Consumerist: decisions

Kmart Loses Toilet Paper Tax Lawsuit

Meg Marco — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:14:32 EST

Mary Bach, the woman who sued Kmart for charging tax on toilet paper, has won her lawsuit and $100. Kmart offered to settle with Bach, but she declined.

Mary Bach, of Murrysville, said Kmart offered to settle the case out of court before a Thursday hearing at which a Monroeville district judge sided with her. But the settlement required her to sign a confidentiality agreement, which would have defeated the purpose of her suit, Bach said.
"I want consumers as they shop during the important holiday to be aware of what is and what isn't taxable," Bach said after the verdict. "I would lose my ability to spread that message if I were gagged."

Good for Mary. Now many, many more people know that you can't tax toilet paper in Pennsylvania.

"We don't want to fight with our customers," Kmart spokeswoman Kim Freely said. "We apologize for the inconvenience and the problem is being corrected."

Bach said shoppers "need to look at every line" on sales receipts when they shop.

So true. Sorry, Kmart, Mary's message will be heard by all who'll listen.

Pa. woman wins complaint against Kmart over tax on toilet paper [Philly]
(Photo:epicharmus)

PREVIOUSLY: K-Mart Illegally Taxes Toilet Paper

RIAA 1, Single Mom 0: RIAA Defendant Loses, Must Pay $222,000 For Allegedly Sharing 24 Songs

Meg Marco — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 11:43:44 EDT

The first RIAA jury trial has ended and the single mom accused of sharing 24 songs has been ordered to pay $222,000 by a jury of her peers.

"This is what can happen if you don't settle," RIAA attorney Richard Gabriel told reporters outside the courthouse, according to Wired. "I think we have sent a message we are willing to go to trial."

RIAA Jury Finds Minnesota Woman Liable for Piracy, Awards $222,000 [Wired Threat Level]

Four Questions To Ask Before Buying Travel Insurance

Carey — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 14:06:39 EDT

Travel insurance is a waste in most situations, but before dismissing it outright, ask yourself four questions:

What Could Go Wrong? Is an elderly parent sick? Could you be called into work? By identifying specific incidents that could arise, you can better evaluate whether insurance is worthwhile.
What Coverage Do You Already Have? What parts of your trip are not already covered by your credit card, health insurer, or auto club?
How Expensive Is The Trip? Travel insurance is a waste for discount air tickets, but might be worthwhile for a pricey cruise.
What Is Already Prepaid Or Nonrefundable? Know what you can realistically expect to get back.

Beyond those four questions, we previously covered nine specific instances when travel insurance might be worth considering. If you decide to get insurance, shop around for the best price, and read the fine print to make sure that the situation you have in mind will be covered.

Travel: To insure or not? [L.A. Times]
(Photo: HansNYC)

Should You Buy New Or Used?

Carey — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:59:55 EDT

Buying used items can save a great deal of money, when done properly. Personal finance guru Gregory Karp suggests several factors to consider before buying items with wear and tear:

Savings. Above all, consider whether the savings justify buying used.
Buying quickly depreciating items can be the best bargains. Cars can lose 30% of their market value in one year.
Ewww factor. Toilet seats, for example, should be purchased new.
Used quality. Books and movies usually age well.
Trust. Do you trust the seller? Consider if the item has been cared for or neglected.
Uncertainty of use. Buying used is perfect if you are starting a new hobby, but aren't yet sure if it will keep your interest.
Complexity. Simple items with few breakable parts, like hammers, are ideal.
Sites like Craigslist and eBay have made many of us experts on buying used items. What tips do you have? Tell us in the comments. — CAREY GREENBERG-BERGER
Buying used saves dollars, makes sense [Chicago Trib]
(Photo: Mussels)