What do you want to buy? Getting the information that you need isn't too difficult and it doesn't have to be complicated. You know what you want? Let's go get it. I will make up an item to use as an example. I want to buy an electric shoe tier and here are the steps I would follow to purchase the model that best fits my needs. For the sake of spending time to research, I am going to assume that an electric shoe tier can be pricey.

1. Decide what you can afford to spend. Realize that to get the exact model that you want you may have to spend a bit more.

2. Ask someone you know that has one already. You probably want one because you have already seen one in action and it piqued your interest. Ask why they bought the model and what features they like best.

3. Do some internet research. Type the category name of the item into any search engine and you are bound to get numerous sites claiming to have the best one ever. In addition, there are consumer research websites that you can access.

4. Review the features and benefits. More features equals more money, however you need to ensure that you are getting the benefits that attracted you to the item in the first place.

5. Go window shopping. Stop by a couple stores that have them. At all stores ask the salesperson one or two of the same questions. You can easily figure out which salesperson knows the answer to your questions and which salesperson doesn't know the answer but doesn't want to admit it. You then can garner some good information.

6. Remember that salespeople may be spiffed' on the sale. That means that for a certain time period there is a bonus paid for the number of units sold. Remember their comments, but continue to do your own research.

7. Read the packaging. As a retail buyer I can tell you that manufacturers do not rely on salespeople to sell their products. Instead, manufacturers put as much information as possible in the packaging. Packaging is considered the 'silent salesperson'.

8. Back to the internet. Go to major shopping sites and read customer reviews. These reviews are written by consumers, users of the merchandise. These consumers are just like you, someone who took the time to learn before they spent their hard earned money. They want to share their results whether their decision was good or bad.

9. Once you have made the decision of which model to purchase, ensure that you are purchasing the item at the store that is going to give you the best service after the sale. What is the return policy? Is there an open package fee if you do return the item? If there is a manufacturer problem, how do you get it fixed? Do you return it to the store or do you have to mail it in? Does the store have a service desk that can help with questions or minor fixes?

10. Finally, the majority of retailers will sell you a warranty on virtually anything that they sell. Think twice. Remember the research that you did. You are probably buying this particular model because it was rated the best by other consumers. What is the manufacturer's warranty? How long do you expect to use the item? Does the retailers warranty give you extra insurance or does it just prolong the existing warranty? Once you register a purchase with a manufacturer, you will most likely receive an offer to extend the warranty either at time of registration or once the original warranty ends.

The amount of research that you do will most likely vary due to the price of the item. Have fun shopping!

Learn more about this author, Rita Sams.
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