Many people agonize over their budget decisions. They really ponder over every penny in their budgets. “Do I really need to buy this?” they wonder. “Can I get by without it?
Unfortunately, after they’ve made the decision to make a purchase, some people stop worrying over the details of the purchase. They’ve made up their minds that they need the item and rush right out and purchase it. It’s too bad that they don’t spend as much effort in getting the best deal for their product as they spent in deciding if they needed the product.
Making price comparisons is crucial, especially when you are buying big ticket items. Price comparisons not only help you get the best price available, but also force you to do research about your purchase to make sure you are buying the right product. Following these few easy steps will guarantee that you are happy after your purchase is complete.
Shop a lot. You should visit a lot of stores and take notes. Sometimes, I even take a picture of the price sign in the store with my camera phone so I can look at the details later. My husband and I make the joke that we need to “visit” our purchases a few times before we know that it is the one for us. We know it’s a little odd, but we just want to be sure that we know what we’re buying.
Learn what the average price for your product is. Maybe you have your eye on a new washing machine that costs around $1,000. Sears may offer that machine for $1,049. Lowe’s may have it for $999. Knowing how much it usually costs will help you recognize a good deal when you see it.
Use coupons or discounts at the place that has the best price. Let’s say that you find that same washing machine we discussed before on sale at Home Depot for $900. By all means, snatch that washing machine up while it’s on sale. Don’t forget to keep looking for discounts, though. When you get to the checkout counter, as the cashier if Home Depot will honor that Lowe’s coupon you have in your purse. You could end up getting another 10% off your purchase price.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I am almost neurotic about price shopping before purchases. That goes for small ones, as well as big ones.
I prefer to do my comparison pricing on the web, whenever possible, since that way I don’t have to zoom all around town.
The moment it seems likely that I’ll need something, I start keeping an eye on prices and look around for coupons.
The other important thing to remember, especially on bigger purchases, is that many stores will refund you some money if you buy an item and it immediately goes on sale afterward. So if you do jump on a deal, only to see another, even better, one, be sure to call up the store and see if you can get the difference credited to your account.
I do price comparisions on anything over about $40. Sounds nutty, but most of the time, a price comparision could take you as little as five minutes.
Price comparisions may also alert you to things like getting your item for way cheaper by foregoing a few bells and whistles, or even being able to upgrade to something better at the same price.
“Price-matching” is something that I’ve never really gotten into, but I really need to start. On the high dollar stuff anyways.
Great post
Hi
With all the information you can get on the web it can be easy to overlook the importance of face-to-face negotiation. When you are buying a big-ticket item ALWAYS ask for a discount or for something extra free. You will be surprised how often this will work.
My wife and I work as a team when we make big ticket purchases. She researches the item in question and comes up with some options what we should buy. One major and reliable source of information has been Consumer Report. We like they way CR analyzes various goods. Once we decide what to get, I come in and try to negotiate a good price unless we buy the item on the internet. Somehow (?) it is easier for a guy to be a tough negotiator which is why this has become my job.
I am also very careful to shop/compare/shop/wait/look and then do it over again on big ticket items.
Like everyone else I have been using the web to look for good deals and sites. Have found a few that are worth the effort and do deliver what they say. If interested let me know.
Allen