After ten years of marriage and seven children, my habits as a consumer have definitely changed. As a single gal, I didn’t give much thought to things like warranties and durability. If it looked cute, I grabbed it and hoped for the best!
But my children are bent on destroying nearly everything we buy. Or at least it seems that way sometimes. Whether it’s the favorite pajamas that I find myself washing multiple times a week or the coffee table that’s begging for scratch repairs, the things in our house really take a beating.
That means I have my eye on several factors when making purchase. First of all, it must be within my budget. I have a responsibility (along with my husband) to be a good steward of our finances. Secondly, is it of good quality? Will it last? Can I re-use it for another child? Will it hold its value if I want to sell it later on? Thirdly, is it practical? I like things that make my life easier. Is it simple to clean and uncomplicated to use?
And last of all, but certainly not least of all, is the product backed by good service? When something breaks, malfunctions or just plain confuses the heck out of me, I want to be able to get some prompt help from the source. That might be a huge online retailer….or a work-at-home-mom. In fact, that’s one of the benefits of buying from a WAHM; you’re dealing one-on-one with a person that you “get to know” personally in the course of the transaction. She’s a woman, and a mother, just like you – that alone creates an instant connection.
What they used to call “service after the sale” is super important to me. In fact, I’m often willing to spend more and stretch my budget a bit to snag a product that is backed by an awesome warranty and stellar service. Over the years, investments like this have really paid off!
How about you? Do you shop differently now that you have a family?
WOW 7 kiddo’s, I can see why you look for quality and such!! We don’t have kids yet but I agree I think your thoughts on products change as you get older and grow into a family for sure!
Isn’t Anne amazing! I have 4 and sometimes I don’t know if I will make it through the day!
Thanks for commenting, Kelsey!
Being a mom has changed my shopping habits for sure. Not only do I need and want to be more conservative with my spending, but I also try and find things that will last. My kids tear everything to pieces as well! 🙂
It is true, it is nice to find a store that will replace kids clothes if they wear them out before they outgrow them! Kids are hard on everything, including clothes!
I only have two children and they are grown but yes, I did shop differently when they were younger. You have to pay attention to a lot more detail, purchase more, look for great deals among a variety of other things. Seven would just intensify all of that. I feel for you.
I do agree with you regarding the warranty on products. My husband has a history in the past of saying it isn’t necessary but I don’t agree with him anymore. Products are just not made the same as they were 30 years ago and I think the warranty makes sense financially.
Also, if you pay by credit cards, be sure to check if they have an extra warranty. Many will double the manufacturer warranty, this has saved my bacon on a few occasions!
That’s true, Pam, especially when it’s something you know will see lots of use and most likely need some sort of repair or replacement. I love Lands End clothing guarantee for that very reason.
I have to say I think like this as well, it’s amazing how our kids change us in so many ways. Even the way we shop for ourselves, if I have extra cash its always being spent on them !!! I love my munchkins
Agreed! Their part of the ‘budget’ is much larger than mine!
Amen to that! It’s fun to “dress up” little ones, and to see the smiles on their faces when you give them something they’ve been dreaming of!
I don’t shop any differently now.
Thanks for sharing Heather!
It hasn’t changed how I shop for big ticket items, but I do definitely spend more on my kids’ wardrobes than I spend on mine.
me too! A shopping spree would probably only involve kids clothes! Who is looking at the mama anyways, its the kids that are cute!
I was just like you, I grabbed whatever. Not thinking of long term. After kids that TOTALLY changed, not only can I not afford to replace things nonstop but I dont want to either!
It really does change how you shop! Even if you don’t think so at first. You just think differently I think when you’re a mom.