The first one I bought was simple:
1) Went to Guitar Center, played everything they had in the $150 - $300 price range, decided I like a Cordoba mahogany model - they didn't have the gig bag that came with it (A genuine WTF? moment...), so I decided not to buy it, and asked that I be called as soon as it showed up. I'd have bought a hardshell case, but they didn't have any of those, either.
2) Two weeks later, after not hearing anything from GC, I went to my local shop,. told them what I wanted, and asked if they could order it for me. They had to be an authorized Cordoba reseller to do so, but it turned out that they were. So it was ordered. When it showed up 8 days later, it was just fine, and set up was quite good - I haven't had to change anything.
3) I wanted something better, so I emailed MGM, who responded almost immediately, telling me to call him. (This was 6AM Hawai'i time!) I gave him my budget, and he suggested the Kala Cedar top/ Koa body tenor. It goes without saying that the set up was perfect.
4) I visited the Fluke factory store, and played every factory second Fluke and Flea they had, a ton of New First Quality ukes, and two Firefly banjo uke prototypes. Bought the tenor Fluke I kept going back to, and ordered a Firefly. Both have Peghed tuners, both are great.
5) The Epiphones were ordered because of what they are. The one Tudorp set up for me is great, the other just sits in a bag. They are quiet, but nice acoustically - I've found that I'm not really a fan of a plugged in uke, based on the Epis and the Fluke, although the electronics on the fluke (b-band with volume control only, no tone control) are better than the epiphone electronics (no controls at all).
6) I bought the Republic uke based on price - $119 for a concert with hardshell case is hard to beat. But it was unplayable until Tudorp did an intensive set up for me. (Thanks again, Tony!) Now, it is nice, although not very loud.
7) I bought my KoAloha Sceptre after playing, even though I was looking for the Pineapple Sunday (Which is also phenomenal).
For anything above $350, I'm at the point in my life where I won't buy it unless I've played it first. When I'm in a position to buy again, if I think I want to, I'd consider a pre-owned instrument from someone on the UU forums without playing it first. I'd buy anything that MGM recommended without playing it first. From what I've read, and conversation with those I trust, I'd buy from Uke Republic, Mim, or Mainland sight unseen, but I'd want to have a conversation with Mike, Mim, or Mike first, to be sure we both know what I want.
If I could afford a custom instrument, I'd buy sight unseen from Brad, Rick Turner, Chuck Moore, Timbuck, Pete Howlett, Mike DeVine, Loprinzi or Mya Moe for sure.
There have been a few up for sale in the Marketplace forum that I find very attractive - that Waverly Street uke, for example - but the money just isn't there for a new purchase at this time,.
-Kurt