By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of BobbisBargains.
We all know that we should do research before making a major purchase. We know about comparison shopping, haggling, and looking for discounts. But do you know how to mentally prepare? Here are my 10 tips for shopping preparedness.
- Be well rested. If you have small children, it is possible that the idea of getting a good night’s sleep is but a vague memory and dream. If that is the case, take a nap prior to going shopping. If this is a big item you are purchasing, you may consider hiring a babysitter to watch the kids so that you definitely get a nap. I know it is hard, but shopping while exhausted is bad for your budget.
I got to tour the Consumer Reports testing labs as part of the ShopSmart Summit where I learned about two common scams to watch out for. Here are seven photos to illustrate the tour.
CR tests exercise and infomercial equipment. Can you guess which has the worst track record? As the lab manager said, your diet has a greater effect than exercise on your weight, but they can't sell you a diet so they sell you a product and throw in the diet.
