No doubt you have come across a salesperson who has tried to use pressure tactics. Don't fall for it. Your shopping goal is to purchase items that will best suit your needs, not help the salesperson meet their sales quota. Of course, not all salespeople will try to pressure you into a sale, and a little common sense can help you avoid the sales trap.

A good salesperson will know the product well and will take the time to explain the product fully. The salesperson should be able to explain how the product works, and how it measures up to other items like it. Questions about warranties and guarantees should be answered easily. It's also important to find out who stands behind the product – whether it is the seller, or the manufacturer. The salesperson should be able to give you exact delivery dates (though not necessarily exact time) and the cost of any installation charges. If the salesperson doesn't volunteer the information, ask about the store's refund policy. Find out if you can return the product for cash, credit or exchange it, if it doesn't meet your needs.

Remember the salesperson knows the total cost of the item. Make sure you do before you buy. Ask about the cost of taxes, financing, installation and delivery charges. A good salesperson will answer all your questions openly. If you cannot get straight answers about the merchandise, servicing or about the store itself, shop somewhere else.

Some salespeople may try to talk you into buying a more expensive item. It could be the more expensive item may better suit your needs, and the salesperson is simply pointing that out. However, the choice is yours so take the time to make it carefully.

You should also be aware of the illegal "bait and switch" tactic. A store doing this will advertise a certain product at a low price. But when you visit the store, you may find the salesperson points out only the problems in the product, and shows you another, higher-priced item. Actually, the seller didn't plan to sell the original product, but used the low price to get you into the store.