The Florida Sales Tax Holiday for 2012 will be held Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5, and the Better Business Bureau of Northwest Florida is offering some suggestions for consumers.

Florida's Tax Free Weekend applies to books, clothing and footwear priced at $75 or less per item, and school supplies priced at $15 or less per item.

Plan ahead.  Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Make a list of the items you need to purchase to avoid buying on impulse.

Compare prices and shop carefully.  Tax holiday "sales" and promotions may not always be the bargains they appear to be.

Talk to the retailer.  Before making a purchase, ask the merchant how refunds and exchanges are handled after the sales tax holiday has ended.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times when shopping.  Never leave your wallet, credit card or purse on a counter.  Do not get overloaded with packages.  Shop with a companion or ask for a security escort to your car.  Don’t leave bags or packages within plain sight in your vehicle and always lock your doors.

Shop at retailers you know to be reliable.  Always check with your BBB for a Business Review on the business.  In June 2012 alone, your BBB|Northwest Florida provided over 31,000 Business Reviews for consumers checking out a business’ marketplace record, including length of time in business, number of complaints and how they were resolved, licensing, bonding, insurance or registration that may be required for the business’ industry, and whether any government action had been filed against the business.

BBB|Northwest Florida also provided over 17,000 lists of BBB Accredited Businesses in specific industries last month.  BBB Accredited Businesses meet and contractually agree to abide by BBB’s Standards for Trust.

For additional information and advice you can trust, start with bbb.org.

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