Beyond Consumer Reports
RLA Workshop presented Tuesday, May 5th by Shannon Scanlan and Alex Todd
Consumer Reports.ppt
Product Comparisions
nMySimon- *** Shannon recommends as a great place to start your comparision shopping, great side by side comparisions! - MySimon is owned by CBS and is part of their interactive websites that include CNET, cbssportsline, and CBS.com among others.We're still working on learning when the information is updated. Their FAQ states that their data is provided by the merchants via either a datafeed or a direct download from the merchant's listings. This suggests that updates are relatively continuous and are at the inititive of the merchants themselves.
PriceGrabber- over 25 categories for comparision shopping. Many user reviews and ratings.
DiscountMore- you must sign up for a free account. Searches 26 shopping sites at the same time.
BeatThat- if you find an item at a better price, you make money.
Product Reviews
ConsumerSearch- offers expert and user reviews. Has a "what to look for" tab, price suggestions and detailed product information.
Epinions- most products have multiple reviews by users. Can side by side comparision shop. In order to post a review you must sign up for a free account. ***Shannon recommends for product reviews
Amazon- option to narrow down your search for a product. Popular site for the product reviews, detailed descriptions and product photos.
JDPower- ratings and reviews for autos, boats, electronics, finance, health care, homes, insurance, telecom, travel.
ConsumerReports- subscription required. $5.95 for 1 month of online access, $26.00 for 1 year of online access and $19 for magazine subscription and 1 year of online access.
Subscription Website for Services and Product Reviews
Angie'sList- for finding local service companies and health care providers. Monthly dues and a $15.00 sign up fee. Blogs, tips, podcasts and online magazine are accessible without a paid account.
ConsumersCheckbook-ratings on local service companies and health care providers. $30.00 a year for a subscription.
Additional Resources
Bargaineering- a blog about money that includes reviews of banks, credit card offers, books and products.
Shopping Safety
10 Ways To Shop Smart Online - PDF Version
Online Shopping Safety Tips
FTC consumer publications on a specific ID Theft, Privacy, & Security
Coupons, Bargains, and More
Brad's Deals - not the easiest site to navigate, but may be the most comprehensive.
Ben's Bargains - a cleaner layout than Brad's Deals, but some features need to be fixed. This site is much more electronics focused.
Price Grabber - a wider range of categories, but seemingly fewer price points to choose from.
Jill Cataldo - Super Couponing - She's local and her blog, forums and Smart Shopper sections lots of great information.
Coupons.com - self expmanatory, no?
Store specific coupons
This is hit or miss - some stores have coupons on their websites, some do not. Most will have links to any weekly newspaper inserts. The same goes for the manufacturer, some have coupons some do not, but they will have inserts.
Target
Jewel Osco
Dominicks
Walgreens
Proctor & Gamble
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