Do you know that one of the most common scams in the US is part of online shopping purchases? In this digital age, shopping scams are very common and it is easy to lose your hard-earned money; that is why it is important for you to be a smart consumer. Shopping wisely guarantees you protection from scams, sketchy deals, financial loss, and products or services of poor quality. Apart from that, it can also lessen your negative impact on the environment. Becoming a smart consumer leads to better shopping choices.
If you want to get the most value out of your purchases and save money at the same time, follow these tested and proven practical tips below.
Make A Shopping List
Before heading to any shop or visiting online shopping websites, make sure that you have already prepared your shopping list. When making a shopping list make sure to only include what you really need. You have to know what you need to get first so that you don’t waste your precious time wandering around the aisle or browsing through multiple website pages only to end up forgetting to buy what you actually need. Keeping a shopping list in hand will also allow you to stay focused and stop yourself from making unnecessary purchases. It will also allow you to create and stick to a budget.
Look Up Reviews
Once you have finished creating your shopping list, it is time to decide on the exact product you will get. For most items, there are multiple brands carrying the same product at different price points. To know which one suits your preference, needs, and budget best, you have to narrow down your choices. To start off, you can visit this site to compare and identify the most top-rated picks of various consumer products out there. Reading customer reviews will help you weigh each product’s pros and cons, get a general idea of the standard pricing, and identify notable product features. Alternatively, you may also visit Yelp, Amazon pages, and social media pages of the product or brand you are interested in to see what other people are saying. Knowing other people’s feedback is important as it will help you make better and informed purchasing decisions.
Read the Fine Print
Sometimes sales representatives can offer you too good to be true promises just to entice you to buy their product. If what they promise is not included in the contract, then it is best to turn away from that offer. Before signing a deal or paying for anything, it is critical to go through the warranties and exchange or return policies of what you intend to buy. This is important as it will help you know what to expect from the company and what you need to do should you encounter any issues with the product. By knowing this, you will avoid any legal issues, ensure proper after-sales support, and avoid voiding of warranties. Make sure to also keep a digital or paper receipt as it is typically required when claiming warranty coverage.
Make Purchases Through Verified Shops
Cheap knockoffs are everywhere, and you might end up with a fake product if you are not careful enough. To ensure that you are purchasing authentic products, shop directly through official physical stores or websites. Not only are you guaranteed genuine quality products, but this will also ensure that what you purchase indeed comes with a warranty. Obviously, accredited after-sales support establishments do not honor the warranty for fake products. Besides shopping directly through official stores, you can also safely purchase these products through verified shops online. Make sure to look out for previous customer reviews and the shop’s certification and other proof of the authenticity of their products
Don’t Buy Everything on Sale
Just because something is on sale does not mean you have to purchase it right away. Again, the number one rule of any smart shopper is to only buy what they need. Remember nothing is really bargain unless you actually need it. If you really have to and if that item is needed in your household, make sure to fully inspect the product. Some items that are on sale usually have defects or a near-expiration date. Make sure that you are purchasing something unproblematic to avoid headaches and wasting your money.
To become an intelligent consumer, you have to remember a number of shopping best practices that involve doing research, creating a shopping list, and self-regulation. Keeping all of these in check will help you avoid future problems with your purchases and ensure you get the best value.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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