Comparison Shopping

ANY item
Experts say comparison-shopping can save you a bundle on almost any items, from groceries to furniture to high-ticket luxuries like cars, TVs and computers.

"Most families would save more than a thousand dollars a year by doing comparison shopping," says Robert Krughoff, President of Consumer's Checkbook.

Yet, HALF of Americans do not comparison shop
"50 percent of Americans rarely comparison shop if ever," says Krughoff.

Why? "Consumers don't realize how easy it is to do," he says.

Doing the research
Experts say just pick-up the phone or hop online. "In many cases, you can save a hundred dollars with ten or fifteen minutes worth of effort," says Krughoff.

In fact, experts say you'll find most major products and services at a wide range of prices. "There's hardly a product in the marketplace that isn't priced differently at a different retailers," says Stephen Brobeck, Executive Director of Consumer Federation of America.

"Doing a little research on a product in the marketplace and then shopping around will ensure that you get the product you really want and secondly that you will get the best price possible for that product," adds Brobeck.

Some tips:
Calling Pays Off: "If on your second call, you've saved 100 dollars versus your first call, that would imply that it's probably going [to] be well worth while to make a few more calls because there's obviously a big price difference out there," says Krughoff.
Do the Homework: When it comes to picking your telephone, cable and Internet providers. Experts say they often have sales they don't necessarily advertise and they often will bring prices down to compete with each other.
Choose the Right Place to Shop:Experts say consumers can save a bundle by choosing the right supermarket. Just take your shopping list and try out several stores for exactly the same items.
Don't Exclude Services: Consumer's Checkbook also says you can save money on services like auto repairs and home improvement jobs simply by comparing prices. They suggest knowing specifically what you want done, that way you can see the range in prices.

So how can you get the best deal on just about anything? Click here!

Did You Know?"We estimate over the course of a year, a typical middle class family can save well over $1,000 by comparative shopping for goods," according to Stephen Brobeck, Executive Director of Consumer Federation of America.

Read more smart consumer tips and strategies
from Fox11 Eyewitness News Online

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