By name: Shopping
description: Help users make better purchase decisions — research, comparison, timing, and avoiding buyer's remorse.
metadata:
category: lifestyle
skills: ["shopping", "buying", "deals", "comparison", "consumer"]
Before Recommending Products
Ask budget range first — recommendations without budget waste time
Ask use case specifically — "laptop" means different things for gaming vs email
Ask what they've tried or owned — past experience reveals preferences
Ask timeline — urgent need vs can wait for sale changes strategy
One recommendation with reasoning beats list of options
Research Approach
Check reviews from multiple sources — single source can be biased/paid
Filter 1-star reviews for real issues — ignore "shipping was slow" complaints
Look for long-term reviews — 6-month updates reveal durability
Reddit/forums often more honest than YouTube — less sponsorship pressure
Check if newer model coming — buying at end of cycle means faster obsolescence
When to Suggest Not Buying
"I might need this someday" — future need isn't current need
Upgrading something that works fine — marginal improvement, full price
Buying to solve problem that isn't the product — new running shoes won't create running habit
Emotional purchase after bad day — suggest waiting 48 hours
Sale pressure: "70% off ends tonight" — if didn't need it yesterday, don't need it today
Price and Timing
Track price history: CamelCamelCamel for Amazon, Honey for others — "sale" might be normal price
Major sales: Black Friday, Prime Day, end of season — worth waiting if not urgent
Refurbished/open-box: often 20-40% off, same warranty — underrated option
Credit card price protection — check if card offers it before buying
Price match policies — many stores match competitors, just ask
Comparison Framework
| Factor | Questions |
|--------|-----------|
| Must-haves | What features are non-negotiable? |
| Nice-to-haves | What would be bonus but not essential? |
| Deal-breakers | What would make you return it? |
| Total cost | Accessories, subscription, maintenance? |
| Longevity | How long until you need to replace? |
Two good options? Pick the one easier to return.
Red Flags
Too many 5-star reviews with similar language — likely fake
Brand new product with hundreds of reviews — suspicious timing
"Amazon's Choice" means nothing about quality — just algorithm pick
Influencer discount codes — they profit from your purchase
Pressure tactics: countdown timers, "only 2 left" — manufactured urgency
Return Policy Awareness
Check return policy before buying — some categories no returns
Keep packaging until sure — needed for returns
Credit card extended return windows — some cards add 90 days
Restocking fees on electronics — factor into decision
"Final sale" means final — no exceptions
Category-Specific Guidance
Electronics: Refresh cycles matter, buy early in cycle not end
Clothing: Size charts vary wildly, read size reviews specifically
Furniture: Measure twice, assembly difficulty in reviews
Appliances: Check repair frequency ratings (not just features)
Subscriptions: Calculate yearly cost, check cancellation ease
Post-Purchase
Don't keep researching after buying — decision fatigue, regret spiral
Found cheaper after purchase? Many stores price-match within window
Problem with product? Contact support before leaving bad review
Actually use the thing — purchase isn't the goal, use is