You wouldn't buy a car without taking it for a test spin, right? Or buy a dress without trying it on? I certainly wouldn't. I mean, I don’t even buy a wedge of new-to-me cheese without nibbling my way through samples at the store.
But the same try-before-you-buy advice holds for other items as well—especially big ticket stuff where you don't want to make an expensive mistake.
Carpets and rugs: Almost any good carpet store has a try-before-you-buy approval policy where for a small, refundable fee you can cart the carpet home and try it out for a couple of days in your space. If the rug doesn't work, you can bring it back and try again.
Artwork: Many galleries and specialty stores will let you take a painting home—big or small—before cinching the deal. If the gallery doesn't mention this service, be sure to ask.
Sewing machines: Most sewing dealerships will let you “test drive” a machine you're considering. So be sure to bring along a sample project to try out the stitches and features you use most often. But don't try this at a big-box retailer; at places like Target and Walmart it’s strictly look but don’t touch.
Conscientious Consumer
11:47:44 AM on Mon Jul 6 2009
I like this! Wish I could do this for apartments - try for 3 months before signing a lease ;)
Many software companies offer software trials before you have to buy - like WinZip, Adobe, even Microsoft. I tried Adobe Photoshop before I decide if it was worth it to purchase over using the free GIMP software :)
Many magazine sites also let you "try before you commit" (similar) - 90 days to try the magazines youre interested in - and they'll give a free refund if you dont like any. (Try magsdirect.com or magazine-agent.com. I think NetMagazines also.) It's a refund - not quite free trial - but still works.
MagHound lets you switch subscriptions every few months (or something like that) and there may be others. Not as big ticket items, but in this economy, everything makes a difference.