Set a total budget, not just the listing price

The listing price is only part of the final cost. Before making an offer, consider what may be required immediately after the purchase.

Depending on the item, the budget may also include:

• shipping and insurance;
• payment fees;
• initial setup, adjustment or servicing;
• strings, valves, power supplies, batteries or other consumables;
• a case, stand, cables or missing accessories.

If your total limit is €1,000, spending the full €1,000 on the item may leave no room to make it properly usable.

Set an overall ceiling and separate the amount for the item from the amount needed to bring it to the condition you want.