Small High Powered Flashlights

How can you tell in the store if a flashlight puts out much light? I just paid $3.99 plus tax for a flashlight with a key ring that is about 3 inches tall called the "Mini-Bright" by Dorcy with TRUE SPOT REFLECTOR (what ever that means). I am not impressed with the amount of light it puts out. But this is not the first time I have been less than impressed with a small, purse sized flashlight.