Are you an 'info shopper'?

I'm an info shopper - almost to the point where I drive myself crazy. I will read opinions on several sites before I make a decision on items more than $50.

What I am curious to know is if it really makes me a better shopper than what I was 5 years ago? I found from reading the reviews, I usually end of spending more money.

Definitely an info shopper. Doesn't matter what the item is, I want to make sure I'm getting exactly what I need at the best price available. This also helps when having to share the decision making, because I can do the research (which I love) and present the findings for final shared decision. This helped us save over $100 on the purchase of an over-the-range microwave because of stores beating advertised prices.

For me it is a cost/benefit thing. If I'm researching a $20 gadget, I read a couple of reviews on Amazon and then buy. If I'm buying a new major appliance, camera, etc, I typically research an hour or two. If I'm buying a car or other multi-thousand dollar purchase, I leave no stone unturned. :-)

Dan
Find the best grocery deals in NC at Savvydollar.org

Very much of an info shopper. Especially on bigger purchases, but even on little things if I've got the time -- I find that specific information from actual users/purchasers have much more influence on me than any advertising.

Jennncsu -- the places I most frequently find user reviews are amazon and epinions. I also find that people sometimes leave helpful reviews on specific store sites (e.g. vacuum reviews on Sears.com, etc.)

I am, in some situations. If it's high dollar value or something that I'm going to be stuck with for quite a while, it's researched until I feel like there's nothing left.

I am definitely an info shopper. I am interested in customer reviews, safety and quality studies (like Consumer Reports), endorsements and awards, etc. The higher the price, the more in depth I go in my research. If anyone has favorite websites they get this info from, I'd love to hear them.

The amount of research we do depends on the type of product we are contemplating purchasing, such as things like a TV, Blu-Ray player, sound system, etc.