Status Symbol

Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Status Symbol shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Status Symbol offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Status Symbol at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Status Symbol? Wrong! If the Status Symbol is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Status Symbol then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Status Symbol? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Status Symbol and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Status Symbol wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Status Symbol then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Status Symbol site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Status Symbol, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Status Symbol, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

. Such homes, also referred to as McMansions are now rather common status symbols in the United States.A status symbol is something, usually an expensive or rare object, that indicates a high social status for its owner.

Etymology The expression "status symbol" was first recorded in 1955 but gained wide currency through the 1959 best selling book The Status Seekers, in which the journalist Vance Packard described American social stratification and behavior.

Status symbols by region and time What is considered a status symbol will differ between countries, based on the states of their economic and technological development, and common status symbols will change over time. For example, before the invention of the printing press, having a large collection of books would be considered a status symbol. After the advent of the printing press, having books was more common among the average citizen, and the possession of books was less of a status symbol. In the past, pearls and jade were major status symbols. Another common status symbol in the past which is still somewhat present today is heraldry, or one's family name.

Status symbols also indicate the cultural values of a society. For example, in a commerce society, having money or wealth and things that can be bought by wealth, such as cars, houses, or fine clothing, are considered status symbols. In a society that values honour or bravery, a battle scar would be more of a status symbol.

The condition of one's body can be a status symbol. In times past, when workers did physical labour outdoors under the sun and often had little food, being pale and fat was a status symbol, indicating wealth and prosperity, through having enough food and not having to do manual labour. Now, when workers usually do less-physical work indoors and find little time for exercise, being tanned and thin is often a status symbol.

Examples in Western society luxury vehicles is an example of a status symbol in the United States, as luxury vehicles are perhaps the most common status symbol found in western culture.

In a Western culture society, possessions perceived as status symbols include:

The trophy wife.
A mansion.
Expensive luxury cars, SUVs, yachts, or aircraft.
Expensive clothing.
Country club membership
Frequent luxury vacations
A marketable degree from a prestigious university, especially the Ivy League in the United States.
Expensive jewelry.
Expensive consumer electronics such as a large home theatre.
A fountain pen with rare Brazilian, Indian or African woods (e.g., ebony, mahogany), precious metals, and rare jewels.
Vacation homes.
Vineyards.