Shopping for tech gifts? Consider these tips
Gadgets make great gifts come the holiday season. Children may want the latest must-have video games, and many adults scour store advertisements for the newest televisions, tablets, smartphones, and other gadgets to include among their own most-wanted lists.
These purchases, however, require some research prior to swiping a card at the checkout counter. Consider this advice before gifting any gadgets this holiday season.
Check product reviews. Use resources such as Consumer Reports to read up on the reputations of certain products and brands. Avoid buying products that have no established track record. Also try to read reviews from third-party sites rather than those posted on manufacturer websites. Independent reviews may be more forthcoming than customer testimonials.
Speak with an educated retailer. Visit a store before making any purchases to learn more about the inner workings of the product you plan to buy. Discover its attributes, advantages, disadvantages, and what others are saying about it. Niche retailers tend to have knowledgeable sales staff and can be assets when comparison shopping.
Determine if the gift is ageappropriate. It may be tempting to purchase the latest and greatest tech gifts for kids because their peers are getting similar items. But first determine if the items are age-appropriate. Remember, many tech gifts, such as tablets and smartphones, open children up to the world of social media. So if you buy such products, make sure you have turned on the privacy and safety features available before giving the item to your loved one.
If you are purchasing a gift for a young person who is not your child, check with his/her parents to see if the gift meets their approval.
Compare prices. While popular gifts may be similarly priced because of the level of demand, it’s still worthwhile to comparison shop before making a purchase. In addition, consider that new generations of certain tech products come out quite frequently, and the previous generation may become obsolete rather quickly. Know when manufacturers are releasing new products so you can time your purchases accordingly.
Put the product through your
own test run. Try a product out for yourself to get a feel for it and its attributes. Hands-on knowledge may be the best type when gifting tech items. Just keep in mind that many retailers have a reboxing or restocking fee on tech products. If the item fails to meet your expectations and you plan to return it, it may cost you a percentage of the price.
The popularity of tech gifts makes them one of the most widely exchanged categories of presents during the holiday gift-giving season. With research and knowledge, consumers can find the perfect gifts to light up their loved ones’ faces.