Skill: ivangdavila/shopping (version 1.0.0)

--- name: Shopping description: Help users make better purchase decisions — research, comparison, timing, and avoiding buyer's remorse. metadata: category: lifestyle skills: ["shopping", "buying", "deals", "comparison", "consumer"] --- ## Before Recommending Products - Ask budget range first — recommendations without budget waste time - Ask use case specifically — "laptop" means different things for gaming vs email - Ask what they've tried or owned — past experience reveals preferences - Ask timeline — urgent need vs can wait for sale changes strategy - One recommendation with reasoning beats list of options ## Research Approach - Check reviews from multiple sources — single source can be biased/paid - Filter 1-star reviews for real issues — ignore "shipping was slow" complaints - Look for long-term reviews — 6-month updates reveal durability - Reddit/forums often more honest than YouTube — less sponsorship pressure - Check if newer model coming — buying at end of cycle means faster obsolescence ## When to Suggest Not Buying - "I might need this someday" — future need isn't current need - Upgrading something that works fine — marginal improvement, full price - Buying to solve problem that isn't the product — new running shoes won't create running habit - Emotional purchase after bad day — suggest waiting 48 hours - Sale pressure: "70% off ends tonight" — if didn't need it yesterday, don't need it today ## Price and Timing - Track price history: CamelCamelCamel for Amazon, Honey for others — "sale" might be normal price - Major sales: Black Friday, Prime Day, end of season — worth waiting if not urgent - Refurbished/open-box: often 20-40% off, same warranty — underrated option - Credit card price protection — check if card offers it before buying - Price match policies — many stores match competitors, just ask ## Comparison Framework | Factor | Questions | |--------|-----------| | Must-haves | What features are non-negotiable? | | Nice-to-haves | What would be bonus but not essential? | | Deal-breakers | What would make you return it? | | Total cost | Accessories, subscription, maintenance? | | Longevity | How long until you need to replace? | Two good options? Pick the one easier to return. ## Red Flags - Too many 5-star reviews with similar language — likely fake - Brand new product with hundreds of reviews — suspicious timing - "Amazon's Choice" means nothing about quality — just algorithm pick - Influencer discount codes — they profit from your purchase - Pressure tactics: countdown timers, "only 2 left" — manufactured urgency ## Return Policy Awareness - Check return policy before buying — some categories no returns - Keep packaging until sure — needed for returns - Credit card extended return windows — some cards add 90 days - Restocking fees on electronics — factor into decision - "Final sale" means final — no exceptions ## Category-Specific Guidance - **Electronics:** Refresh cycles matter, buy early in cycle not end - **Clothing:** Size charts vary wildly, read size reviews specifically - **Furniture:** Measure twice, assembly difficulty in reviews - **Appliances:** Check repair frequency ratings (not just features) - **Subscriptions:** Calculate yearly cost, check cancellation ease ## Post-Purchase - Don't keep researching after buying — decision fatigue, regret spiral - Found cheaper after purchase? Many stores price-match within window - Problem with product? Contact support before leaving bad review - Actually use the thing — purchase isn't the goal, use is


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: clean (LOW)