STANDARDS CORNER

SHOPPING smart and saving money is possible if you have a good memory of prices, and take the time to compare prices in different establishments before making any purchase. It also has to do with selecting the best products to meet your needs at an affordable price. Products that are produced according to, or are conforming to, the requirements of national or international standards are usually of good quality.

Consumers are bombarded every day with advertisements paid for by manufacturers and distributors who are engaged in sales promotions and discounts. They use all forms of media, including television, radio, billboards, newspapers and the Internet to promote their products.
However, consumers should not become confused, but should take a moment to carefully understand the expectations of the products they intend to buy. Aspects to be considered should include quality, durability, performance, usefulness, alternatives, and price. It is important to note that, oftentimes, items on sale may have close expiry dates or have some sort of defect. Some businesses have “sales” because they are expecting new stock or products with improved designs. Sales are generally enticing, and consumers tend to buy products for which they have no need.
Shopping smart takes time, skill, and practice. Each of us needs to practice smart shopping to get “a fair share in the market place”.
To get your fair share in the market place, try these shopping reminders:
* Think before you buy! Ask yourself: Do I need this item? Will it fit into my budget? Spending only $3000.00 a week on things you don’t need will cost you $156,000.00 in a year. And coupons don’t always save you money. Buying something you don’t need or won’t use, because you have a coupon, isn’t smart shopping. You may also find that an item on sale or a store brand item is cheaper than the product you have a coupon for.
* Check it out! Find out all you can about a product before you buy it. Read about the product. Talk to people who own or know about the product. Ask the salesperson to show you how the product works. See if the product really does what the commercials say it does. Learn the usual price of an item. Check the usual price of an item with the sale prices that a store is offering. Is the sale price cheaper than the usual price of the item? If the answer is yes, then this may be a good buy.
* Consider the facts! Think about the product facts that you read or are told. Which facts are the most important to you and your family? Remember that because a company made a product of high quality one year does not mean that the company makes high quality products every year. Smart shoppers consider the facts before they buy.
* Compare! Smart shoppers shop around. Visit or call three stores to compare the prices of the item, the different models of the item, and the return rules of each store. Buy from the store that gives you the most for the money you spend. You must also compare quantity with quality.
* Choose! Be picky! It’s your money. Think about what you are getting for your money. Remember if a product or a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
* Check expiry dates and bar codes! By doing this you will avoid throwing away products later, and wasting your money. Supermarkets and others put items on sale often as these items are about to expire.
Always plan your buying, and get the best value for your money.

For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0069, 219-0065, 219-0062.