HOW TO BUY.

Otago Witness, Issue 4030, 9 June 1931, Page 60

HOW TO BUY.

B y

Lita Bane.

There are times when we become acutely aware of the important role that money, plays in our everyday lives. When it is plentiful we need not live so long with our mistakes. When it is scarce we are inclined to treat it with more respect. It seems to me that it might be possible at all times to exercise intelligent care in its use. If we were to consider our shillings as yotes of approval of certain goods and services, and could see a complete record of our votes during the past few years we might be surprised to see the value we have placed on certain things. A frined who is very active, but who dotes on sheer stockings was appalled when, after keeping a careful record, she faced her six months’ hosiery bill. “I like them a lot, but not that well,’’ was her verdict when she realised that she was having to do without some other important things in order to indulge this taste.

When buying at sales remember that there is always some reason for a reduced price. The stock may be low, and you have fewer things to choose from. The style may be waning. It may be near the end of the season, and the store does not want to carry the goods over. A few items may be marked very low in order to entice you into the store with the expectation that you will buy other goods. Stores sometimes offer what they term “ loss leaders ” —that is, items of recognised retail price which they sell at drastic reductions. Business is operated for profit, and unless these “ leaders ” actually lead you to other goods on which a profit is made the store will soon have to go out of business. Study your stores and classify them as to the quality of goods they handle, the price range, whether they emphasise fashion, the services offered. Then choose the stores best equipped to meet your needs.

Do window shopping if you have time. Window displays often give,you a chance to compare values, to learn about new things and to study fashions. For some of us it has recreation value as well. Buy from house-to-house canvassers only when they represent a well-known firm. Some big companies do a thoroughly legitimate business only in this way, but their success had led lessreputable firms to try it too—and to unload shoddy goods at exorbitant prices. Always read a contract carefully before signing. Do not hesitate to ask about the various points. A reliable firm has nothing to conceal and wants you to know exactly what you are agreeing to.

There is considerable general soliciting and selling in the name af charity. If a salesman tells you that the profits ofhis company go to charity—an orphans’ home or other worthy cause—ask to see a signed statement of the proportion of the profits so used. Sometimes it is so infinitesimal that you would do better to make a direct gift. If asked over- the telephone to buy something for charity ask for the name, address, and telephone number of the person soliciting. If the information is refused it is a pretty good indication that you should be wary. Read advertising to learn about new things, improvements in well-known things, and to remind you what the market affords.

Good money management calls for a careful check-up on waste in use of services as well as the buying and use of goods. Are electric lights forgotten and left burning in unoccupied rooms? Are electric light bulbs replaced as often as they should be? A bulb may still burn dimly when its light efficiency is practically gone. Is the gas flame in the cook stove burned at the most efficient height? Is the refrigerator kept iced to avoid waste? Is the electric refrigerator defrosted regularly?—its efficiency is low when the coils are heavily frosted.— Ladies’ Home Journal.