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Try Before You Buy: A Smarter Approach to Spending

 


America is a nation full of Goldilocks: we want to try out things before we commit to buying. Most of us, by default, reserve the experience for big-ticket items like cars, mattresses, and TVs. But the savvy Super Saver knows that this principle can apply to nearly everything we buy. Expanding your "try before you buy" mindset can help you make informed purchases, avoid buyer’s remorse, and save money. Here are a few creative ways to test the waters before diving in.

Free Trials: A Sneak Peek Without the Price Tag

We’ve all taken advantage of free samples at the grocery store or watched the first 10 minutes of a popular streaming show before being asked to pay. These are classic examples of free trials—companies give you a taste of their product in hopes that you’ll commit to the full experience. But free trials aren’t just for food and entertainment.

  • Warehouse Clubs & Gyms – Tag along with a friend to get an inside look at a warehouse club or gym before deciding if a membership is worth it.
  • Free, Ad-Supported Services – Some platforms offer free, ad-supported versions of their services, allowing you to test their value before paying for an upgrade.
  • Online Services – Many online services, such as tax prep software, let you start for free before requiring payment. Use this to explore different options and choose the best fit for your needs.

Borrowing: A Hands-On Experience for Free

Borrowing is another fantastic way to try before you buy. Instead of making an impulse purchase, ask yourself if you can borrow the item first.

  • Tools & Equipment – Need a drill for a one-time project or to test before buying? Borrow it from a friend or check out tool libraries in your area to see if it meets your needs before making a purchase.
  • Books, Music & Movies – Your local library is an underrated goldmine for borrowing books, albums, and movies, allowing you to test out authors, artists, and series before adding them to your collection.
  • Pets – If you’re considering adopting a pet, try pet-sitting for a friend first to see if you’re ready for the commitment.
  • Community Centers – Many community centers offer access to equipment like 3D printers, sewing machines, and tech gadgets, giving you a chance to explore without the upfront cost.

Renting: A Low-Cost Commitment

Rather than purchasing something you might regret, consider renting it first. Renting can help you evaluate a product in a real-world setting without the financial commitment.

  • Tools for DIY Projects – If you're tackling a home project, renting specialty tools can save money and storage space.
  • Test Driving a Car – Renting a car for a weekend instead of taking a five-minute dealership test drive allows you to experience it under real-life conditions.
  • High-End Fashion & Accessories – Services like Rent the Runway let you try designer clothes without the hefty price tag, perfect for special occasions.

Paid Sampling: A Low-Risk Investment

Sometimes, the best way to try before you buy is to purchase strategically.

  • Gift Cards – If you receive a gift card, use it to try out a product or service risk-free.
  • Clearance Items – Buying a deeply discounted or travel-sized version of a product allows you to test it out without a major financial commitment.
  • Bulk Buys in Small Quantities – If you're considering a bulk purchase, try a smaller pack first to see if it meets your needs before committing to a larger quantity.

Conclusion: Make Every Dollar Count

Trying before buying isn’t just for major purchases—it’s a money-saving strategy that can be applied to almost anything. Whether through free trials, borrowing, renting, or strategic sampling, you can test out products and services without draining your budget. So, before you commit to your next purchase, ask yourself: Can I try this first? Your wallet—and your inner Goldilocks—will thank you!

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