Buzz
Although not every possible product has countless variations, it sometimes feels like there are—especially when picking out a new sweater, electric kettle, or lamp. How do you ensure you’re choosing the right one?
Sure, you could dedicate your time to scrolling through customer reviews, checking comparison sites like The Inventory, and hunting for photos of the product on Instagram. I've spent hours doing that, attempting to figure out which appliance is the most durable, which pair of sneakers has the best cushioning, and which Amazon feedback can actually be trusted.
Then I realized: I could simply order two or three versions of the same item, test them myself, and return the ones that weren’t right for me.
Before you try this approach, make sure to check the return/refund policies. You'll also need to ensure your budget can handle the cost of all the items you're purchasing—and that you have enough time to return what you don’t intend to keep. The last thing you want is to be stuck with three light therapy lamps on your credit card when you only need one.
The moment I realized I didn’t have to spend another minute reading shoe reviews—that I could just buy all three pairs I was considering, try them on at home, and return two of them—was a complete game changer.
It’s important to note that once the shoes, appliances, or lamps actually arrive, you may find yourself wanting to keep more than one. This is a classic sales tactic; the idea is that when you have a product in your home, even just for testing, it starts to feel yours—and you begin convincing yourself that keeping it is better than the cash.
So, don’t purchase anything you can’t afford, even if you think you’ll return it later. (Also, be aware that Amazon is reportedly banning accounts of people who make too many returns, so... use discretion, okay?)
However, if you can afford to purchase several different products at once and have the time to return what doesn’t work, it’s an excellent way to simplify your shopping process.
