We are all searching for a bargain, but experts agree value is more important than overall price when it comes to getting a good deal.
Queensland Consumers Association president Cherie Dalley said the best way to get a good deal was to research the product before shopping.
“Know exactly what you want to buy,” she said. “It’s very easy to get talked into purchasing the product that the store wants you to buy, rather than what suits your needs.”
Ms Dalley also warned consumers to be cautious about “value adding” on products, such as extra insurance.
“If you’re offered an extended warranty on a fridge, look at the service that you’re already getting most fridges already have a warranty of at least a year,” she said.
“Before purchasing an extra five years’ warranty, you have to think about the lifecycle of your fridge. You may well move to another house before then, where the fridge won’t fit in the space.”
Shopping at smaller businesses often has advantages with customer loyalty being rewarded, according to Dr Rebekah Russell-Bennett, of the Queensland University of Technology.
Dr Russell-Bennett, from QUT’s School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, said: “Restaurants, for instance, often go the extra mile to reward loyal customers.
“They’ve been suffering in the current financial climate, so loyalty counts for a lot.”
Ms Dalley’s and Dr Russell-Bennett’s comments come as Quest Community Newspapers launches its latest Live Local Shop Local promotion in which readers can share in $24,200 worth of prizes.
As part of that prize pool, one lucky reader will win a $5000 grand prize.
Simply cut out and complete an entry form appearing in your local Quest newspaper for the next six weeks and place it in an entry box at a participating local business.
Not only will you have a chance at the $5000 cash, each participating Quest newspaper has two $100 shopping vouchers to give away each week.
To
