Choosing the right products

With almost everyone tightening their belts, it's important to think carefully about the products we buy and be sure that they will serve us well, while at the same time getting the best value for money.

Whether you're looking to buy a new toaster or a new television, this article is for you.


Think about what you need
While it's tempting to immediately set our sights on the latest and greatest all-singing-all-dancing super gadgets, it is important to think about what you need a product to do. Is there any point in buying a six slice toaster if everyone wakes up at different times? Do you need your TV to be able to access the internet? Do you need a computer powerful enough to manage the Hadron Collider just to send emails?

The way to save money when choosing a product is to resist vanity. If you find yourself picking out a TV just because 'it's bigger than Mrs. Green's next door', you're likely to spend much more money than you really ought to.


Read reviews
Unless the product you're thinking of buying is fresh off the ship, there will be other consumers who have 'been there and done that'. It usually isn't difficult to tell which reviews are worth taking notice of, and you are likely to find a wealth of information that isn't included in the manufacturer's specifications. 

 
Beware false economy
In consumer terms, 'false economy' occurs when something appears at first instance to offer excellent value for money, but subsequently fails to deliver on performance or simply does not last as long as expected. The result is that we then have to buy further products or costly repairs to make up for the defects of our original purchase.

It is an old adage that 'you get what you pay for'. While this is still sometimes true, it doesn't always mean that expensive products have a guarantee of quality, nor that cheaper products aren't worth a look. Indeed, there are many cheaper products that perform and last just as well - if not better - than their expensive brand counterparts. 

Whenever you are buying something for over £50, it is worth taking the time to see what is available on the market and reading reviews. Do not rely on what a sales person tells you as this information is, by its very nature, likely to be biased.  


Conclusion
The 'right product' is probably not the most expensive, nor is it likely to be the cheapest. Think hard about what you need a product to do, listen to what other customers have to say, and don't let vanity get a word in. Not only can you save money in this way, you will have invested in products that will serve and last you well.