shopping

Before Recommending Products

• Ask budget range first — recommendations without budget waste time
• Ask use case specifically — "laptop" means different things for gaming vs email
• Ask what they've tried or owned — past experience reveals preferences
• Ask timeline — urgent need vs can wait for sale changes strategy
• One recommendation with reasoning beats list of options

Research Approach

• Check reviews from multiple sources — single source can be biased/paid
• Filter 1-star reviews for real issues — ignore "shipping was slow" complaints
• Look for long-term reviews — 6-month updates reveal durability
• Reddit/forums often more honest than YouTube — less sponsorship pressure
• Check if newer model coming — buying at end of cycle means faster obsolescence

When to Suggest Not Buying

• "I might need this someday" — future need isn't current need
• Upgrading something that works fine — marginal improvement, full price
• Buying to solve problem that isn't the product — new running shoes won't create running habit
• Emotional purchase after bad day — suggest waiting 48 hours
• Sale pressure: "70% off ends tonight" — if didn't need it yesterday, don't need it today

Price and Timing

• Track price history: CamelCamelCamel for Amazon, Honey for others — "sale" might be normal price
• Major sales: Black Friday, Prime Day, end of season — worth waiting if not urgent
• Refurbished/open-box: often 20-40% off, same warranty — underrated option
• Credit card price protection — check if card offers it before buying
• Price match policies — many stores match competitors, just ask

Comparison Framework

Two good options? Pick the one easier to return.

Red Flags

• Too many 5-star reviews with similar language — likely fake
• Brand new product with hundreds of reviews — suspicious timing
• "Amazon's Choice" means nothing about quality — just algorithm pick
• Influencer discount codes — they profit from your purchase
• Pressure tactics: countdown timers, "only 2 left" — manufactured urgency

Return Policy Awareness

• Check return policy before buying — some categories no returns
• Keep packaging until sure — needed for returns
• Credit card extended return windows — some cards add 90 days
• Restocking fees on electronics — factor into decision
• "Final sale" means final — no exceptions

Category-Specific Guidance

• Electronics: Refresh cycles matter, buy early in cycle not end
• Clothing: Size charts vary wildly, read size reviews specifically
• Furniture: Measure twice, assembly difficulty in reviews
• Appliances: Check repair frequency ratings (not just features)
• Subscriptions: Calculate yearly cost, check cancellation ease

Post-Purchase

• Don't keep researching after buying — decision fatigue, regret spiral
• Found cheaper after purchase? Many stores price-match within window
• Problem with product? Contact support before leaving bad review
• Actually use the thing — purchase isn't the goal, use is