All articles tagged with #consumer awareness
A Reddit user shared a photo of a sectional couch at Goodwill priced at $2,599.99, sparking outrage over the high price for a used item, with many commenters criticizing the store for potentially overpricing and questioning the authenticity and value of items sold. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance when thrifting to avoid rip-offs, as some stores may inflate prices or mislabel items.
The article highlights 29 recent examples of shrinkflation, where products get smaller but prices stay the same, causing consumer frustration and alerting shoppers to be vigilant about hidden price increases.
The article critiques the use of the term 'ultraprocessed foods' (UPF) as a metric for health, arguing that it oversimplifies complex food issues, can be gamed by industry, and may mislead consumers about what constitutes unhealthy food. It emphasizes that focusing on ingredients and contents is more meaningful than broad labels like UPF, and highlights the challenges consumers face in navigating food quality and labeling, especially in the US.
New supplements are increasingly marketed as vegan, delicious, and beautiful, but consumers should be cautious as many rely on marketing rather than medical advice, and labels can be misleading. Experts recommend consulting with healthcare professionals and checking third-party verifications to ensure safety and accuracy, as supplements are processed products with potential health risks.
Shoppers are using TikTok to share tips on how to detect hidden price increases at major retailers, highlighting the ongoing issue of sneaky price hikes that are hard to spot without detailed tracking, especially as prices for imported goods continue to rise.
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.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over 3,000 counterfeit Gibson guitars valued at $18 million in one of the largest counterfeit instrument busts in history. The fake guitars, resembling models associated with famous musicians, were intercepted at a warehouse in Carson, California. Authorities warn consumers to be cautious when purchasing instruments, especially from uncertified online marketplaces. The ongoing investigation involves the Department of Homeland Security and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, with the counterfeit guitars set to be destroyed.
The article discusses various car logos and badges that are considered the coolest by the Jalopnik audience. It highlights the significance of brand recognition through logos, featuring submissions like Alfa Romeo's snake, Dodge's Viper, and Jaguar's leaping jaguar. Other notable mentions include Subaru's astronomical logo, Saab's aviation-inspired badges, and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy from Rolls-Royce. The piece emphasizes the diversity and creativity in automotive branding, from aggressive symbols to whimsical designs.
"Shrinkflation," the practice of reducing product sizes while maintaining prices, has been a long-standing tactic by manufacturers, but it's now under increased scrutiny as inflation and higher food prices draw attention to the issue. Even Cookie Monster has voiced his frustration on social media. President Biden has pledged to sign a bill banning shrinkflation, reflecting growing consumer discontent over paying more for less.
Security flaws in popular smart home devices like security cameras and smart doorbells have raised concerns about privacy and safety. A recent incident involving Wyze cameras exposed thousands of users to potential privacy violations, leading to fears of unauthorized access and data breaches. Additionally, a Consumer Reports investigation found security flaws in cheaply made smart doorbells, highlighting the broader issue of inadequate security controls in internet-connected devices. As the market for smart home gadgets grows, consumers are urged to research and consider the security and privacy implications before purchasing such devices.
With the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse approaching, the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York warns of scammers targeting eager eclipse viewers through fake hotel bookings, knockoff solar glasses, and deceptive social media ads. They advise thorough research before booking accommodations, purchasing glasses from trusted vendors listed by the American Astronomical Society, and checking for ISO transmission requirement messages on the glasses. Consumers are urged to be cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers and to prioritize safety over enticing deals.
President Joe Biden called out snack companies for engaging in "shrinkflation," where products are downsized while prices remain the same or increase, labeling it a "rip off." This practice has become more prevalent amid high inflation, prompting consumer awareness and concern. Senator Bob Casey also criticized the trend, citing a report that detailed its effects on household products. Consumers are advised to monitor product sizes and be mindful of downsizing tactics when making purchases.
The food industry is facing a new challenge with the term "ultra-processed foods" as manufacturers fear its impact on U.S. food policy and consumer perception. This term is causing a stir in the industry, with concerns about its potential to influence regulations and consumer choices, adding to the ongoing battle over food labeling and health implications.
The rise in cheap cashmere has come at a hidden cost of environmental degradation and poorer-quality clothes. Increased demand for cashmere has led to a significant increase in the number of cashmere goats, resulting in habitat degradation and lower quality fibers. To compensate for the lower cost, some herders have increased their herd sizes, perpetuating the cycle. Landscape ecologist Ginger Allington suggests wearing other fibers or opting for vintage cashmere to reduce the demand for unsustainable cashmere production.
Consumers are being warned about a "card draining" scam that is affecting gift card purchases at major retailers like Target. Victims have reported zero balances on their gift cards, with scammers gaining access to the card's information. One method involves stealing the card codes by carefully opening and resealing the envelopes. Another tactic includes impersonating friends or loved ones to urgently request money. The Better Business Bureau has seen a 50% increase in gift card fraud reports this year. Consumers are advised to photocopy gift cards, keep receipts, and be persistent in resolving fraudulent charges.