Shopping for Value in Technology

My dad was quite the bargain hunter. I believe this is a genetic trait, which I'm proud to say I've inherited. I think I've passed it down to my kids, and my husband has acquired it by association. It's now a tradition in my family to try to out-do each other in finding the best shopping deal. This quest is always on for clothes, books, electronics -- you name it. I've never looked at this as being cheap, or even thrifty. I see it as getting the best value in a purchase.

Finding good value isn't exclusively shopping price. Just because something is inexpensive doesn't mean it has value. By the same token, just because something is very expensive it doesn't mean it isn't worth the hefty price tag. A product or service may have value for me, but not for my friends or neighbors. Finding value means that you've found a product or service that solves your problem at a competitive price.

Let's face it, most home electronics purchases are "wants," not "needs." This gives one the luxury of comparative shopping. The Internet, retail stores, and media ads are good starting points in any shopping excursion. Before I'm ready to plunk down my hard-earned money I want more information than self-proclaimed excellence by the manufacturers. Two avenues I regularly take before making a major electronic purchase are recommendations from trusted associates or trained experts, and looking back at past experience with the product line, brand, or company.

Here are some personal examples. My husband and I are in the market for a home stereo system. We narrowed our search down to one particular brand. It seemed pretty expensive, but when we asked my sister-in-law, who owns this system, she said it's worth every penny. Earlier this year we were shopping for a kitchen appliance with all the electronic bells and whistles. We knew which brand we wanted -- until an honest and well-informed salesperson pointed out there was newer technology at a lower price in another brand. In TVs and DVD players we have our go-to brand that has not disappointed.

Something else to keep in mind is that newer technology is often more expensive than products that have been around for awhile. Plasmas and LCDs have come down in price over the past few years. Computers cost a fraction of what they did in the not-so-distant past. Be wary, though, if someone's main claim to fame is years in business. Electronics have come a long way since the horse-and-buggy days of technology of even a couple of decades ago. Look for continuous improvement. After all, an authentic Model T Ford is great as a collector's item, but you're not going to take it on the freeways.

Some of the newest technology won't work for everyone. I recently read an ad about an electronic touch sensor on a washing machine. It doesn't allow the same person to start the machine two times in a row. This is to ensure that the same person in the household isn't stuck doing all the laundry. Now, I don't think my husband and I are particularly dirty people, but we each do about four loads of our own laundry. We'd have to coordinate our laundry schedule to make this new technology effective for us. It wouldn't be practical. That doesn't mean it won't work for some consumers.

Be an informed shopper, looking at price, features, reliability, customer service, and a perfect fit in solving your problem.