SMART SHOPPING IDEAS

For More Expensive Purchases:

• Decide in advance exactly what you want and what you can afford. Don't buy on impulse or because a salesperson is pressuring you.

• Ask friends and family for recommendations based on their experience.

• Get advice and price quotes from several sellers. Remember, their goal is to make a sale.

• Review product test results and other information from consumer experts. See Consumer Information Sources.

• Check out a company's complaint record with your local consumer affairs office and the Better Business Bureau. Ask about the number of complaints filed, and how the company responded. Compare the number of complaints to the company's volume of business.

• Make sure that the company has all appropriate state and local licenses. Occupational and professional licensing boards cover doctors, lawyers, home improvement contractors, and other businesses. See Trade and Professional Associations for more information.

• Read and understand any contract you are asked to sign. Make sure there are no blank spaces and that any verbal promises made by the salesperson are in the contract.

• Get a written copy of guarantees and warranties. Compare their features.

• Extended warranties or service contracts are very profitable for business. Decide whether the extra peace of mind is worth the price. To find out more, contact the Federal Trade Commission or your state or local consumer office.

• Get the seller's refund and return policies.

• Consider paying by credit card. If you later have a legitimate dispute with the seller, you do not have to pay a charge made on your credit card. See Credit.

Customer Service

Have you ever become frustrated trying to reach a human regarding a question or problem and instead become trapped in the maze of a computer answering system? We have found help for you. A gentleman has developed a web site with a listing of codes to bypass many of the major company and government computer answering systems. Click on this link: IVR Cheat Sheet

Local Shopping

Gasoline prices continue to be a hot topic. Here's a great site to
give you the best prices in your area. You just need to enter your zip code.
Gas Price Watch

Out shopping and need a phone number. Don't get charged for a 411 call. Use the free service at 1-800-FREE411 instead. They have both business and personal listings. More details at their website.

Need to grab that last minute coupon before you go shopping. Try the Penny Pincher Gazette.

Internet Shopping

There are thousands of great ways to save money when you shop. With the advent of the internet your savings options have been multiplied a millionfold! These days the ability to also save time and gas adds important benefits as well. Here are 2 rebate / coupon links to help you save money:

Earn rebates on online shopping at eBay and hundres of other stores.

Find online coupon codes. Enter these codes at the checkout page of participating merchants for instant discounts.

Telephone Savings

This may be worth a try for those without ulimited minutes on their phone plans. A service lets you connect for free anywhere. The catch is you must listen to a short advertisement. It even works with overseas calls and there is no time limit to your call. See details at Talkster.com.

Here are just are a few other places you might want to look for special savings: