THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2023 Page 15 BBB Tip: Back to school shopping for tech supplies T echnology has become a permanent fixture of the education experience. After the crash course in educational technology that was the 2020 school year, teachers and students are increasingly confi dent in using technology for learning. Though its role in the classroom will continue to evolve, a precedent has been set – technology is now a critical component of education. Market research firm Deloitte details how educational shifts influence consumer shopping habits: “Digital learning tools are replacing traditional school supplies, driving tech sales up 37% YoY.” Data shows that consumers are planning to make more technology purchases and use digital technology to make those purchases. Deloitte research indicates that PET | FROM Page 10 nings to spend with your dog, whether it’s snuggling on the couch or engaging in obedience or agility training together. 10. Seek veterinary help. If your dog continues to struggle with anxiety, consult your veterinarian for guidance. In some cases, behavior modification training and medication might be necessary. “When you’re away and the dog chews household items or has unexplained accidents in the home, it may be a sign of boredom. Do not blame your dog for these behaviors,” said Dr. Cairns. “Keeping them physically active and stimulated each day will often solve the problem.” More enrichment ideas to stimulate your dog’s mind and body are available on Thrive Pet Healthcare’s website, https:// www.thrivepetcare.com/thriveguide/dog-enrichment-games. To locate a Thrive Pet Healthcare location near you, including primary, specialty, urgent and emergency veterinary care services, visit www.ThrivePetCare.com. About Thrive Pet Healthcare: This leading veterinary service network uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-fi rst membership program and over 350 providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare off ers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit www. thrivepetcare.com. nearly half of consumers want to shop online for technology purchases. Consumers say quality and price are the top two factors driving their purchase decisions. However, shortages of essential supplies like computer chips might limit the options available to shoppers. These trends put consumers in a risky position – needing products but can’t fi nd them from trustworthy sellers. In times like these, scams are increasingly likely. As families begin to invest in reliable technology, the Better Business Bureau® (BBB) advises shoppers to beware of scammers who could spoil their hopes for academic success. Scammers might target shoppers with phony deals, enticing ads and attractive but fake websites. Savvy online shopping is necessary to ensure you don’t fall prey to a scam. BBB offers these tips for buying tech products ahead of the new school year: • Shop with familiar retailers. Laptops, tablets or other tech accessories can be a signifi cant investment. Shop with businesses you know and trust to ensure you get a quality product and good customer service. • Don’t buy from impostors. Fraudsters might use the name, logo and other characteristics of trusted brands. Closely examine the website to verify they are who they are. • Approach low prices with caution. Low prices and shortterm sales could signal you’ve encountered a scam. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. • Some companies rarely offer sales. Do more research if a company that rarely discounts products off ers a huge sale. The products might be used or refurbished, or it could be a fake website. • Know what you’re shopping for. Set a budget, identify what capabilities will benefit your student and compare your options. Then, shop around for a reliable seller. Researching the best product for your needs will help you avoid scams and buyer’s remorse. • Ensure you know who the seller is. Some big box retailers allow third-party sellers to list items on their sites, and those items can be hard to distinguish from the rest. Read all the fi ne print to ensure you’re comfortable with the seller. • Finish your shopping early. Supply shortages are possible, especially as many consumers begin shopping for the same products. Do your shopping now to avoid paying higher prices or falling victim to a scam. For more info: Learn more about avoiding scams online at BBB Tip: Smart Shopping Online at https:// www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/14040-bbb-tip-smartshopping-online Get your school year off to a strong start with BBB’s Back-toSchool Shopping Tips at https:// www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/22811-bbb-tip-back-toschool Visit BBB’s Back to School HQ at https://www.bbb.org/all/backto-school for more resources. Report scams at BBB.org/ ScamTracker
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