7 Quick Tips For a More Smarter Consumer

As a consumer I always try to read as much as I can about things I want to buy. I do extensive research online and try to compare other similar products. Preferably I try to find complaints and see if a product or a service has negative feedback. This way I can make a sound decision. Here are other few ways to keep things in mind:

1. If a deal sounds too good to be true then it might be. Be wary of work at home jobs, get rich online businesses, risk-free investments or offers for free travels. Most of this investments or work-at-home business are only out there to sell you a boxed product that you will forget and loose interest after a while. This is what they want and expect. The TV infomercials are well known for this tactics.

2. Don't share information, online or on the phone, with someone you don't trust. Ask lots of questions and always do research. If you are doing a web purchase make sure it's from a trusty website. When making a transaction look for the "s" in "http" in the address of the website.

3. Get a second opinion if you feel unsure. Do not fall into pressure tactics. Remember everyone is after your money. Ones it's off your hands it will be three times as hard to get back. Keep receipts and emails. You will need them if something goes wrong or when you need to dispute charges or simply want a refund.

4. Google is your best friend because it will be your one "product review." Research a company online for negative practices. Truth comes out online because people who are not satisfied or felt "burned" by a company will try to send out a warning and most of the time they will attest their experience. It's a wealth of information and it will help you make a wise decision. Try including "negative keywords" along with the company name for a more narrow result.

5. Try to use paypal as a payment processor. At the time this blog was written, they have updated they website interface and have streamlined the transaction between buyer and seller. Disputing a transaction is now much easier. Sign up for account. Make sure to check the return fees. More companies now are beefing up their return policies by applying fees.

6. The deal is only good "for today" or offers you a discount for buying now. I've seen furniture stores who claim that they are going out of business but never close at all. This is clearly a salesman tactic.

7. Watch for credit card charges. Review your bill at the end of a every billing period. Scrutinize anything that looks suspicious. Mark it with a highlighter and do a research. If you don't remember the transaction then it's time to pickup the phone.

Do research. Google is on your side. Do not be intimidated by what you see. There's usually a hook. If you don't feel right walk away...