Get the best deal
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1. Know the retail price
This may seem obvious, but many e-shoppers take claims of "big discounts" at face value without researching them. Before logging on to make a purchase, call local stores that carry the same or similar items, and uncover the retail price. If it's a rare, used, or antique item, consult an expert source in your community or find a print guide or periodical publication that lists reasonable prices. This is particularly important for Net auctions. Some bidders get caught up in the competition and forget that they went online to hunt for bargains.
2. Comparison shop online
The old way of comparison shopping was to hunt down as many sites as possible selling the same or similar items, and then to check prices. It's still the most accurate way of finding bargains on many items, particularly obscure or unusual finds, but it's kind of a pain. One-stop price clearinghouses can ease the process. However, take note that price guides seldom editorialize about the itemsthey're listing, so you'll need to know exactly what you're looking for--make, brand, and model--before beginning.
3. Be aware of hidden costs
Factor in shipping and handling charges when you calculate the total, and remember that you often pay for the convenience of shopping from home. If you can't get specific charges in writing (or printed from a Web site), shop somewhere else. Many e-retailers, particularly computer and peripheral sellers, will also charge you when you return unsatisfactory merchandise. Read the fine print carefully.
4. Shop for a good warranty
Sometimes the lowest price doesn't mean the best deal. For big-ticket purchases such as computers and electronics, a warranty is your best protection if something goes horribly wrong. But all warranties are not created equal. Expensive products should be covered for at least a year, including parts and labor, and should come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked, and no restocking fee. There are extras to consider as well: Will the company take back a defective product and repair it, and will it pay for shipping? If not, will it at least ship replacement parts, or will you be stuck waiting for the necessary rubber grommets to come into the local repair store? If the product can't be fixed, will you get all your money back, or will you just get a similarly shoddy replacement product? Get the details, and consider a good warranty to be part of the purchase.
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