Comparison shopping

More and more people are fast becoming ardent comparison shoppers. Most of us must watch our expenses carefully. This means less impulse buying, nailing down value and careful comparison shopping. Here's how to customize your comparison shopping routine, so that you weigh the factors according to your needs. When you use this strategy, you get true value in your purchases.

There are x number of criteria to consider when comparison shopping. They are price, quality, functionality and your application. If you're buying a weed-whacker which you'll be using frequently on large areas (your application), quality is probably your main priority, followed by functions and features, then price. Why? The cheapest priced unit is likely to break down quickly in heavy use. You'll end up buying the highest quality unit which stands up to your purpose.

If your application calls for the weed-whacker to edge your small lawn once a month, why waste money on the super-duty unit?

When buying a semi-durable good of this type, consumer reports provide a good start to comparison shopping. Such reports rate the product on every feature it provides. Such reports can help you zero in on the brands which demonstrate the higher quality and durability. This is also a good way to find which unit rates high in features you need.

You can apply the 'price, quality, functionality and your application' formula to just about everything you might buy. Let's run through a few diverse, everyday items to help show how this comparison shopping strategy works.

1.You only use brand X toothpaste. It's $3.29 at the supermarket and $1 at the dollar-type store. Same product, no contest. You save $2.29.
2.You need a new bedspread. You don't want to spend a lot. You want good looks, but will only use it in summer. Go for the best price. Every price range will have attractive patterns and colors.
3.Your 6-year old grows like a weed and he needs new t-shirts for summer wear. In this instance, he may outgrow it before summer's over. He'll be as happy as your wallet with cool Disney shirts from the second hand kid's shop.
4.You need a stunning pair of shoes to look your best for a one time use (a night at the opera). OK, you don't need the $200 pair. Get the cheap knockoff. The added comfort you might derive from the real deal is not worth $200.

Comparison shopping is an art. Shop according to your personal priorities to get the best overall value, despite what a chart may say. It's likely your needs don't require buying the top-rated everything. Only when you need it.