First port of call when buying something ?

[302 XC]

Im interested to know where people look first when looking at buying something ...
Is it straight online,maybe ebay,gumtree,direct web page ,buy the local rag,or do we get on the blower,or heavens forbid jump in the car and off we go ....
If its on line,where the first place you go ??

[The Monty]

Online to check specs and reviews, and a price that they can do on the internet.
Then to the shops, keeping in mind that shops have to pay rent, and so should have a bigger margin on top of cost price then internet stores. I then shop around, and find a reasonable price, but there needs to be good customer service. I refuse to buy from places that have crap customer service. That way I am keeping the good shops in business, and the people that are good employees in jobs.

[xisled]

I go to the shop and buy the item. If they do not have it in stock I will move on to the next shop. Saving a couple of hundred here and there on big items does not worry me.

The reason Why I am not worried. I look at this way. My time is worth about $200 an hour. If I don’t not save that amount then I am losing out. I would much rather do something I enjoy than spending it looking at shops and online.

[SEZ213]

I usually research everything I buy first, not to find the cheapest prices, but to make sure that the product suits my needs. If it doesn't suit my needs, I move on to the next product. I gave up talking to shop staff about products, mostly because they didn't know the finer details on products (usually the bit that's important). If the shop staff know what they're talking about, I become a repeat customer, because product knowledge is important to me.

[mik]

It depends on the item , if it is something out of the ordinary I would be checking prices/availability on the net first, if it's something run of the mill straght to the shopping centre.

[xurbanx]

Like most that have posted here, I'll usually do my own research before I go and buy.
In no order, I'd usually research about the item online (specs, other similar products..etc.) then I'd read various reviews (Amazon, Whirlpool, Product Review) then I'd try and find the cheapest price or I'd settle for a mid-range price if the store/shop has good customer service.

The whole process usually takes me a good month or two, depending on the item.
My last purchase was a computer monitor, took me 2-3 months and finally decided to buy from a brick and mortars store, even though it was a bit more expensive than the cheapest price. The more expensive the product; the longer the research (took me 6 months to decide on my laptop).

[Pepscobra]

I go straight online to check the specs, its just too easy nowadays.

Then I jump on ebay to get a gauge of the price.

Actually, to be honest, its been a while since I actually walked into a store to buy something other than groceries.

[xisled]

Originally Posted by xurbanx

Like most that have posted here, I'll usually do my own research before I go and buy.
In no order, I'd usually research about the item online (specs, other similar products..etc.) then I'd read various reviews (Amazon, Whirlpool, Product Review) then I'd try and find the cheapest price or I'd settle for a mid-range price if the store/shop has good customer service.

The whole process usually takes me a good month or two, depending on the item.
My last purchase was a computer monitor, took me 2-3 months and finally decided to buy from a brick and mortars store, even though it was a bit more expensive than the cheapest price. The more expensive the product; the longer the research (took me 6 months to decide on my laptop).

How long would it take you to buy a house. LOL.

It all depends on your situation to. I am lucky that I earn enough not to worry about a couple hundred difference, but I can see where people do want to get the best price possible. Also I found with reviews, most are from people complaining, not many good reviews about any products online.

Another thing, the problem with waiting a few weeks with electronics, the next and better model is usually out by the time you have decided.

[BPXR6T]

eBay eBay eBay. Waste so much money on eBay. I live in the middle of nowhere but the couriers drop at a servo 20kms away, shops aren't an option usually. Although I go nuts at bunnings, SuperCheap, or autobahn when I make the 300km round trip.

[Mickxr8]

Sadly webz now , why ? , those that remember `std calls` and faxing stuff o/s , sitting next to the phone waiting,,,,If you want to be pedantic , still have the ol mans handwritten replies from places in usa chasing parts for his caddie , 6 months was a usual wait . you guys have it easy , research,compare,buy,organise payment without leaving the keyboard :/ lol

[sgt_doofey]

If it's something cheap, then eBay is the go. If it's something a little pricier then a bricks and mortar store. Warranty is the reason for me. Easier to deal with real people in a shop should something break and need fixing or replacing.

[BHDOGS]

www.ozbargains.com.au/deals

to see if its on special somewhere