Today’s consumer world has become increasingly fragmented and difficult to navigate, so we here at The Conglomerist put together a helpful guide on how to be a savvy shopper. It’s a five-step process consisting of Research, Shopping, Paying, Customer Service, and Disposal. After the jump, let’s get started with learning about how to use our dollars more wisely…

1. RESEARCHING
Watch TV. Observe the items your friends and coworkers purchase. Read glossy magazines. All of these can be great sources of inspiration to find new things to buy. How do you know when it’s time to buy something? It’s easy. Just listen to you heart. Whenever it does a little jump and says “gimmie one of those,” you know it’s time to put on your shoes and go shopping.

2. SHOPPING
Amble your way towards the item you’re looking for. Keep an eye out for products at eye level and placed at the ends of aisles, these are products stores especially want you to buy so it’s best to grab a few of these and help stimulate the economy. Once at your item’s location, a salesperson may appear to assist you with your purchase. They may offer helpful suggestions about additional accessories that can help make your product experience more enjoyable. Be sure to buy every one. If a salesperson offers to give you an extended warranty, take it. They’re the product experts so they know what’s best for you.

3. PAYING
If you don’t have enough money to pay in cash, that’s ok. That’s why credit cards were invented. Not solvent enough to get a credit card? Irregardless of your credit history, there’s a wonderful financial service out there called a “payday loan,” conveniently located next to your favorite liquor store.

4. CUSTOMER SERVICE
If you have a problem with a product, or feel disappointed by its performance, you’re probably using it wrong. Try reading the manual again, smart guy.

5. DISPOSAL
Once your purchase has a scratch on it or a new, better version comes out, it’s time to throw it away. Just toss it in the trash can, or from the window of a moving car. Don’t worry if it hits a Native American, he’s used to it.

What tips do you use for being a better shopper? Let us know in the comments below.

(Photo: Getty)

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