Everyone loves hunting for a bargain. Buy one, get one free, 50% off, clearance...these magic phrases can get people to buy just about anything, and mostly things they don't need. Now more than ever, as the economy looks more and more gloomy, it is hard to resist buying anything and everything at outlets, discount stores, and from unconventional sources. Yet as fabulous as it is to be able to buy three hundred bottles of Tabasco sauce for only $39.95, buyer beware - there are just some things you should never try to get deeply discounted, used, or from alternative sources.

5) Mattresses:

As far as used products go, this is probably one of the grossest things to think of buying used, or deeply discounted. 1) think about what you do on your mattress (not just the dirty stuff - think about when you sweat at night) 2) think about how much of that stuff stays inside the mattress. I know. SO GROSS. There are statistics floating around that suggest that up to 70% of liquids that come in contact with a mattress will seep in and remain, causing bacteria, pathogens, and mites to grow and flourish. So don't buy one of these used. And as far as deep discounts go, ask for a sale history on your product: you don't want to buy a mattress that has been part of a 60-day-trial and then returned, because that basically counts as used too. Uck!

4) Prescription Medication:

Zoloft, Paxel, Viagra, Rogaine, Yaz. Oh the prescription drugs we all know and love, and are willing to pay an arm and a leg for. Though it may seem like a totally awesome deal to get a seven month supply of your drug of choice for the low payment of $10 from the sketchy guy at the QuikiMart who knows a guy who's brother is a pharmacist, I would recommend you reconsider. Just remember one magic word: "placebo." Also known as sugar pills. As in they do nothing. Think about it, how would you like to tell Junior that his birth was immediately preceded by some idiotic bargain hunting for mommy's birth control...you see what I mean?

3) LASIK Eye Surgery:

I keep hearing this commercial on the radio for a company that works with "independent doctors" to offer LASIK eye surgery at deeply discounted rates. Yes - someone is offering to stick a laser into your eye for 75% less than that pesky, board accredited doctor at your local clinic. Now I know I am freaky about my eyes and my vision, but I feel like this one is a no-brainer. Hmmm...let's see: vision or being struck blind because you were too cheap to pay out for a real, licensed doctor. Tough choice.

2) Life Jackets:

Think Titanic, people. OK, so they were in freezing cold water, but at least they floated! I don't know if there is much to say about this one. Famous last words: I should have bought my jacket from a real boat shop...bubble bubble glugh glugh.

1) Helmets

Deeply discounted could mean deeply flawed, under spec, or poorly designed and they just want to get rid of it. Be careful of buying helmets that show signs of damage, cracking, or missing insulation, as these can significantly compromise the protectiveness of the gear. Remember, you can always buy another helmet, but it is not so easy to replace your skull.

So buy beware, mind your discounts, and think twice before saving a buck. Full price is sometimes painful to handle, but there are just some things that are too important to risk consumer regret on!