Car batteries

• Plan to buy a new car battery before the old one fails. When the battery in use is becoming weaker, a load test may be done to check its charge holding capacity.
• Size, rated capacity, and age determine the performance of a battery.
• Choose the group size as recommended by the manufacturer. A group size defines the battery’s external dimensions and the position of the terminals.
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) is a measure of a battery’s ability to start a car in cold weather conditions. CCA denotes how much current the battery can deliver to the starter at 0 degree F. You may go for a little above the car’s CCA requirements (CA stands for Cranking Amps, a measure taken at 32degrees).
• Reserve capacity indicates the duration of running of car using the battery alone (when alternator fails). Buy a battery available with the longest reserve capacity.
• Buy a new battery, preferably manufactured within about six months.
• Check warranty and free-replacement period.
• You can install battery yourself, but remember to dispose off the old one properly.

SHOPPING FOR SUN PROTECTION: SKIN CARE

• Select a sunscreen according to the type of skin.
• For oily skin, select one that don’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
• Choose sunscreen in mist or spray form, or a sun block made for children's sensitive skin.
• Dry skin needs a UV rays’ protective, moisturizing formula.

Toy shopping tips

A good toy for one child may not be good for other child. Consider buying of toys according to the likings of the child. Expensive toys may not be of good quality. Try buying good quality toys which are safe to use by children.

SELECTION OF TELEVISION : SIZE AND TYPE

Size
While purchasing a new flat screen television, think about where it will be placed and you will view how far from it. Select size accordingly.
Plasma or LCD
If you mostly watch TV in daylight, select an LCD screen. Plasma sets, on the other hand, are suitable for viewing with home theatre.

CAR SHOPPING

GENERAL

• Decide to buy new or old, small or big car, with priorities like colour, appearance, reliability, safety, space, status, petrol (gasoline/gas) or diesel engine, mileage etc.
• Cars generally depreciate in value.
• Buying a vehicle that is one or two years old gives almost equal experience at a much lower price tag.
  

BUYING NEW CARS

• Thoroughly research the model.
• Think about budget.
• Shop around online first.
• Compare prices.
• Test drive.
• Look at warranty and insurance.
  

BUYING USED CARS

• Look for rust, condition of the exterior, condition of the interior, and mechanical operation.
• Request a complete history of the car.
• Have a mechanic inspect the car before finalizing any purchase .
• Think about budget.
• Shop around online.
• Extras such as leather seats and air conditioning will cost less.
• Study the vehicle’s paper work like mileage, accidents and number of owners.
• Test drive to look out for faults.
• Look at warranty and insurance.
  

GROCERY SHOPPING TIPS

• Plan menus in advance.
• Plan for bulk purchase. People can combine together to buy and later segregate item. It will be cheap to make purchases like this.
• Prepare a shopping list.
• Buy item while on sale for later use.
• Compare fresh as well as preserved food item for cost etc.

KNOW ABOUT GOLD JEWELLERY (JEWELRY)

• Pure gold (24 carat or karat) is soft.
• So it is alloyed with base metals such as copper and silver, for use in jewellery.
• 22 carat gold contain 1/11 oz of base metal. It is also more robust than 24 carat gold with a greater longevity.
• 18K gold is 75%pure.

WARRANTY

• Check the warranty card for details of the purchased item and verify.
• Also check for endorsement of authorized seller, with signature/stamp.

SHOP AROUND, GUARANTEE, RECEIPT AND FAULT CHECK.

• Prices can vary at different stores. So shop around before you buy.
• Ask for guarantee.
• Keep your receipts as proof of purchase, as they may be required during exchange or refund.
• Check the item for fault if any as quick as possible, so as to report to store for repair or replacement.

FOOTWEAR / SHOES

• Have your feet measured whenever you purchase footwear/shoes.
• Buy footwear that supports the foot properly, and matches with different clothes.
• Have a few extra pairs for maintenance and to avoid wearing the same everyday.

CLOTHES

• Make a list of item to be purchased as per season.
• Purchase at the beginning of the season to have more selections and the chance of wearing the outfit the entire season.
• Select convenient time to shop during the day.
• Select the size and colour of the clothes of your choice.
• check the price before taking the garment to the trial room.
  

INTRODUCTION

• Shopping is associated with our every day life.
• Only a few may have thorough knowledge on it.
• I would like to share my views on shopping.