Better Business Bureau: Tips for Smarter Buying
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Most families do not need to be told that things cost more these days. A trip to the grocery store, filling up the car, or paying for an unexpected home or auto repair can take a bigger bite out of the household budget than it used to.
When money is tight, it can be tempting to jump at a bargain when you see one. But the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds consumers that this is also a time when it pays to slow down and do a little extra homework before spending your money.
Value Matters More Than Price
A low price is not always a good deal, especially if you end up with a product that does not work, a service that is never completed, or a company that will not respond when there is a problem. Those problems are a lot more common than most people think.
BBB hears from consumers who paid a contractor a large deposit and then had trouble getting the work completed (or are unable to contact the contractor altogether). Others ordered a product online because the price looked too good to pass up, only to receive a poor-quality item or nothing at all. Scammers also know that people are looking for ways to save money, and they often use unusually low prices and limited-time offers to get consumers to act before they have time to think.
Current Issue
October 2026
Before making a purchase, especially an expensive one, ask yourself these questions: Do you need to buy it today? Can you compare the price with another company? Do you know who you are doing business with? What is the company’s return, cancellation, or refund policy? And if something goes wrong, will you be able to reach someone who can help?
A few extra minutes of research can make a bigger difference than most people think!
Recommendations to Save Money
To save money, BBB recommends the following:
- Shop around. Compare prices, but also compare warranties, service, quality, and other terms. The lowest estimate may not always be the best value.
- Check out the business. Visit BBB.org to see the company’s BBB Business Profile, rating, customer reviews and complaint history. You can also see whether the company is BBB Accredited.
- Get the details in writing. This is especially important for contractors, repair work, and other major services. Make sure you understand the total price, payment schedule, expected completion date, and what happens if plans change.
- Be careful with pressure to act quickly. Statements such as “today only,” “last one available,” or “the price goes up tomorrow” should not stop you from taking the time you need to make a good decision.
- Know the refund and cancellation policy. Do not assume you can return an item or cancel a service later. Find out before you pay.
- Be cautious with credit. Credit cards can offer useful consumer protections, but carrying a balance from month to month means interest can make an already expensive purchase cost even more.
When money is tight, price matters, but value, perhaps, matters even more. It pays to remember that price is only one part of a good buying decision. A business that communicates clearly, answers questions, provides written information and stands behind its work may be worth paying a little more for.
Before you buy, ask questions, do your research, and check out the business at BBB.org. Taking a little extra time to compare your options, understand what you are buying, and choose a business you trust can help stretch your budget and reduce the chances of an expensive mistake.
Cameron Nakashima is the media engagement and digital campaigns manager for the Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific.