“When it comes to home shopping, there are bargains to be had,” says Kathryn Finney, author of How to Be a Budget Fashionista. “QVC and the Home Shopping Network are able to buy in bulk and use that power to pass on the savings to you.” Combine that with the fact that these retailers aren’t paying rent on a store space, Finney notes, and you can often buy items via TV at prices close to wholesale.

Yet, while there’s nothing like the rush of snagging a bargain without leaving the comfort of your couch — or even getting out of your PJs! — Finney and other experts warn that some apparent deals are actually rip-offs in disguise. Here’s how to make the most of what the networks have to offer, and avoid built-in spending traps. Below, a quick and easy guide to keeping your eye on the prize — and away from wallet-sapping distractions, from thebudgetfashionista.com’s Kathryn Finney

1. Go With What You Know

For clothes and cosmetics, eliminate the risk of getting the wrong fit or shade by limiting your home-shopping purchases to brands you’re familiar with. If you know, for instance, that wrap dresses from a certain designer’s line tend to fit you well, you can buy with confidence.

2. Start Small

If you’re not familiar with a product or manufacturer, test the waters. In other words, says Finney, don’t spring for that miracle skin-care combo pack without trying one or two items first. “You can always come back and make a bigger investment.”

3. Shop Around

Guarantee you’re getting the best price by comparison-shopping at other deep-discount venues. If you’re eyeing a designer handbag, check out the cost of similar styles at a local outlet mall. And the Internet is truly a penny-pincher’s best friend; to see how much of a bargain you’re really getting, find out what items like your home-shopping find are selling for on various e-commerce sites (amazon.com, bluefly.com and smartbargains.com are good ones to start with).

4. Don’t Fall for Freebies

Networks often offer free gifts with your purchase — a great incentive to buy things you don’t necessarily need in the first place! If you really want the cookbook they’re throwing in with that outdoor grill, says Finney, by all means go for it — provided, of course, that you want the grill, too.