What kinds of consumer resources, if any, do you use?

100% gut.

not having as big a

"gut" as pharon I consult all specific info that I can

I hate

shopping.....going to the mall makes me hyperventilate.

I like it
Ithink that

i could happly leave the house in the morning to go shopping that is not just everyday shopping but "real"shopping but

however the bank balance required for such a shopping trip is beyond me. If on the other hand you are talking about the

everyday type, then I have to say I hate it. Somone however has to so

It's according to

the product. My husband, the audiophile, will not buy a component for his "hi-fi" (does that phrase "date" me? :wink: )

unless he has:

Gone to a half dozen stores, and made me listen and compare until I want to scream.

Read a

number of hi-fi magazines with reviews.

Has ME go on the net (thank goodness, I'm the computer guru in the family),

and check the reviews of the product.

For small items, we usually just go to Best Buy or the like, and buy what

strikes us!

When I do not think I know enough to make a decision on my own I use consumer reports. In the past I used it almost all of the time but found that often price is part of their criteria in picking the best and price is not always a good indicator.

I used to get Consumer Reports, but I got irritated that every issue had car reports and not enough information about items people buy more frequently, like software or toaster ovens or frozen dinners. I really hated spending money on it when the only time it would be useful is if I was leasing a new car every 2 months or buying a washer and dryer every three.

I always research electronic purchases - sometimes to a fault. I always want the perfect product, the very best for my money. When I think I've found one, I'll go search for three more user opinions before buying it, and then I have to find the place within a 10 mile radius with the best price, the best sale, the best service, whatever.

It could also be an thinly veiled excuse for my internet addiction.

Interesting replies...We always check out the Consumer Reports articles on everything from electronics to cars first, and then go check out the items at the stores. Have always done it that way, and probably always will. Their consumer guide is a great little "tool" to take along when shopping for electronics and appliances, and they now have a website with even more updated information on it that's pretty handy. For people who don't like to spend a lot of time going from store to store to find the right item with the right features, using Consumer Reports before you leave the house is a great way to comparison shop.