If you have ever shopped for a major appliance like a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer or dryer, you know how daunting the task can be. It is exhausting and confusing going from store to store.

To simplify your shopping experience, take along a digital camera. When you see an appliance that interests you, take two pictures - one of the entire appliance and a second close up picture of the sign with model number, features, and price. Follow these same steps as you continue to take pictures of other models you are interested in within the store. Before leaving the store snap a picture of the store’s name. When you visit the next store, repeat the same procedure.

Now you might be wondering why I said to take a picture of the store’s name before leaving it instead of when entering it. Allow me to explain. When you go to preview the pictures on your digital camera, the preview typically starts with the last picture taken. So as you scroll back through your photos you will see the name of the store, the sign with the model and name, and then a picture of the appliance.

Keep in mind you can zoom in on the photos with model numbers, features, and prices. This way when you are at the next appliance store, you can pull out your camera, preview the pictures of appliances you already looked at, and immediately compare prices.

Don’t limit this tip just to appliance shopping. You can do it for cars, prom dresses, cameras, and other electronic items. You can even email your friends to help you select your prom dress – be sure to take a picture of the dress with you in it!

Happy shopping!