Last Updated on September 25, 2022
While taking a trip to a foreign country can be an exciting experience, it can also be a bit daunting if you’re not sure what to expect. One thing that you’ll definitely want to do while you’re abroad is to pick up some souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones back home.
If you’re looking for something unique and memorable, why not consider purchasing some jewelry? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for jewelry while vacationing abroad.
Look the Dealer Up
When you find a dealer you want to purchase from, you must find out if the dealer is legit or not. Your first search should be online; check if they have any social media accounts and a website. Look at what people say about them and their experiences after buying something from them.
This may take a few minutes. However, it is much better than buying something from them, and then you end up with something that fades, or they fail to even ship it. It is a red flag if they do not have a website or any social media pages.
It’s important to remember that not all countries have the same standards when it comes to quality control. In some cases, the jewelry you purchase while abroad may not be as high-quality as what you would find at home. However, this doesn’t mean that you should automatically rule out purchasing jewelry while on vacation. Just be sure to do your research beforehand so that you know what to expect in terms of quality.
Read the Return Policy
Keeping in mind that you do not live in that country, you should make a point to read the return policy of the store you get your jewelry from. Remember that the return policy of one store may be different from that of another, so you should ask about it from every store or dealer you purchase.
When reading the return policy, you should focus on the following information:
- A specific time frame for returns, when shipping is free and when shipping is not free.
- The condition in which the item should be in for the dealer to accept it
- The information you will need for them to accept the item when you return it, such as the authorization number and purchase receipt.
- The compensation plan of the store, in most cases, is in-store credit or a cash refund.
The return policy is long, and it may contain a lot of information that is unnecessary, however, when you look at the major points, you will know what is required, and you’ll know how it will affect you. If you agree with the policy, go ahead and make a purchase.
Ask for a Discount
In many countries, bargaining is appropriate; however, you should know how it is done. This will ensure that you do not do it in an offensive or disrespectful way. You do not want to offend someone especially if you are traveling alone; you do not know how the seller will react.
Do not suggest outrageously low prices after you have spent a long time looking at the items. If you buy a lot of items, it will put you in a good position to negotiate for a discount. If they do not agree to give you a discount, you should accept the decision gracefully.
Be Sensible
While one of the reasons you may be purchasing jewelry abroad is because of the low prices, there is no way certain products will go below a certain price. For instance, unique handcrafted Sapphire earrings may not go below a set price.
Always remember that what you pay for is what you get. If the price was a lot higher, then you can be assured that it is legit. This is why you must stick to shops that are well known and have a reputation to uphold.
When buying jewelry while on vacation, you must purchase something that will remind you of the trip. This way, even if you realize later that you did not get the best price for it, the memory it stands for will be enough for you. During the whole process, be sensible and vigilant.
