Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 17, 1992                   TAG: 9203170295
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: NF1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: WENDI GIBSON NEWSFUN WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BYPASSING BAD BUYS A LITTLE CAUTION CAN HELP AVOID THOSE POOR PURCHASES WE'V

And there was. A week later his shoes started to tear, and when he tried to return them to the store, the manager said "no refunds."

Melanie Hannah of Roanoke couldn't return her faulty purchase either - a watch whose band fell off when she wore it to school. "The reason it was so bad was because it said on the commercial it was very durable."

Roanoke's Cheryl Johnson also bought something with which she was unhappy, a diary from a book order company. The picture she saw advertising the diary showed a keyhole with a key. When she received her book, the keyhole was, indeed, a picture on its cover.

We've all bought things we've been disappointed with, but that still doesn't take the anger away when we continue to fall for an advertisement's catchy slogan.

John Burwell of Roanoke bought a basketball goal from a store in a shopping mall. The box said "slam dunk" on it, but when he dunked his basketball, the goal broke.

Unfortunately, the things we buy aren't always packaged simply enough for us to gauge what's inside. Bright colors that attract our eyes and big promises that urge us to "go ahead, just buy it" all too often reel us in before common sense can take over.

Before you insist on making that purchase, whether for a big-ticket item with a hefty price tag or for a quarter-priced toy from a gumball machine, take a look at some of these tips from the Consumer Reports magazine for kids, Zillions.

Check it out. Sometimes you can't return things you buy. So before you risk purchasing something you don't like, make sure it's what you really need or want, and then keep all receipts to speed returning it. Heather Earley of Vinton always plays with her friends' toys before she buys one for herself. That way she knows if it works or if she'll like it.

Part of studying up on your prospective purchase is looking for information about the product from places other than its advertisement. Ads don't tell you anything bad about the product, or you wouldn't buy it.

Another way to increase your chances of making a good purchase is to read consumer magazines that rate similar products against each other. These usually tell which buys are the best and which ones don't work or aren't what they are advertised to be.

Jarrod Tibbs of Rocky Gap recently plunked down big bucks for a video game. "It appeared to me from the outside of the package it would be very fun and challenging to play, but it was not." If he could have found a review of the video, he might have been aware of what was really behind the exciting box.

If you can't check out a friend's product or find a review anywhere, try renting it for a while, particularly video games and tapes.

Try it on. Don't buy shoes or clothes without trying them on. What looks great in the ads and on the mannequins doesn't always look so cool on you. And it may not be so comfortable either. A good rule is to trust your first instinct.

Don't fall for fads. Often things go out of style before you even get a chance to use them. Be careful of buying a new pair of jeans or a compact disc just because it's the latest fad and you believe you just have to have it. Wait a while, then if you still like it and will use it, reconsider buying it.

Price it out. It does pay to comparison shop. Some products cost less in different stores. Look for the best bargain.

Think about it. Impulse shopping is possibly the No. 1 reason we are disappointed with our buys. Wait about a week after you spot what you want. Then if you still want it, it's safe to go back to check it out. This also helps you avoid sales-pitching store clerks who could talk you into buying something you really don't want.

One impulse several readers said they often fell for is the grab bag. Paying a few bucks for a bag filled with surprises sounds intriguing, but it's often just filled with junk. Ericka Parks of Wytheville bought one once, and it was filled with Halloween stuff she didn't want. She ended up giving it to her brother.

Finally, another impulse designed to grab even the best of bargain hunters is the very cheaply priced item.

Moneta's Larry Roach bought a "waterproof" watch that broke when it hit water. It cost $4.95. If you don't believe you can get the quality for the price they're asking, chances are it really is too good to be true, and you're better off passing it up.