All articles tagged with #consumer advice
A TikTok video reveals how some dealerships add hidden fees like doc fees and electronic filing fees to inflate the final price of a car, while others, like Long-Lewis Auto Group, avoid these charges and offer better transparency and pricing. Buyers should carefully review all fees and negotiate to avoid hidden costs.
American families are seeking ways to save money at the grocery store due to rising food prices, with tips including buying store brands, taking advantage of sales and apps, freezing foods, and buying whole produce instead of pre-cut options, as grocery prices continue to increase and supply issues persist.
The cost of Ryobi tools varies between the company's website and Home Depot, with Home Depot often offering better deals on tool kits and sales on specific items, but prices fluctuate and checking both sources is recommended. Buying from third-party sellers on Amazon or Walmart may be cheaper but carries risks such as lower quality and lack of warranty, as Ryobi is primarily sold through Home Depot.
A man bought used tires off Facebook Marketplace claiming they had 70% tread, but they turned out to be unsafe due to bulges and imbalance, leading him to buy new tires. Experts warn that used tires can be risky due to safety concerns, unknown history, and aging, and recommend buying from reputable sources with warranties. The story highlights the potential pitfalls of purchasing used tires from private sellers online.
GOBankingRates, with input from ChatGPT, highlights five luxury cars—Maserati Ghibli, Jaguar XF/XE, older BMW 7 Series, Range Rover (pre-2018), and Audi A8—that are not recommended due to high maintenance costs, reliability problems, and rapid depreciation, advising consumers to consider these factors before purchasing high-end vehicles.
The article explains that dietary supplements are loosely regulated by the FDA under the 1994 DSHEA law, which classifies them more like foods than medicines, leading to limited oversight and potential safety issues. Consumers are advised to look for third-party certifications like NSF or USP, avoid products with vague health claims, and consult healthcare providers before use, especially if on medication or with health conditions. Most healthy individuals likely do not need supplements if they maintain a balanced diet.
The article discusses recent changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and how these modifications are causing cardholders to reconsider their options and benefits, highlighting the importance of reviewing credit card features before making decisions.
The Wirecutter Show's bonus episode offers insights on navigating Black Friday deals, emphasizing the importance of discerning real discounts from misleading offers. Senior Deals Editor Nathan Burrow explains how Wirecutter's team identifies genuine bargains by comparing prices to historical lows and warns against common retail tactics like inflated list prices and MAP pricing. The episode also highlights the best categories for deals, such as electronics and small kitchen appliances, and advises caution with cheaply made products and misleading online search results.
As Black Friday sales begin, experts advise consumers to avoid being ripped off by making a shopping list, comparing historic prices, considering second-hand options, avoiding debt, and being cautious of scams. Many deals are often available at other times of the year, and using credit cards can lead to interest charges that negate savings. Consumers should also be wary of purchase scams and fake websites, ensuring they shop from trusted retailers.
Retail experts warn Black Friday shoppers to be cautious of deals, as research by consumer group Which? reveals that many offers are not genuine discounts. Brands may inflate prices before sales to create the illusion of significant reductions. Shoppers are advised to compare prices, check product price histories, and be wary of fake websites to avoid being misled. The research highlights examples where products were advertised with inflated original prices, urging consumers to focus on quality over quantity and to purchase from authorized sellers.
Home improvement experts advise avoiding certain unreliable appliance brands to prevent frequent repairs and replacements. Goodman HVAC units, Haier kitchen appliances, Frigidaire dishwashers, Samsung and LG refrigerators, and Magic Chef microwaves are highlighted for their poor performance and customer service. Experts recommend investing in more reliable brands like Carrier, Bosch, and Panasonic, which may cost more upfront but offer better durability and efficiency, ultimately saving money in the long run.
A former car sales worker reveals a tactic used by salespeople to manipulate buyers into spending more, known as the "ABC" strategy: Acknowledge, Bridge, Control. This involves acknowledging a customer's question, then redirecting the conversation to avoid giving a direct answer, thus controlling the dialogue. The TikToker suggests countering this by using the same technique back on the salesperson. Some salespeople dispute the claim, arguing that post-COVID sales practices have changed and emphasize building genuine relationships.
A former car sales worker shares tips on TikTok for getting a better deal on trade-ins at dealerships. Key advice includes not revealing your trade-in until after negotiating the purchase price, not specifying a desired trade-in value, considering sales tax implications, avoiding accompanying salespeople during trade-in inspections, and highlighting any upgrades on your vehicle. However, some viewers argue these tips may not apply universally across all dealerships.
Pharmacy benefit managers (P.B.M.s) like CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx often make consumers pay more for medications than necessary. These middlemen, chosen by employers or government insurance programs, play a crucial role in determining drug costs. To find out if you're being overcharged, it's important to understand which P.B.M. manages your prescriptions.
In this article, journalists share their regrets about five technology products they purchased. These include a keyboard tray that broke multiple times, wireless headphones that didn't fit properly, pet technology that failed to help a dog communicate, a coffee grinder that didn't make a noticeable difference, and a tablet with difficult parental controls. The article advises readers to be cautious about internet-famous products, consider buying used or borrowing before purchasing, and to be wary of products that promise to transform one's life.