SELECT YOUR LANGUAGE

Comparison shopping, is smart shopping.  When you shop for anything, you should always check out the pricing, products, quality, and service of competitors who sell the same or similar products to see how you can save money.  It is also important to remember to research the company website to check out the company reviews.  You can also check out the company on the Better Business Bureau website, because going cheaper is not always better, especially if the company has a horrible reputation with consumers.  You can also look on the back of most products to find out who the manufacturer is and do your research on the manufacturing company who makes the products, before making purchases.

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As a consumer, remember that timing on when to buy is also important.  You can catch a lot of deals around major holidays, so it is good to wait to purchase items that are not really necessities around holidays, when you can get the same items for a much lower price.  

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You also want to check out a stores website online, because there are often online deals that you cannot get when purchasing items in the store.  Online pricing is usually lower than in-store pricing on the same or similar items.  You can order items online and request to pick them up in the store, if you do not want to wait long for your products.  You will also find that store rewards cards and apps also offer deals at either a lesser cost or for free, if you earn a certain number of rewards, specified by each store.  Don't be afraid to download the store app onto your cellular device.

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As the paying consumer, you have the right to comparison shop and spend your money where and how you want to spend it.  Don't let the sales person make you feel guilty about comparison shopping. They probably do the same thing when they are buying a product or service.

 

Business owners have to know that Good customer service is a way to earn customers and retain customers as well.  So, it is important to train your staff on good customer service skills and effective communication practices.  Also, if you are a business owner, know your competitors price point, so that you can make sure that you can compete on pricing.  Don't just shop the brand, shop for cost, quality of the products and good customer service.  Most high end brands are like politicians, they boast about what their products and services can do, but in the end, they don't always deliver.  Be smart about where and how you spend your money.

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By Jason Torrents

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