If it's a major purchase, I definitely do research beforehand. Even CDs - I download some mp3s, see if I like them, then decide if I am going to buy the CD or not. Some CDs (Radiohead, Pink Floyd, etc.) don't need previewing. Food is obviously purchased on the spot, as are awesome t-shirts and <A HREF="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5907876177&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT">Hungry Hungry Hippos</A>.