How to buy new gadgets

The world is full of stuff that we desire. If 'stuff' falls into the electronic gadgets category, buying it is fraught with some peculiar aspects:

• It costs a lot of money
• Price differentials across borders can be significant
• Soon, there will be a new and better model available
• The price keeps dropping

Together, these aspects can lead to inaction. In itself, this can be a good thing because it saves you money, both in the short and the long run. But it can also be too sad because you never get to own the digital camera / tablet PC / GPS unit / music player / sports watch that no doubt would result in boundless improvement to your life.

Here are the ten rules I typically employ when buying a new piece of kit:

1. Strike at the right time. Wait until living without it becomes unbearable. Then do your research and make your decision. This way you make the most of steadily decreasing prices.
2. Buy the latest model. Even if the most significant price reductions occur when a new model is launched it is just too depressing to buy something that is already obsolete. Don't trust shops to offer you the latest model, always check with the manufacturer's website.
3. Search for the best price. Despite the transparency brought about by online catalogues and tools like froogle or bizrate, there are still huge variations in prices.
4. Check ebay. Those times are long gone when ebay was an exchange just for used stuff. Many shops use ebay as an additional sales channel and countless individuals are ready to help you engage in a bit of geographic arbitrage - as per point 5.
5. Maintain a 'shoppers without borders' mentality. Exploit price differences between countries and tax-free shopping outlets but remember to factor in any shipping fees and import duties. Avoid products that come without a global warranty.
6. Check off-line. Some stores will offer to beat the prices of online retailers. Give them the opportunity.
7. Think commissions. Was it an in-depth review at dpreview or another website that made you decide on a particular digital camera? If so, consider following a link from the website to the cheapest online retailer when completing your purchase. This will earn sites with helpful analysis and advice a percentage of the sale. You decide who deserves it.
8. Buy the main unit and disregard accessories. It is a well-known tactic to offer accessories at grossly higher margins than the electronic gadget itself. Just say no to the additional stuff you are offered. You can always buy it later when you know what you need, and third party products may be better for your purpose.
9. Help others while your knowledge is still relevant. Once you get your shiny new toy, you have about six weeks to help friends and family with their decision process if they are looking for a similar gadget. After that time, your market analysis is likely to be rendered obsolete by new product introductions and shifts in relative prices.
10. Enjoy your new gadget. Once you have bought it, never ever give in to curiosity: Stop checking prices. Let it rest. Because you have what you wanted and you know could have gotten it cheaper if you had waited.

Tags: gadgets shopping prices transparency advice google froogle bizrate

Comments

[Busby SEO Test]

thanks for the advice, now i know what im going to buy