Some of us do this more than others and I will readily admit I am a bit fanatical, but when it comes to researching anything I will spend a significant amount of money on—I tend to follow a very specific pattern. Notice I didn’t add a numerical value there. I just used the term “significant” because this number can be relative to whatever you are pondering. A crazy expensive stroller/car seat/high chair/crib? Yep, significant. Safe pool toys/best butt cream/least annoying musical instrument? You better believe that if I am going to pay a few dollars more for a different brand—that it is considered a “significant” purchase in my eyes. I’m not claiming to be sane here—I’m just saying this is my process.
- First, you do the global search. Consult all of the internet and become thoroughly confused about what you are buying. It especially helps your stress level if you find one person who’s personal mission is to discontinue a particular item because it failed in some way. You will probably find entire blog posts concerning said item(s).
- Turn to Amazon. You narrowed your options down to between 3 and 20 things that you probably need to dig deeper on. This is when you turn to Amazon and the reviews. A lot of information can be garnered simply from the customer review chart. In fact, if I see a substantial amount of shading on the 1 or 2-star sections, I’m really only reading the reviews for the drama. I also hate when there are only 5-star reviews—something seems fishy. This step really steers you toward a couple more serious options, obviously.
- Talk to your husband about it. You have his attention for 90 seconds at most, so make those count. Present the options fast and only provide substantial research data when prompted. He will not have an opinion, and if he does, he probably won’t like what you like, so you will disregard his comment completely.
- Re-read the reviews on your favorites. More normal people probably start with this step. I wouldn’t know. Here you search specific statements to make sure there are no recalls or dangerous stories linked to them. Sometimes you watch YouTube reviews or demonstrations. And you consult the Amazon reviews again, because (let us be honest) you probably forgot what they said after you read 1,112 of them.
- Buy whatever is prettiest or significantly on sale, and still safe. It may not have even made it to your top 3 list, but all of a sudden you need it. Research rejected!
Anyone else have a ridiculous method for purchasing more items than your house can hold?
Both my husband and I are very guilty of this exact process. Except we have a step 4a. Where one goes to a brick and mortar store (ie Costco, Best Buy, Target…) to see the product in person. And while we are probably educated enough by this point to make a purchase decision, and the price is probably a difference of 49 cents, we still decide we can find a better deal online and keep researching. 🙂
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