How to Shop (for Teens): 9 Steps (with Pictures)

Having trouble shopping? Need some tips and/or advice? By reading this article, you will not only have better shopping experiences, but you will also find yourself shopping more smartly.
STEPS

1

TAKE A BUDDY. It's easier to make a decision on something when someone else is giving their opinion too. Bring along a friend or family member who your trust; not only for their opinion, but to keep yourself safe. Besides, it's more fun shopping with a friend than alone.

2

SET A BUDGET FOR YOURSELF. It's hard, but its always better to set a budget and stick to it. It's better in the long run. If you have trouble doing this, leave your credit card at home and only bring cash. Bring an amount of cash that you're comfortable spending - if your spending limit is $50, bring $50 to spend! This ensures that you won't blow your money in one day.

3

MAKE A LIST OF THINGS YOU SPECIFICALLY NEED OR WANT. This will prevent you from overspending or wasting time. Before you hit the stores, go on-line and look at the websites of your favourite stores. Find items that you like there, then write them down and find them in the store.

4

GO INTO STORES. Popular teen stores include Forever 21, Claire's, Urban Outfitters, Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, Aeropostale, PINK Victoria's Secret, Delias, American Eagle, and H it might become one of your favorites! Thrift shops also have some surprises in them, if you really take the time to look around.

5

FIND THE STUFF YOU LIKE. Be careful before you buy them, though. Read the next steps for some pointers of what may or may not work well.

6

CHECK OUT THE MATERIAL. If you're buying something that you don't try on, like socks, always touch them before buying. Stick your hand in it, and see if it's itchy, or just right. Maybe there's a stain? Ask for another one that looks in better condition. Or perhaps it looks flimsy, or as if it will fall apart within months? It's better not to consider it. If you are allergic to some materials, read the label to see what it is made of beforehand.

7

TRY THE THINGS YOU LIKE ON. Make sure the things that you're buying fit you properly. You should feel comfortable and yourself in your clothes. Try on many sizes before making a decision.
Check yourself out in the mirror. If the store has a three way mirror, it's always best to stand in it before purchasing. The jeans you're trying on could look great from the front, but saggy in the back.

8

NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK A FACULTY MEMBER FOR HELP. Love the shirt, but can't find your size? It's their job to help you, so don't be shy about asking the salespeople.

9

DON\'T BUY SOMETHING IF YOU\'RE NOT TOTALLY SURE ABOUT IT. Only buy something if you really love it and are willing to wear it. It's helpful to try to think of at least two things that you can wear it with too, just so that you know you'll have something to wear it with. If you aren't sure about that top, don't buy it. It's better to leave it rather than buy and regret it.
TIPS
Read the washing instructions before you buy an item of clothing.
Trends are okay, but being unique is better! Try to find your own style.
If you're into vintage, thrift stores always have the best clothes.
Dig in the end of the sales bin; you never know what you'll find unless you look.
WARNINGS
Some sale items are on sale because of a stain or rip. Always check every item to make sure its free of anything you wouldn't want.
Don't let yourself be a "retail therapist". Shopping can take your mind off of other issues, but wasting your money will only create more stress.
Don't purchase something only because the more popular girl has it.
Don't be an impulse or emotional shopper. Think before you buy.
Don't buy something just because it's on sale.

3 Ways to Make Homemade Birthday Party Invitations

You're throwing a birthday party and want to have the perfect invitations. You've looked through every store in town and all the invitations you found were either too corny, too expensive, or just not right. You want to try your hand at making your own invitations at home but are worried that you don't have the time or the talent. Have no fear---making fantastic birthday party invitations can be just as easy as unwrapping your presents. Read the following steps to find out exactly how to do it.
STEPS
SAMPLE INVITATIONS



Sample Birthday Party Invitation


Sample Blank Invitation for Kid Birthday
METHOD 1 OF 2: MAKE INVITATIONS ON YOUR COMPUTER
_ 1FIND THE PERFECT TEMPLATE. Search the Internet for free templates for your invitations. Some will have the designs already in place, and some won't. Before you begin, here are some things to watch out for:
Note that some web sites only let you access their free templates if you buy blank cards from them.
Other sites will truly have free templates, designs, and wording samples that are cost-free.
If you can't find what you're looking for, don't be discouraged--just be creative!

2

FIND THE PERFECT ARTWORK. You can either look for images that are appropriate for the occasion online, or look through your photos. Here are some other tips for having the perfect image:
If you're an artist, what better image to have than a picture drawn by you?
If you know someone who is a talented artist, ask him or her to help out by drawing the perfect image.
Dig through your old photos. If you're helping Grandpa celebrate his 80th birthday, a baby picture will be a perfect addition to your invitation.
If your image is not online, you'll have to scan it to get it on your computer.

3

FIND THE RIGHT WORDS. The words you choose will the entire birthday card together. You can look online for inspiration, but since you're making your own invitations, a personal touch will work best. Here are some things to do:
Make sure the words match the picture. The words can reference the picture in some way, or just match the tone of the picture. If it's a silly picture, a somber tone won't work.
Pick your tone. If you want to invitation to be serious and meaningful, don't be goofy in your wording.
Be specific. Write some inside jokes about the guest of honor that your friends will appreciate. If it's your birthday, say something about yourself.
Have fun! This is your own invitation, so if you want to have a silly rhyme, be off-color, or just make your guests laugh, go for it!

4

TELL YOUR GUESTS WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW. The invitation will set the tone for the party and will tell your guests exactly what to expect. Here are some things to tell them:
When and where your party will be held.
The time of the occasion. If it's a surprise party, tell them they absolutely have to be there by a certain time. Hint_: tell your guests they have to be absolutely be there by a certain time, but plan the surprise for half an hour later than that. It's impossible to make sure everyone will be there on time and you don't want a straggling guest to ruin your surprise.
What to bring other than gifts. If you're having a pool party, for example, tell them to bring a suit.
To RSVP by a certain day.

5

BEFORE YOU PRINT YOUR INVITATIONS, PRINT A SAMPLE. Looking at the sample invitation will let you know if there's anything you should fix before you print off a whole batch. Here are some things to look out for:
Typos. Though you should check for spelling errors on your computer, read your invitation aloud to make sure it's typo-free.
Alignment. Make sure everything is centered properly.
Make sure that your invitation is pleasing to the eye. Check that the colors aren't too flashy and that the invitation doesn't look too busy--it shouldn't be crowded with images and words.
Make sure it's easy to read. Have you used an approachable font? Are the details about your party clear?
Can you fold it properly? Is the image on the front, with the details on the inside?

6

HAVE THE RIGHT PAPER. Before you print the rest of your invitations, you'll need to have blank invitation paper. Make sure it's thick enough to be sturdy, but thin enough to run through your printer without any problems.
When you buy your blank invitation cards, get a few extra in case of a paper jam, ink smear, or other unforeseen problem.

7

ADD EXTRAS TO JAZZ UP YOUR CARD (OPTIONAL). Once you've printed your invitation, you can add some more personal touches to spice up your invitations. This is optional--if the invitation looks great already, or if you don't have the time, you can forgo this step. If you're interested, here are some great ways to add pizzazz to your invites:
Add glitter to the final product. Add just enough so it doesn't get too messy.
Add fuzzy stickers, stamps, or anything else that is fun and silly.
Have fun! If it feels right, kiss the card or envelope.

8

MAIL OR HAND OUT YOUR INVITATIONS WELL BEFORE THE PARTY. To make sure your guests show up to your party, send them your invitations at least a month in advance. Here are some tips:
Make sure to have the right addresses for your guests. If you haven't heard back from them, it may be because you wrote down the wrong address.
Start talking about your party before you send out your invitations. This will make your guests even more eager to help celebrate.
METHOD 2 OF 2: MAKE INVITATIONS BY HAND

1

GATHER MATERIALS. Before you start making your invitations, you should take a trip to an art supply store to get all of the things you need to begin making your invitations. Here's what your shopping list should include:
Construction paper. Choose at least four different colors. Make sure one of them is light enough for you to be able to write on it. Light colors include yellow, light blue, or even white.
Scissors.
A glue stick.
Stencils, stamps, and stickers.
Glitter.
Colorful markers that won't smear or smell.
Large envelopes.

2

ASK YOUR FRIENDS FOR HELP, IF YOU WANT IT. Even if you're only making a handful of invitations, it'll take a lot of time and hard work. The process will be easier and more fun if you ask a trusted group of close friends to help you. This will also help generate excitement about your party.
Turn this event into a mini-party. Cook dinner for your friends, or create the cards while listening to great music or watching a silly movie. You can even have a card-making sleepover.

3

TAKE A PIECE OF CONSTRUCTION PAPER AND FOLD IT VERTICALLY, LIKE YOU\'RE CLOSING A BOOK. This will be the paper you'll be writing on, so it should be a light color.
Since these invitations are homemade, you can choose a different color every time.

4

WRITE THE RELEVANT INFORMATION ON THE INVITATION. Choose a marker color that contrasts nicely with the color of the paper. There are a few things you'll want to write on the invitation:
On the front, tell your guests you're having a birthday party. You can be silly or serious about it. Make sure to tell them whose birthday it's for.
On the inside, give your guests the relevant details, like when and where the party is, what they should bring, and whether or not they should RSVP.
Since you're writing by hand, you can have fun and tailor each invitation to the guest who will be receiving it. You don't have to do this for every guest, because it may take too long.
If your friends are helping, make sure that they have good handwriting!

5

ADD ADDITIONAL STUFF TO ADD "FLARE" TO YOUR HOMEMADE INVITATION. Your invitation will already look nice, but taking a few extra measures will really make it shine. Here's what you can do:
Cut designs of simple shapes like stars, hearts, or flowers, out of the remaining construction paper, and stick them onto the invitation with a glue stick. Wait for them to dry.
Place a few stickers or stamps on the invitations, or fill in the stencils you have.
Add glitter to the invitation. Just be careful--glitter can get a bit messy, and you don't want to annoy your guests by having them get glitter all over their hands as soon as they open the invitation.
Since you're making these invitations by hand, you can decorate each card differently.

6

PUT THE CARD INTO AN ENVELOPE AND MAIL IT TO YOUR GUESTS. The envelopes you use will have to be large enough for the card to fit inside.
You can also add stickers or stamps to the envelope for an even more personalized touch.
VIDEO

TIPS
Have extra ink cartridges on hand. You don't want to run out in the middle of printing your invitations.
After you become a card-making expert, have some fun. Get a bunch of your friends together and teach them how to make cheap homemade birthday party invitations.

How to Protest and Complain to Receive a Refund (with Sample Letters of Complaint)

Didn't get the product or service you wanted? By approaching the matter maturely and methodically (rather than kicking and screaming) you can increase your chances of receiving fair treatment.
STEPS
SAMPLE LETTERS OF COMPLAINT



Sample Protest Letter to Manager


Sample Protest Letter to Corporate Office


Sample Protest Letter About Shipment
PROTESTING AND COMPLAINING TO RECEIVE YOUR OWN REFUND

1

STAY CALM. The most important thing you can do is to stay calm. Taking on the persona of a loud, irate jerk who verbally abuses the customer service representative and makes other customers feel uncomfortable never helps and is likely to make your situation worse. Even worse than getting poor customer service is getting arrested for harassment or disorderly conduct.

2

BE SURE YOU HAVE A CASE. Know the business's policies and/or the law that surrounds the issue about which you want to complain. If you don't have a solid basis for your complaint, then you are asking for special consideration -- which you may or may not receive, depending on the business and your value as a client.

3

SPEAK WITH A DECISION-MAKER. Most front-line customer service representatives have very little decision-making power so it would be best to summarize the situation and discover whether or not the person you're talking to can help meet your goals. It is almost always preferable to speak with a supervisor (who are trained to resolve larger issues) and is doubly beneficial to the customer service representative who needs to keep his/her call time to a minimum.

4

WRITE DOWN YOUR GOAL. This should be something well-defined: "replacement cushions" or "partial credit" or whatever. If your goal includes "revenge" you have officially made yourself a loser. Take a few deep breaths and calm down, or you'll quickly be classified with the "nutballs" who have an axe to grind and your (legitimate) grievance will be dismissed.

5

COME PREPARED. Bring your product brochure or the store's customer-service policy with highlighted points on it. It undermines your case completely for the business to point out a written requirement that you didn't notice or comply with. If it's a legal issue, look up the pertinent statutes using your favorite search engine and print them out. Find a telephone number for the business's regional or corporate headquarters, just in case you need it.

6

STATE THE PROBLEM CLEARLY. Your new clock radio is so bright it keeps you awake at night. Your toaster burns your pop-tarts even on the lowest setting. You bought a trampoline and when you opened the box, not all the parts were included (be prepared to state which parts are missing).

7

COMMUNICATE YOUR GOAL. If what you want is a replacement, state this clearly. If what you want is a refund, make this clear. The business cannot satisfy you if you do not know what type of relief you expect.

8

EXPLAIN YOUR SITUATION SIMPLY, WITHOUT EMBELLISHMENT. Tell them how much you shop at the store and about any rude or unreasonable personnel you've encountered.

9

GIVE THE BUSINESS THREE CHANCES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM at the store level. This usually follows a chain of command: Customer Service (or cashier), Service Manager (or supervisor), Store Manager. IMPORTANT: write down the first and last name of every person you speak to -- ask if the name is not on the employee's badge.

10

NO MATTER HOW FRUSTRATED YOU FEEL, NEVER YELL AT CASHIERS. Most times they are the lowest paid and most stressed employees in the store because they are the first to hear complaints and generally the least able to resolve them. Yelling at them will do two things 1) make them NOT want to help you 2) show the manager that you are a jerk and make him or her not want to help you either.

11

IF THE COMPLAINT CANNOT BE RESOLVED AT THE STORE LEVEL, TAKE IT TO A HIGHER LEVEL. Calmly tell the store manager that you will resolve the situation with Corporate and find the nearest phone. If you have a cellphone, stand just outside of the store to place your call. As above, explain your situation without embellishment. You will be given instructions about what to do next -- email a certain person, send a copy of your receipt to a certain address, etc. Listen to the instructions carefully (write them down if possible) and follow them exactly.

12

IF NO CORPORATE STRUCTURE IS AVAILABLE, OR IF CORPORATE ALSO FAILS TO SATISFY YOU, REPORT THE BUSINESS.
Most legitimate businesses will respond to a Better Business Bureau (BBB) report. Find the BBB that is local to the business you are complaining about. File an online complaint. Wait a few days to see whether the business responds.
If no response is forthcoming within fifteen days, file a RIPOFFREPORT.COM report to let others know your experience.
Go to the Federal Trade Commission website and file an FTC Consumer Complaint. It's a possibility your report will be used in an investigation.
Find websites that are reporting similar issues. Add your comment to the discussion. You never know; an attorney may be scouring the web for a class action lawsuit.
Describe your situation on your blog. Ask all of your friends to pimp it. Remember, don't defame the business and remain truthful without embellishment!
See the Tips and External Links below for additional reporting options as well as website addresses.

13

PROTEST PHYSICALLY. Round up as many friends as you can to help you protest. Make your signs EXACT and non-defaming, like "X sold me a defective trampoline" or "X overcharged me and will not refund my money." Do not use signs like "(expletive) X" or "X breaks the law." If you know anyone who can help, let your contact notify a local newspaper or TV station about your protest. Be sure to check the local laws concerning picketing first. These laws vary from municipality to municipality. In most cases you must obtain a permit to protest. Permits are generally issued at City Hall.

14

GET A LAWYER. This should be your last resort, but if you have exhausted all the other options, still haven't gotten a proper resolution, and aren't willing to give up, then find an attorney.
TIPS
Never use lines like "I spent $xxx at this store" or "I shop here every day". It's sure to get your legitimate complaints ignored by service staff.
Dressing nicely is not strictly necessary, but it does not hurt to arrive looking decent.
Remember: always stay calm.
Listen to responses given to you by store personnel. If the supervisor apologizes, then you have made your case and can move on to resolution. If you restate your problem again after hearing an apology, you will only frustrate whomever you are talking to, reducing your chances of a successful resolution.
Make sure to write down the name of every person you talk to so you can refer to them later. If you need to make a complaint at a later time this will give your complaint more credibility.
When dealing with internet-based businesses, when filing your complaint be aware that under the Section 230(c) of the Federal Communications Decency Act, some interactive sites are not required to remove allegedly defamatory postings unless served by a court order.
Remember, pick your battles. If it is a ten dollar item, it may not be worth the effort of talking to the manager or calling a lawyer. You can always give the item away as a gift if you do not like it or donate it to Goodwill.
Keep all original receipts and agreements; make copies to attach to any letters you write.
There is nothing wrong with a good sob story, as long as you are being truthful.
Smile and keep your body language non-threatening. Appearing positive and reasonable is likely to engender a similar response from whomever you are speaking to -- and so is appearing hostile and threatening!
It's very important for you to make the business feel as if you are a potential return customer. If you say, "I'm never shopping here again!" the business has no incentive to make you happy.
You can always perform a charge back through your credit card if the business does not respond to a legitimate concern. Many businesses, especially those over the internet, will respond to the threat of a charge back.
Sometimes threatening to change providers (e.g.,from Comcast to DirectTV) can make things run along much more smoothly.
WARNINGS
Bad businesses know a trick concerning the Better Business Bureau. If they say you are threatening litigation against them, or they plan litigation against you, the BBB will not file the report. This is why only legitimate businesses will respond to the BBB.
Don't give more information than is requested; over-explaining sounds 'fishy'.
At all times, remain truthful without embellishment. Being untruthful will come back to bite you.
Do not threaten a lawsuit to anyone unless you plan to follow through.
Don't attempt to get a full refund when YOU created the problem, i.e. special ordered the wrong item, didn't read the terms and conditions, damaged the item yourself, etc.

How to Choose a Video Game: 6 Steps

Do you need a new video game for your game console? Here's a way to pick the perfect game for you.
STEPS

1

FIND A GAME YOU ALREADY OWN. Go to that distributors website (you can usually find the URL on the back of the box somewhere, but if its not there, just search their name on Google).

2

NAVIGATE TO THEIR HOME PAGE. This should have advertisements for other games. Surf through them until you find a game you like the look of. The games on the company website should be similar to the one you already own and like.
Search the name of a game you already have. It may turn out there are sequels for that game.
Look up Game-Rankings. This website usually has a variety of reviews, with links to top-rated games. This is always an easy way to find good games.
Be adventurous. Follow a random selection of links from the website you are on, until you find a game you've never heard of before.

3

ONCE YOU\'VE FOUND A GAME YOU LIKE THE LOOK OF, PURCHASE IT FROM A GAME SALES WEBSITES, OR GET THEM SECOND HAND FROM AUCTION WEBSITES.
Large chain stores usually have a wide selection of games, and if you're uncomfortable about or unable to purchase online you can browse through their selection, or ask the clerks for games they'd recommend.

4

READ REVIEWS! It's very hard because lots of people have different opinions. For the best results go on websites you trust! Nintendo, for example.
If there are lots of bad comments coming up, look for a different game. If there are fair ratings and quite a few good comments coming up, though, go for it!

5

MAKE SURE THE GAME IS IN GOOD CONDITION! Pre-owned may be cheap, but the game could be ruined or just really badly scratched. If you buy a poor condition game, go to the game store you bought it from, and have it replaced, refunded or fixed.

6

ASK EXPERTS FOR ADVICE. Ask a pro gamer about the best games and where he saw some good prices and brilliant condition games. Also ask employees of gaming stores.
Also ask them about special sales and any offers, in conjunction with the purchase of the game you buy.
TIPS
Don't just look at the Game's ranking; read the review. It will tell you things about the game you can't glean from a number.
You don't have to order games online, you can get them at the store.
Don't bother with reviews that have less than 3/4 of the full mark (3/5, 7/10, etc). A great site for game reviews is GameZone.com. Other wise these are generally a waste of time. But remember, some of them _are_ opinions, so sometimes being adventurous can mean you encounter a fantastic game you've never known about!
Purchasing from a store has the added advantage of giving you the chance to demo the games before you buy.
WARNINGS
Games for different systems don't cost the same. Beware the price.
Some Games sites do not offer refunds. If you can, ask around for peer reviews before you buy, so you don't end up with a game you don't want.
THINGS YOU\'LL NEED
computer
money
mailbox (for receiving games)

How to Create a Website for a Club: 9 Steps

You just started a club and lots of people join. All the members of your club wants a club website. You don't know where to start? Follow these steps!
STEPS

1

GO TO GOOGLE AND SEARCH UP WEBSITES THAT LET YOU BUILD WEBSITES FOR FREE.

2

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE WEBSITE BUILDING PAGE SO YOU\'LL KNOW WHAT TO DO.

3

START TO CREATE YOUR WEBSITE FOR YOUR CLUB. Choose the theme, photos, and templates.

4

ONCE YOU DECIDED WHICH WEBSITE TEMPLATE YOU\'RE GOING TO USE, CLICK THE "" BUTTON THAT\'S SOMEWHERE ON THE SCREEN.

5

THE WEBSITE BY CHANGING THE PICTURES, RE-TYPING THE ARTICLES, AND CHANGING COLORS AND OTHERS.

6

WHEN YOU ARE DONE, CLICK THE "FINISH" BUTTON OR THE "DONE" BUTTON THAT IS ON THE SCREEN.

7

CHOOSE A DOMAIN NAME FOR YOUR CLUB WEBSITE. You may ask club members for ideas if you like.

8

PUBLISH YOUR CLUB WEBSITE TO THE INTERNET! Tell your club members that the website is done.

9

ENJOY YOUR CLUB WEBSITE!
TIPS
Try to make posters, fliers, or ads to tell people about the club website so they would be interested in joining your club.
It may take time to build the website so you can ask friends to help and get things done faster!
WARNINGS
Don't build your club's website if the website building website charges you for it. (Unless you can afford it)
ARTICLE INFO
Categories: Creating and Enhancing a Website
Recent edits by: Jrlr1011, Muza, Gillyflowers
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