Not all paper shredders are alike.  The market has been flooded with cheap, disposable paper shredders from Asia.  Save yourself from being scammed by unscrupulous internet vendors who offer cheap products and have no technicians on staff to install and service your shredder.

To protect yourself from identify theft, shred all personal sensitive information in a crosscut paper shredder.  The security of a crosscut paper shredder is better than a stripcut paper shredder.  Hint, the Department of Defense uses crosscut high security paper shredders when they want to protect sensitive information

Invest in a product with a good reputation.  The factory warranty is the first clue to the quality of the paper shredder.  Buy a product that has a one year parts warranty, it means the manufacturer has confidence in their engineering and manufacturing. 

The cutting cylinders are the heart and soul of the paper shredder.  Study the brands that offer a lifetime cutting cylinder warranty.  Only an excellent manufacturer would offer this type of warranty.
Ask your vendor to provide proof that he has technicians on staff that are factory trained to install and service paper shredders.

Buy the stripcut paper shredder when you want to protect sensitive information from the prying eyes of a common thief or busybody.