A while back, I did a post on purchase decisions (A Simple Approach to Purchase Decisions), I would add to that approach with my desire to acquire other elements in my purchase.  When I spend my money, besides the end benefit of the product or service, I always try to get two other elements in my purchases and expenditures:

How do I secure these traits?  I ask myself some questions:

Have I succeeded every time?  No, but I try.  I try to capture quality and value each and every time.