Purdue University Agricultural Extension Service
Mimeo HE-154 April 1953
BETTER BUYMANSHIP
Gertrude Monhaut Home Management Specialist
Good Buymanship is the development of the techniques, attitudes and skills that save time, money and effort in buying. This help us to buy what we want at the price and with the quality characteristics best suited to our needs.
It is not difficult to become skillful in shopping but it does require alertness. You need to knew something about the policies of the store where you are shopping, the use of its services, how to compare and evaluate merchandise. Be genuine in your desire to "play fair" with yourself and others in all of your dealings.
Effective Shopping Begins at Home
1.	Do we plan our buying on the basis of what we want from life?
2. Do we save ahead for large expenditures, thus keeping an eye on our goal?
3. Do we buy what we want or do we care too much about "keeping up with the Joneses?"
4. Is our spending well-proportioned on the basis of things that are important to us?
Successful shopping begins at home when we think things through.
It means establishing goals for our spending which will bring real and lasting satisfaction. After you know what you need and what you plan to spend, your next step is to find our how and where to provide for that need. It isn't enough to know that you want a pair of shoes before you go to shop for them* What kind of shoes do you want? Will you wear them for dress, sports, or for all around wear? What color should they be?
When you have analyzed your needs and answered questions like these in the light of your requirements, then, and only then, are you ready to look for the shoes you have decided to buy.
Where to Buy
There is no answer as to where it is best to buy; all stores have their advantages. Your choice depends on many factors.
TYPES OF STORES
Types of stores can be classified and described as follows:
Independent stores are owned and operated by the person or persons who manage them. They vary from small neighborhood stores to huge department stores. This type store usually has the advantage of close contact

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORK IN AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS State of Indiana, Purdue University and the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating H. J. Reed, Director, Lafayette, Indiana Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.