Have a backup plan. Things can happen during transport. Just to be safe, put an extra address label inside the box. If the outer label becomes wet, torn or otherwise illegible, this will provide postal workers or shipping services with a backup so they can get your box to the right place.
- Get insured. Look at what your carrier offers for insurance coverage. Just remember that many packages are already covered, as long as they are valued at a certain dollar amount. Check with your carrier and consider purchasing additional shipping coverage if needed. Read the fine print, take pictures of the objects and hang on receipts until the package is delivered safely.
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