Shopping for major purchases

When shopping for major purchases are you more of an impulse buyer or one who conducts hours, days, weeks and even months of research to get the best value or what is the right 'fit' for you (and your Family)?

I must admit that over the years my tactic has moved from impulse to massive research, especially when it comes to major purchases ($1000 or more in my mind). Pamela Ann will be quick to say that is because I have made some bad purchases in the past due to my impulsiveness and impatience (1988 Mustang GT 5.0 Convertible quickly gets brought up..)

My latest venture is upgrading my road bicycle as I have found a new hobby that is both enjoyable, addictive, and good for you (hard to find that combination!). Anyhow, 15 or 20 years ago it would have been more difficult to conduct any reasonable research when it comes to durable goods. With the information highway one might say that now there is information overload and I can certainly attest to that.

Being a Realtor in Clarksville TN, I do my fair share of research via the Internet searching for Buyer Clients and Prospects in the Clarksville TN Real Estate Market. I find this both challenging and enjoyable as there is nothing better than helping clients to find that perfect home. So it is safe to say that the same dedication I place into research for my Families major purchases.

I must give credit where credit is due. In my couple of months of research Bikes and Moorein Hopkinsville Kentucky has went above and beyond in assisting me in trying to find the best bike for the money. In specific, Jason Whitman and Tim Moore. Though I have not made a decision on which direction I am going to go and am actually thinking about waiting a bit longer, I must say that their assistance has been greatly appreciated.

Being in sales myself, I can appreciate the dedication that Bikes and Moore have put into assisting me in my search. Many times this is overlooked much like when we as Realtors work diligently to assist a prospect in buying or selling real estate. Only about 5% of prospects in Real Estate actually become clients and I am sure that the number is close to the same in many other major purchases (again for me a major purchase is $1,000 or more).

So, in the end, I continue to research and continue to debate what is the best long term for me with respect to this major purchase. I know there is such a thing as TOO MUCH RESEARCH but I just can't help myself - I am anal like that I suppose.

Just in case you are wondering, here are the bikes I am looking at - feel free to add your comments:

Specialized Tarmac

Trek Madone

Raleigh Pretige

Jamis Xenith Pro (Can't stand the color!)

Neuvation Carbon SRAM Red