Compare & Decide (Big Purchase Framework)
Make high-stakes purchase decisions with a clear head instead of research fatigue.
When you're comparing cars, appliances, laptops, or any major purchase, it's easy to drown in specs. This workflow helps you define what actually matters to you, compare options fairly, and make a decision you won't second-guess.
The Workflow
Define your criteria before you look at options
Before listing options, articulate what a 'good' outcome looks like for you. This prevents you from being swayed by features you don't actually need.
I'm deciding on [PURCHASE_TYPE] with a budget of approximately $[BUDGET]. Help me clarify my decision criteria before I start comparing options. The decision involves these tradeoffs I'm aware of: [KNOWN_TRADEOFFS] My primary use case: [PRIMARY_USE] How long I expect to own/use it: [OWNERSHIP_DURATION] Previous version I had (if any): [PREVIOUS_VERSION] Non-negotiables (must have): [MUST_HAVES] Nice to have but not essential: [NICE_TO_HAVES] Ask me five clarifying questions to help me understand what I actually value in this purchase before we compare options.
Replace: [PURCHASE_TYPE], [BUDGET], [KNOWN_TRADEOFFS], [PRIMARY_USE], [OWNERSHIP_DURATION], [PREVIOUS_VERSION], [MUST_HAVES], [NICE_TO_HAVES]
Build a weighted comparison
Now compare your shortlisted options against the criteria you defined.
I'm comparing these options for [PURCHASE_TYPE]: Option A: [OPTION_A] — $[PRICE_A] Option B: [OPTION_B] — $[PRICE_B] Option C: [OPTION_C] — $[PRICE_C] My criteria in order of importance: 1. [CRITERION_1] (most important) 2. [CRITERION_2] 3. [CRITERION_3] 4. [CRITERION_4] 5. [CRITERION_5] (least important) Build a comparison table scoring each option 1-10 on each criterion. Apply weights: criterion 1 = 5 points, criterion 2 = 4 points, criterion 3 = 3 points, criterion 4 = 2 points, criterion 5 = 1 point. Show weighted scores and a total. Then give me your honest assessment of which offers the best value, and what the right choice would be if I weighted my top criterion at 2x.
Replace: [PURCHASE_TYPE], [OPTION_A], [PRICE_A], [OPTION_B], [PRICE_B], [OPTION_C], [PRICE_C], [CRITERION_1], [CRITERION_2], [CRITERION_3], [CRITERION_4], [CRITERION_5]
All Prompts for This Workflow
I'm deciding on [PURCHASE_TYPE] with a budget of $[BUDGET]. Primary use case: [PRIMARY_USE] How long I'll use it: [OWNERSHIP_DURATION] Non-negotiables: [MUST_HAVES] Nice to haves: [NICE_TO_HAVES] Ask me five clarifying questions to help me understand what I actually value before we compare options. Don't suggest anything yet.
Replace: [PURCHASE_TYPE], [BUDGET], [PRIMARY_USE], [OWNERSHIP_DURATION], [MUST_HAVES], [NICE_TO_HAVES]
Compare these options for [PURCHASE_TYPE]: Option A: [OPTION_A] — $[PRICE_A] Option B: [OPTION_B] — $[PRICE_B] Option C: [OPTION_C] — $[PRICE_C] Criteria (most to least important): 1. [CRITERION_1] 2. [CRITERION_2] 3. [CRITERION_3] 4. [CRITERION_4] Score each option 1-10 per criterion. Weight: criterion 1 = 4pts, 2 = 3pts, 3 = 2pts, 4 = 1pt. Show a comparison table with weighted totals. Then give your honest recommendation.
Replace: [PURCHASE_TYPE], [OPTION_A], [PRICE_A], [OPTION_B], [PRICE_B], [OPTION_C], [PRICE_C], [CRITERION_1], [CRITERION_2], [CRITERION_3], [CRITERION_4]
I've decided to buy [CHOSEN_OPTION] for $[PRICE]. Before I finalize, steelman the case against this decision. What are the three strongest arguments for choosing one of the alternatives instead? What are the most common buyer regrets for this type of purchase? What should I verify or check before clicking buy? Is there a version of this I'd regret not spending more on, or a version I'd be fine with at a lower price?
Replace: [CHOSEN_OPTION], [PRICE]
A weighted comparison table showing each option's score across your criteria, a total weighted score, and an honest assessment of which option fits your stated priorities best.
- →Ask AI to add a 'total cost of ownership' row — purchase price often hides ongoing costs like subscriptions, accessories, or maintenance.
- →After the comparison, use the Devil's Advocate prompt before you buy. It catches the blind spots confirmation bias creates.