This is the second post of the series that explains what you have to keep in mind while choosing a hide IP tool. The first post answers the questions regarding the free or paid solutions: “Are the paid solutions better?“, “Should I consider free tools?“, “What are the pros and cons of the free solutions?“, etc.
As I have sum up, you should first try the free solutions (UltraSurf, GPass, Hotspot Shield). If they suit your needs you got your problem solved. If not, you should consider buying a product or subscribing to a paid service.

Try before buy
If you start considering purchasing a hide IP tool you should: “Try before buy!” Always try before you buy! You have no excuse if you purchase a tool that you have not tried before and the product does not work for you.
It’s all about marketing
Don’t be fouled by the marketing texts you find on the product presentation pages. The producer will always say his product works smoothly, gets the job done and the support is great. This may be true, but you should check first.
Also, do not consider the testimonials listed on the producer site. Most of them are fake!
X days money back guarantee
Many software producers offer money back guarantee. This does not mean you should buy the product before trying it. Of course, you can ask anytime a refund, write emails to the support/sales and wait for days/weeks to get your case approved by the producer. Or you could save yourself a lot of trouble and try before you buy.
What if the tool has no trial period?
Most of the hide IP tools have trial periods (from 1 hour to 3-5 days). If the product has no trial you should write the producer an email and ask for one or you should look for other solutions.
Conclusion
Never buy a hide IP solution you have not tried before. Even if you heard if worked great for your friends, or you have read on a forum about it. This does not mean it works for you! You should check before you buy.

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[...] answers to the question whether you should choose free products or paid ones. The second one (How to choose a hide IP tool (II) – Try before buy!) advises you always try a tool before you decide to buy [...]
[...] – Free or paid?). If you decide to purchase a product you always have to try before you buy (How to choose a hide IP tool (II) – Try before buy!). Also you should decide if you want to browse anonymously using Internet Explorer or Firefox or [...]
[...] long ago, I have written a post in the series “How to choose a hide IP tool” explaining that you should always try a [...]