Safety First?

I have a funny strategy when I am buying things. Especially the expensive things. Take for example my first car. My dad and I went to many a car lot in search of the perfect teenager car. We came across a black Lancer. I instantly knew I wanted it. No questions about it. I would have bought it right on the spot, but my dad made us at least take it for a test drive.

Another example: our current apartment. I heard the rent was $275 and without even looking at the place, we were signing the paperwork.

My buying strategy goes a little something like this: Do a little internet research on the product in question. Decide price range. First cute product found within price range is the perfect fit. Then, my heart is forever set even if a better option is found.

Such was the case of the craigslist crib. Jeff and I decided to buy a crib for one of our Christmas presents. We decided the most we would pay for the crib would be $250. I looked online at Target and found some cute cribs that were in our price-range...until I clicked "check-out." With tax and shipping, the cribs were at least $300. Dang.

Then came craigslist. Because a crib is an item we will have for a long time, and I feel it should be very safe, I was a little against buying a used crib. But my frugalness kicked in and I surrendered to craigslist. Much to my surprise, a crib for $60!

And, oh my goodness! It was all in one piece. I e-mailed the seller, and we were over to check it out within a few hours. We walked in the door and the crib was not set up. It looked nice enough, and in no time we were out their door with a new crib! I was so excited the whole way home. What a good deal! We saved so much money! It's in great shape! And then we set it up, and I began to regret my rash decision.