When shopping for big-ticket items, it pays to do your homework by researching what you want before going out there and buying on a whim. Here are some suggestions on how to shop for these items without losing lots of money and time.

Research the various brands that you are interested in. Shop around and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to. Remember that you are the consumer and you have the money! Compare the various features in the items that you like. Ask to use the items if you can. For example, in a car, don’t be afraid to drive the car around and get a feel for how it drives. After you’ve tested models that you like, go and research about these in the library. Check out review magazines and go on the Internet to read about the various models. Take your time thinking about the pros and cons of each of the items that you like. Talk with friends and family and solicit their advice for what they think are good models and why. Don’t forget to decide how much you are willing to spend on the big-ticket item. Sure it’s going to cost more than a few dollars, but for every big-ticket item, you can still decide whether to spend $200 or $2000 on a refrigerator or mattress.

Consider the quality of the item that you are thinking about. It’s usually worth it to check out a reputable store because that store has warrantees and policies regarding “shopper’s remorse” or if the item you buy becomes defective after you take it home. Go to the stores and check out their floor models to feel its quality and ease of use. If you are interested in a certain mattress, don’t be afraid to lie on it for a long time. You may feel silly, but you will be sleeping on this mattress for a very long time, and you need to know that this is the one that you want before putting money down.

Don’t be afraid to go online for big-ticket items. Lots of websites now offer free shipping on these big-ticket items, saving you more than $50 for each item that you buy. You can even use this as a bargaining chip when you go to various stores and show them various online website ads for the same model that you are interested in. Most stores offer to beat the lowest price in order to stay competitive, and you win out by doing that research and bringing in the ad.

Once you decide on the big ticket item to buy, make sure that you are fully informed on the shipping policy; read the small print carefully before signing. If you have any questions about the small print, don’t hesitate to ask. Remember that it’s your money that’s being spent. Also consider the extended protection guarantees offered at the stores.  If you are interested in these protection guarantees, make sure that you get all of your questions answered before giving them more money.

Don’t be afraid to ask for any kind of discount for these big-ticket items. Eager sellers will want to sell to you for a good price, and you, the buyer, want the best deal. Try to bargain for a lower price or try to find different discounts that are being offered by the store. For example, there are senior, military, student discounts that you can ask for. Sometimes, the store will offer you a credit card and a discount on the first purchase. 

 

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