Black Belt Shopper
(featured column)
Tips
for Making the Right Purchase
by
Larry Wiener
I was in a
hurry. I needed the inkjet printer right away and the man at the store
told me this was a good one. It came with a rebate and I picked it up
because I had some color documents I needed to make right away. More...
In buying that
printer, I violated one of the rules of black belt shopping. I didn't do
my research. This was quite unlike me, but I learned. The printer
was an ink hog--I had to buy new ink practically daily when I was working on a
big project. Sometimes the colors didn't turn out right.
Now I have a
much better inkjet multi-function printer because I did what I usually do when I
make a significant purchase--I took my time and researched.
So how do you avoid the mistake I made that time and assure yourself of being
pleased when you make a major purchase?
Here are some
tips:
Don't be in a hurry. The more time you give yourself when
considering a large purchase, the more likely you will be to make a wise
decision. As you are considering your purchases, you will come up with
more and more ideas-more and more questions to ask. Start researching well
before you need to buy the item.
Consider how you are going to use the item. I use my multi-function
for color printing, scanning and copying. I do not need it to fax because
I have that taken care of with another machine. I use my laser printer for
black and white documents. Therefore, I want superior color, reasonable
ink
costs, and enough DPI to ensure a good quality print. I do not need
blinding speed because I usually don't use it for long documents.
Develop a list of questions you need answered before you buy. If
you are buying a food processor, for example, you may want to know what kind of
blades it has, whether you can order optional blades for later on, or if you can
wash parts in the dishwasher. Then go to a store with knowledgeable
salespeople and ask your questions.
Consider quality used over mediocre new. I have a Nordic Trak cross
country skier and a fairly high-end total gym. These two items new would
probably cost in the neighborhood of $1500. I got them for $40 at a yard
sale. I don't always do that well, but often big-ticket items are
available used because people buy them and think they're going to use them, but
never do. Quality items will stand up to repeated use, so used is fine on these
items.
Wait for the item to go on sale. An appliance salesperson for a
major department store chain told me that small appliances go on and off sale on
a relatively predicable schedule. Therefore, if the item you want isn't on
sale this week, it well could be within the next month.
Read reviews. Both professional reviews and user comments
are readily available. You can find professional reviews in such
periodicals as Consumer Reports, User reviews are available on amazon.com
and epinions.com.
Look at the item if possible. Many of us make make online buying a
regular part of our shopping experience. I certainly do. When I buy
any substantial item online, I always look at it before I buy.
Buy a little more capacity than you need. If you are buying a
digital camera, for example, and you think that 4 megapixels will meet your
needs, consider buying five if your budget can sustain it. I find that
often when I start using a new item, I begin enjoying using features I didn't
think I would use. Avoid disappointment (and often upgrading sooner than
necessary) by buying more than ample capability.
Go for
quality. Someone once said that the sting of low quality remains
longer than the thrill of getting a low price. Haven't all of us found
that out at one time or another?
Right now I'm
looking for a DVD recorder. I'm going slow, asking the questions, and
waiting until I see the right one to meet my needs.
* * *
Copyright
© 2006 by Larry Wiener, author of The
Black Belt Shopper's Guide. All rights reserved.
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