1. Effective Shopping Practices
6.01- Shopping Options

2. SHOP WISELY COMPARISON SHOP PLAN BEFORE YOU SHOP 3 Basic Rules for
Effective Shopping
PLAN BEFORE YOU SHOP
COMPARISON SHOP
SHOP WISELY
6.01- Shopping Options

3. PLAN BEFORE YOU SHOP Rule #1
Decide whether to shop at home or in a store
When there is a choice, decide whether to purchase goods or services
Check reliability and services of stores and distance-sellers
Decide when to buy
6.01- Shopping Options

4. Shop in stores or at home?
Let’s review the pros and cons of shopping in a store
Let’s review the pros and cons of shopping at home
6.01- Shopping Options

5. Buy goods or services?
Sometimes you have an option of whether to purchase goods or services
Example 1: Buy a ready-made prom gown, or pay someone to make you a gown?
Example 2: Buy a new motorcycle or pay someone to fix up the used cycle you have?
6.01- Shopping Options

6. Buy goods or services?
Goods have clearly identified prices, while prices of services may be harder to determine.
Quality of goods can be reviewed and rated; quality of services is best reflected in performance.
6.01- Shopping Options

7. Check reliability and services
Only respectable businesses back up their claims
Services
Methods of payment accepted
Return/refund policies
Knowledgeable sales staff
Special services
Gift wrap
Special orders
Delivery
Repairs/maintenance
6.01- Shopping Options

8. Decide when to buy . . . Buy now with cash or credit
Save for purchase at a later time
When possible, wait for a sale
Avoid impulse buying
6.01- Shopping Options

9. Products COMPARISON SHOP Rule #2 Research the product Compare products
Understand warranties
Talk to people who have
made the same purchase
Check the Internet
6.01- Shopping Options

10. Research the product
Do your homework --- become familiar with the product
Talk to people who have made the same purchase
Check Internet for consumer information, magazines, other publications
6.01- Shopping Options

11. Compare products Brand names, store brands, and generics
Size of package
Other product features
6.01- Shopping Options

12. Understand warranties
Implied warranty – product is in proper condition and does what it is intended to do
Example: Hair dryer blows and dries hair
6.01- Shopping Options

13. Understand warranties
Written warranty – goes beyond implied warranty by providing a written guarantee
Full warranty – according to law, must provide all 5 standards stated by Magnuson-Moss Act
Limited warranty – provides 1-4, but not all, of standards in Magnuson-Moss Act
Standards of Magnuson-Moss Act
Warranty extends to any owner of product, not just original owner
No cost for warranty
Nothing to do to receive warranty
Guarantees refund or replacement
Does not limit time period of implied warranty
6.01- Shopping Options

14. Services COMPARISON SHOP Rule #2
Identify a person(s) or business(es) that provide the desired service
Check qualifications
Interview; ask for demos/samples
Check references
Check licensing, bonding, insurance
Pay close attention to agreements
6.01- Shopping Options

15. Pay close attention to terms of agreements
Estimate --- a total expected cost, in writing, for performing a service
Work order --- gives authority to the provider to perform services
Contract --- a legally binding agreement between a service provider and a consumer
Service warranty --- a guarantee of quality standards for performance
6.01- Shopping Options

16. In Stores SHOP WISELY Rule #3
Consider the value of time and energy, as well as money
Handle money, cash, and credit cards with care
Get receipts and sales slips; file carefully
Deal fairly and honestly with others in the marketplace
Report unfair/dishonest practices to the
proper authorities
6.01- Shopping Options

17. At Home SHOP WISELY Rule #3 Know name, location of seller
Understand what you are buying
Compare prices with other retailers
Only buy from secure sites
Check seller’s privacy policy
Pay by credit card
Find out delivery date, return and refund policy
Check product promptly when delivered
6.01- Shopping Options