Poll
US Airways CEO Doug "OK To Drive" Parker says that US Airways new $15 fee for the first checked bag is a huge success. It's caused a 20% drop in checked luggage — which has improved baggage handling performance — all while adding revenue during a tough time for airlines.
More »
Redonkulous
Reader Benjamin is pissed because Comcast in his town of Richmond, VA they raised his rates, and justified it by saying they have to pass on the cost of rising gas, technology, and health care. He writes "Gas is a Buck' 69, they haven't improved the technology in my area, and health care... Really? They might as well of added a $5 fee to restock the candy bowl in the break room of the service center while they are at it." If that's not fun enough, see what happens when he tries to file a complaint about it. They try to route him to the complaint line...but it's been disconnected!
More »
Left to fend for himself after budget cuts, His tests cost over $500 a year to print, but this year he only got $316, one calculus teacher
resorted to selling ads on quizzes and tests to cover his printing costs. $10 for quizzes, $20 for tests, and $30 for a final.
More »
Money meltdown
The CEOs of Ford, GM, and Chrysler have all agreed to take only a $1 salary if the government will pretty pretty pretty please with killed-electric-car-on-top bail them the out. [
CNNMoney]
(Thanks to DjDynasty!) (Photo:
Nrbelex)
Silly
We love Walmart's website. We really do. Here's a nice lamp that you can't buy. At all. Deal with it.
More »
bad deals
Reader S. says:
I went to a local Sears to return some parts (don't get me started) and the attached [photo] amused me.
More »
Frugality
Reader Andrew would like everyone to know that he's able to get 20 extra uses out of his Neutrogena skin cleaning face wash by dribbling a bit of water in the top. He writes, "The resulting soap isn't much thinner than the original formula; it foams up and cleans just as well." Congrats, Andrew. Now, if we can just get you to not buy the unnecessary metrosexual cleansing product in the first place then you'll really be set.
Mervyn's
Reader Christi reports that Mervyns, a mid-range department store that is closing all its locations, now charges you a $15 fee if you want to talk to customer service over the phone. When Christi called a store to complain, they told her to call the number back, accept the charge, then ask them what the heck was going on. Thing is, Christi was just calling to make a payment by phone,
More »
Sales
- Woot: Philips Plug and Play USB Webcam with Microphone – 2 Pack for $12.99
- Lowe's: Dog Kennel for $15
- FinishLine: Crocs Toddler Endeavor Sandal Shoe for $4.98
Highlights From Buxr- Amazon: OCZ OCZ2G8004GK DDR2 800MHz 4 GB Gold Edition Kit for $4.99 after two $20 rebates w/ Free shipping
- Victoria's Secret: 20% OFF your Entire Order w/ coupon code: GET20
- Ralph Lauren: 30% off any purchase + Free Shipping w/ coupon code: GIFT2008
Highlights From Dealhack- Best Buy: Polaroid POGO Mobile Photo Printer now $80
- Amazon: SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8GB MP3 Player $70 Shipped
- Borders.com: Save 40% off All DVD Box Sets
Highlights From Dealnews- Newegg: Rosewill 8-Bay RAID Storage System with WD 1TB Hard Drive for $349 + $22 s&h
- Meritline: GT 4 Pro Racing Wheel for Nintendo Wii for $7 + free shipping
- Newegg: Rosewill 45-Piece Computer Toolkit for $10 + free shipping
Gift Cards
Earlier this year when the Sharper Image declared bankruptcy, they briefly stopped accepting gift certificates. Eventually, they did start accepting them again — but with the requirement that consumers buy twice the face value of the card. This, it seems, has caused a fair amount of panic among consumers. Chain emails are circulating warning shoppers not to buy gift cards from various retailers — claiming that they are going out of business. But are they?
More »
Plan B
Michael's girlfriend tried to buy Plan B yesterday, but the Oxford, MS Walgreens pharmacy seemed to go out of their way to make it has hard as possible. Mere incompetence doesn't explain what happened. Instead, it sounds more like a consciously decided system of policies designed to discourage people from buying the pill...
More »
Lawsuits
Consumerist empowers consumers to take on bad companies, but sometimes even the negative PR that Consumerist can bring to bear is not enough to persuade companies to behave. When that happens, you might have to sue in order to get what you want. Here is a brief guide to your options when you decide you need to escalate your complaint to the courts.
More »
Black Friday
While Black Friday revenues were up from last year, retailers are just getting a quick high. The crash starts tomorrow.
More »