Five Items That You Shouldn't Buy Cheap Alternatives Of

by Amanda Haury

Perceptive consumers know that if you want to get the best bargain or value you need to do your homework before making your purchase. It is wise to compare prices, quality and features before making a final decision on a product. While many products on the market aren't much better than their cheaper alternatives, there are still certain items that are worth spending that extra money on.


Computer
There are plenty of options for computer purchases these days, with some products that are definitely more affordable than others are. Don't be lured by a low price tag until you review the computer's specification. Although you will pay less up front, you may be confronted with a less than adequate product. Budget computers often come with basic software, limited memory and much to be desired. It would be wise to shop around and compare computers before making a decision. Many people buy refurbished computers to save money. This is a great way to get a high-quality brand name laptop at a lower price. Many major laptop manufacturers such as Sony, Dell, HP and IBM offer sales of refurbished laptops through their websites. If you want to ensure your laptop remains in good working order, you can purchase an extended warranty.


Mattress 
Another item that you may want to invest more money into, is a mattress. Sleep is a vital part of our lives, and if you have an uncomfortable or low-quality mattress, you are going to feel the effects of it. Rather than trying to save money on your mattress, purchase a quality made one instead. People generally spend hours sleeping on their mattress and having a higher quality mattress will generally help you get better, longer sleep.


Linens 
Home linens such as sheets, blankets and towels are also a necessity for everyday living. Not all linens are created equally though. Cheaper alternatives may not be as high of quality as their more expensive counterparts and you may find yourself replacing them more often. For example, when purchasing sheets pay special attention to thread count on the package; the higher the thread count, the more durable and comfortable your sheets are likely to be.


Infant Car Seat 
Another item that you would be wise to pay more money for is an infant car seat. Infant car seats have the important task of keeping your baby safe while the car is in motion. Not all car seats are created equal, and you tend to get what you pay for. Rather than picking out the least expensive or trendiest car seat, do your homework, check the safety ratings and compare against other models.


Appliances 
When purchasing appliances it is important to thoroughly review what each appliance offers, as well as look for the best value. Appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and the like can be found at reasonable prices. In order to get the best value, you will have to do your homework and compare models. According to Consumer Reports, shoppers still prefer walk-in stores for major appliances. However, purchasing online is becoming increasingly popular. You can order an item online and pick it up at the store, which saves on shipping fees.


The Bottom Line 
Getting the best value on a product has much more to do with retail price. There are many factors that come into play, such as how will the product be used, length of time the product is needed for and many other variables. Don't judge a product on price tag alone, but instead research and compare products to determine the best value.

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