Your wallet will thank you
Everybody should know these 10 tips before buying something these days
Image: Avery Evans
It’s no secret that spending more money than planned is easy when shopping. Businesses use a myriad of methods to lure you into buying things you don’t really intend to—and paying the highest possible price in the process. Luckily for us, technology comes to our aid, offering many tools to help us save money, make better decisions, and secure our wallets. Take a look at the following tips and see if you can adopt one in your daily life.
1
Check the reviews
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When considering a purchase, browse the internet for reviews from other buyers. Simply type the item’s name followed by the word "reviews" in a search engine , and you’ll likely be flooded with websites that compile consumer opinions on the stuff they buy.
While fake reviews exist, they’re usually easy to spot. Focus on the negative reviews, as you probably already know the positive aspects of the product you’re researching.
2
Compare prices
Image: Aaron Lefler
Comparing prices has never been easier since the advent of the World Wide Web. (In fact, most of the items on this list have become significantly simpler thanks to the Internet!) Best of all, anyone can do it in multiple ways.
Many specialized websites compare prices for specific items , such as smartphones, but you can also check different retailers yourself to find the best deal. Always compare prices, even if an item is "on sale"—you might still find it cheaper elsewhere.
3
Check the details
Image: Nick Morrison
This one’s a no-brainer: always read the full description of products sold online carefully . Make sure the size, materials, and user guide align with the purpose you’re buying it for.
It’s not uncommon for people to purchase an item without checking the fine print, only to realize later that the product doesn’t fit the purpose it was intended for.
4
Beware of scams
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A downside of the online world is the proliferation of scams everywhere. Be extremely cautious when sharing personal or financial information online, especially if the website isn’t well-known or reputable. Scam websites and phishing emails often contain odd phrasing, spelling mistakes, or poor translations.
5
New is not necessarily better
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While some things are best bought new, many products can be purchased used, allowing you to save money without sacrificing quality—sometimes, it’s even the better option. Consider buying a used item from a local seller, a friend, or even a friend of a friend .
Manufacturers also sell refurbished products directly to consumers. These items have been repaired by the manufacturer and, in most cases, come with a product warranty. Be sure to ask all necessary questions and only buy if you’re certain everything is in order—the product should be complete and in perfect working condition.
6
Don’t give in to pressure
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Don’t let high-pressure sales tactics bully you into buying something you’re not completely sure about buying. It’s okay to say no and walk away . If it’s over the phone, you can interrupt at any time, say you’re not interested, and hang up.
Take your time making a decision, especially if it involves a significant amount of money. Think it through, research, consider alternatives, and check your budget before making a purchase.
7
If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is
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Another low-hanging fruit in the consumer tips section is this one. Offers that promise unusually high returns always come with a catch. If the price seems too good to be true or too low , there’s likely an issue somewhere .
A demand for an immediate decision is a red flag. Don’t risk your hard-earned money on shady deals—you’ll regret it in the end.
8
Don’t buy things you don’t need. Even if they are on sale
Image: Jess Bailey
9
Just because something is on sale or has a great price doesn’t mean you need it . It’s easy to be tempted into buying things we don’t actually use just because they’re discounted. In reality, bargain-bin finds often end up forgotten, collecting dust in our cabinets. That money would be better spent on something you truly need.
10
Pay by card
Image: Blake Wisz
It’s always best to use a debit or credit card when shopping online. This allows you to request a chargeback if your order doesn’t arrive or is incorrect. Before entering your payment details , check that the website is secure . Look for a small padlock symbol near the address bar and ensure the URL starts with "https" (the "s" stands for secure) rather than just "http" or "www."
Take a screenshot of your completed order or save a copy of the order confirmation in case something goes wrong. Monitor your bank statements regularly, and if you notice anything unusual—such as duplicate charges—contact your bank immediately.
11
Keep receipts
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Last but not least, always take a photo of your purchase receipts and save them on your phone in case you need proof of purchase later. Most of the time, you won’t need them—but every once in a while, they can be a lifesaver. It costs nothing and could potentially save you a lot of money.
