Sometimes when I go into the big booze store for wine. If they have samples of a type I'm looking for and it tastes ok, I might buy. They're usually sampling wines at very acceptable price points.

I always test drive cars before buying.

I change hobbies like I change my clothes. So to keep from sinking way too much into every new hobby, I try to borrow or rent for a bit before buying to make sure it's a hobby that I will stick with. Example, I picked up dragonboat racing this summer but declined to buy my own $120 paddle and used the clubs slightly heavier, older, paddles that are a little big for me. If I keep going with the team next year, I might buy a paddle. But first will buy a new PFD so I don't have to wear one of their "one size fits all but it's going to ride up halfway to u/Vanth's ears" lifejackets.