by Roy Primm
Comparison shopping smarts
Is the best way to start
When you stop and compare
You'll find prices that's fair
And less money will depart.
The technique of all well-informed shoppers is comparison-shopping. In fact, it's the only way to be sure of paying the lowest cost. But not all comparison-shopping is created equal.
In this week's newsletter we'll cover the correct way to comparison shop. We'll cover the do's and don't of the intelligent comparison shopper.
One of the biggest assets of comparison-shopping is planning. Planning your time, your moves and your goals. The more time and information you have before you go shopping - the better results you'll have. When you fail to comparison shop you'll fail to get the best price. That's the price (pardon the pun) of ignoring the advice in this newsletter. Here's 7 Guidelines for Effective Comparison Shopping 1. Don't comparison-shop when you're in a hurry. Hurry up shopping is always expensive. People who shop while rushing find it harder to comparison shop. As a result, they overpay for products and services. When you're in a hurry or in a rush it's difficult to negotiate effectively.
2. Research before you shop.
Well-informed shoppers make it a point to research before they buy ... especially big-ticket products or services. With the internet, research comes much easier for the intelligent shopper of today. So use this modern day high-tech tool to your advantage. Use the many search engine comparison site available. For example Shopzilla.com 3. Don't depend on commission salespeople as your main source of information. One of the biggest mistakes most consumers make is to depend on the advice and consultation of commissioned salespeople. Doing this will limit you to a one-sided view of options, prices and choices. That's why it's important to follow step 1 and step 2. 4. Make sure you're comparing Apples with Apples. To get the most accurate view for comparison-shopping, make sure you're comparing the same qualities, features and benefits of products and services against each other. 5. Evaluate your needs vs. your wants. Before you take your first shopping trip, sit down and list your needs - or what's the minimum features you must have in the product or service. On the other list write down any wants you may have after you satisfy your needs. 6. Evaluate your priorities in order of importance. As a continuation of step 5, place your list of needs in order of priority - with one being your most important priority above anything else. In other words if you can't achieve your top priority - that's the deal breaker. Next, list your priorities for the rest of your needs and wants. 7. Establish your limitations. This is an important step. Many people make the mistake of not establishing limitations on what they plan to spend. As a result, they overspend or buy products or services they're not satisfied with. If you take the time to follow these comparison shopping tips you'll find yourself paying the lowest prices for products and services. You'll also enjoy your purchases more because you took the time to think through your purchases. Congratulations!
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