Are All Products Created Equal? Ask a Friend

Do you ever feel like there are just too many choices in this world? Have we come to the point where there are several versions of like products that do the same thing - or do they? If you are like me, all too often the quest for a purchase can end up in the "no decision" category. Sales people hate this - but can you blame us buyers? With the plethora of endless options, how are we to determine what is what and what we need? In order to assist you in your next evaluation, I might suggest a few key guidelines on organizing your requirements. Sit down and be honest with yourself; what exactly is the problem you are trying to solve? Make a short list of options that solve that problem. Depend on references to help filter out the many options--whether it’s a friend, a colleague, or a reputable organization, references can be key to understanding the true reality of a potential purchase. Beware of marketing, a pretty slogan or fluff packaging. At the end of the day, the options may all look the same but when it comes to implementation and practical use, not all products are created equal!