How to Make Better Shopping Decisions

While some people consider shopping to be an agonizing experience, others consider it a leisure activity. Irrespective of what your opinion is about shopping, poor shopping decisions can lead to a loss of money and time, and you could end up with low-quality products. But, how can you make sure whether the product you're buying is high in quality or suitable for you? And what are the criteria to determine that you're buying the right thing? If you've been struggling due to poor shopping decisions, it is time to turn it around with these useful tips.

This is specifically applicable to investments in technology. Buying a new phone should not be influenced by the desire to buy the latest model. Instead, look for the ideal model by deciding whether it is fulfilling your objectives to get a new phone. For example, if you need a phone that fits in your pocket, it is unwise to buy the latest model that is bulkier or longer. Moreover, don't buy it for the sake of the brand name. Conduct thorough research and narrow down your options after comparing plausible features. Buy a model that fulfills all criteria.

This goes without saying. If you're planning to invest in an expensive item, it is wiser to read and compare multiple reviews before choosing the final item. There are multiple websites, YouTube videos, and social media platforms that provide legitimate reviews that will help you make the final decision for a particular item. If you can, find and talk to people who have already used this item before, and ask for their recommendation. If you're purchasing the item from an online store, chances are that you'll find user reviews on that site. By comparing multiple reviews, you'd know whether the item is worth investing in or not.

If you're a customer with a bad credit history, chances are that you'll be rejected in high-end catalogue stores upon applying. The good news is that catalogues for poor credit exist, and you can now purchase these and get a second chance to make amends. Most of these catalogue companies offer a 'buy now, pay later' deal, which enables people to manage their finances. Look for a similar company in your region and enjoy the perks of shopping with a poor credit score. But, make sure that you repay your debt and sort your finances.

As you can guess, last-minute shopping decisions are always made in haste and often poor. If you've received an invitation to a party a few weeks ago, do not wait until the last minute to go shopping, expecting to find the 'perfect' dress. Be prepared beforehand and buy your outfit at least a week in advance. More importantly, be flexible and do not expect an ideal outfit with a certain design, color, and fit. Since it is last-minute, you won't have much time to explore all options; you will have to go with whatever seems remotely suitable for the event. Avoid this by being prepared beforehand and giving yourself a buffer period to buy what you actually want.

If you're planning to invest in an expensive item that should work for at least a few years, calculate its value by dividing it into the money spent on it yearly, monthly, weekly, and even daily to know its true worth. For instance, if you're planning to buy a mattress, check its warranty period (it's usually ten years). Divide the amount you're spending on it per year, month, week, and day. Assuming that it costs around 27 cents to sleep on a comfortable mattress every day, which is much less than a soda can, it is definitely worth the buy.

One of the main reasons for making poor shopping decisions lies in prioritizing wants over needs. When you're out shopping and notice an enticing object, you're immediately compelled to buy it. If this happens many times in a year, you're burning a huge hole in your pocket and accumulating things that you don't really need. Before buying an item, ask yourself whether you actually need it and what needs it would fulfill. Be honest. If the item is a want and not a need, refrain from buying it. Occasional indulgences are not an issue but don't make it a habit.

With these tips in mind, you can easily become a well-informed shopper and begin making better buying decisions in no time. It will not only save you money and time but also a lot of energy. Now that you're prepared, it is time to go on a spree. Happy shopping!