Better Business Bureau offers Black Friday tips

Black Friday is often thought of as the start to the holiday shopping season. The Better Business Bureau is reminding consumers to think of your budget before shopping.

Also, learn the store’s return policy and warranty information before buying.

Ask about shipping costs if an item needs to be shipped and make sure you keep your receipts.

“Another thing that we’ve started to see is gift cards being hacked,” said Jeremy Johnson, the Eastern Idaho marketplace manager for the Better Business Bureau. “People are getting those numbers and those PINs. You may buy a gift card and it may not work or it is empty. If you are purchasing a gift card for someone, you want to make sure that gift card isn’t tampered (with) and there is not a PIN number visible that somebody could have glanced at and got that information.”

The Better Business Bureau also advises you to do your research before the shopping season starts. Some stores only honor sale ads during a certain time frame, or on certain days.