> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://zarriod.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using PickVault

> PickVault is built around a simple idea: keep everything related to a purchase decision in one place.

<Badge color="blue" size="lg" icon="sync">Last Updated: 04 March 2026</Badge>

You can create a Pick, set your budget, add the options you're considering, record prices and notes, and use that information to make your decision.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Budgets & Prices">
    A budget helps you define how much you're planning to spend on a Pick.

    **Set a Pick budget**

    When creating or editing a Pick, enter your planned spending amount in the **Budget** field.

    For example:

    > **Pick:** Wireless Earbuds<br />**Budget:** 400

    Your budget provides a reference point while you research and compare Items.

    **Add Item prices**

    Each Item can have its own price.

    For example:

    | Item | Price |
    | - | - |
    | Earbuds A | 150\$ |
    | Earbuds B | 280\$ |

    Recording prices makes it easier to see how your options compare with each other and with your planned budget.

    **Budget Categories**

    Items can also be assigned a **Budget Category**.

    This lets you classify an Item according to the spending range or category you want to use for your purchase research.

    <Info>
      If a category isn't relevant, you can leave it as **General**.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Notes & Research">
    PickVault lets you keep your research alongside the products you're considering.

    **Pick Notes**

    Use the **Notes** field on a Pick for information that applies to the overall purchase.

    For example:

    > Need something suitable for gaming and music. Prefer good battery life and comfortable fit.

    **Item Notes**

    Use an Item's Notes for information specific to that particular option.

    For example:

    > Excellent sound quality and battery life. Case is larger than expected.

    <Info>
      This separation is useful when researching several products. General requirements stay with the Pick, while product-specific observations stay with the relevant Item.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Planning a Purchase">
    PickVault can be used throughout the buying process, from the initial idea to the final decision.

    A typical workflow looks like this:

    1. Create a Pick

    Start with what you're planning to buy.

    Gaming Monitor

    2. Define your budget

    Set the amount you're planning to spend.

    Budget: 400

    3. Record your requirements

    Use Pick Notes to remember what you're looking for.

    1440p, IPS, high refresh rate, good colors.

    4. Add your options

    Add the products you're considering as Items.

    Monitor A — 350 Monitor B — 380 Monitor C — 400

    5. Research each option

    Use Item Notes to record useful information about each product.

    You can keep specifications, advantages, disadvantages, or anything else that might affect your decision.

    6. Make your decision

    Once you've researched your options, you can use the information you've collected to decide which option makes the most sense for you.

    The purpose isn't to make the decision automatically. PickVault keeps the information organized so you can make the decision yourself.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Comparing Options">
    When you're considering several products, keeping them in separate notes or browser tabs can quickly become messy.

    Instead, add the options to the same Pick.

    For example:

    <Badge color="green" icon="ear-muffs">Pick: Wireless Earbuds</Badge>

    | Item | Price | Notes |
    | :- | :- | :- |
    | Earbuds A | 250\$ | Good battery life |
    | Earbuds B | 320\$ | Better sound |
    | Earbuds C | 400\$ | Best overall features |

    Now the options you're considering are together with the budget and research for that purchase.

    You can return to the Pick later and update your information as your research changes.

    **Keep your research up to date**

    Prices and product information can change.

    If an Item's price changes, update it in PickVault. If you discover something important about a product, update its Notes.

    <Info>
      That way, your Pick remains useful instead of becoming an outdated snapshot of your research.
    </Info>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## A Pick is more than a wishlist

A traditional wishlist mainly answers:

> **"What do I want?"**

A Pick is intended to help answer:

> **"What am I going to buy, and why?"**

You can keep the options, prices, budget, requirements, and research together until you're ready to make the purchase.


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