The Shopper’s Guide to Finding Unique Products

The internet is a helpful tool and, barring that, department stores often have in stock all the items you could need. The system is set up so that you can easily find what you are looking for, but it is not perfect. Having a need and not knowing if there’s a product out there to help you put a wrench in the buying process. Before you give up, however, you should go in with the assumption there is a solution and a product out there for you.

Learning how to research online correctly is a great way to find the exact product you need. You’ll solve your problem and save money by not investing in half-solutions.

The Buying Process

The buying process when you don’t know what or even if there is a product on the market for what you need can be complicated. That is why you need to go into the research phase as broadly as possible.

1.    Research Your Problem First

You have a problem, and problems are easy to define. Start first by researching online. It could be for helpful guides on what to do if your employer is overstepping their right into your privacy. You could need a solution to missing your packages when you are at work. Whatever your problem, there will be both practical steps you can take, and a product that will help you.  

2.    Clarify Your Need

Researching your problem will help you clarify your needs. You could then start searching for product guides. If your overbearing employer demands drug tests, for example, you might have learned in step one that some foods or drink will provide false positives. If you have come into a situation where you are required to provide your genes for genetic testing, you will likely learn about genetic discrimination.

With this information, you will need to clarify your need — solutions to drug testing at work, for example, or package drop-off systems for the home. You don’t need to know yet what product type you need, but you need to know what to ask for.

3.    Search Product Type

Now that you have an understanding of the type of product you are looking for, start searching for the product by type. It could be a lockbox that has a code you can send to delivery guys so you won’t have to worry about, or synthetic urine so that you don’t provide false positives just because your favorite food happens to be a poppy seed bagel.  

4.    Research Products and Find Your Solution

You will now hopefully have a list of products. You will want to choose the best available. With synthetic urine, for example, you will want to go with the Urinator.

Other product needs will have more options. A lockbox for mail is quite common since porch pirates have become popular in North America.

When Research Doesn’t Pan Out, Ask

If these steps don’t help you find the product you are looking for then head to public forums. There are people out there who want to help, you just need to ask.