Why I love product reviews

When it comes to purchasing a product, whatever it is, I will most likely take the time to read up reviews on it. This is especially true for products over $20. Why? Well, I want to know what I'm paying for, and if it is even worth paying for!

Product reviews that are done by actual bloggers (for a few examples, check out In My Bag and PJ Mommy) are my favorite, because even if the blogger is being compensated with the product in question, nine times out of ten you can count on them to "tell it like it is". I know I do. :)

However, there have been a few times where I've gone ahead and purchased a product without reading up on it first... either on a whim, or because I trust the company. A few examples of that? Well, there's my T-Mobile G1, my iPod, my HP d7v notebook, and the notebook I bought for my husband for his birthday!

eBay! eBay! eBay!

I know, I know, eBay is nothing new. But c'mon... how can you not love eBay? Where else can you buy a perfectly functional T-Mobile G1 power charger for less than $5 -- S&H included? or a $0.78 micro-USB cord (perfect for connecting my Peek to my laptop!)? Or a $18 book for just $5 (My Sister's Keeper, FYI).

But if you're going to eBay, do it right. First, set up a PayPal account and make sure it's verified. This way, you'll be able to pay for your transactions easily and efficiently.

And secondly, shop smart. Always check out a seller's feedback. And if there are a few negatives, don't let them discourage you. Read more and find out WHY those negatives exist. The negatives themselves aren't enough to prove a seller as being suspicious, sneaky or a rip-off -- it's the content of the negatives that will determine how trustworthy and reliable a seller is.

Happy eBaying! :)