Why does HSBC charge $15 to make a payment over the phone? Other, often smaller, companies charge $3 or less, as MG notes in his email below. In this case, since the alternative is so unwelcome—a possible late payment, and a corresponding hit on MG’s credit score—it seems pretty outrageous to hold him hostage to a $15 fee.
Retail Services
Gamestop Ruins Yet Another Customer Experience
By 5.12.09
Sometimes we think Gamestop is run by some sort of secret cabal of anti-videogame fanatics, and they use the store as a front to spread hatred of games and game purchasing across America.
Morning Deals
By 5.12.09
- Schwetty Balls: [Sports] $10 Off $20 Coupon w/ E-Mail Sign Up
- Geeks: [Digital Camera] Kodak EasyShare MX1063 10.3MP Digital Camera $80
- Buy.com: [Video Games] Buy 2 Get 1 FREE on $19.99 Xbox 360 Platinum Hits Games
Target Advertises To Overhead Planes, Orbiting Satellites, Alien Life Forms
By 5.12.09
Joshua sent us this link to the Google Maps aerial view of a Target store in Alexandria, Va. There’s something to be said for branding, advertising, and taking advantage of unused space, but maybe a giant bulls-eye isn’t the logo to start with.
New York ATM Skimmer Crooks Stole $1.8 Million
By 5.12.09
Four Romanian nationals in Florida have been charged in a series of ATM skimmer frauds that targeted banks in New York City, Cicero (near Syracuse), NY, and Rochester, NY. They are charged with, among other things, aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit credit card fraud. According to the Syracuse office of the Secret Service, they stole $1.8 million overall.
Morning Deals
By 5.11.09
- Newegg: [Headphones] Save 50% off: Maxell DHP-II Headphones $25 Shipped
- JC Penney: [Apparel] 40% Off Original Price Plus 10% Extra Off Sale Price Online w/ Coupon 5SAVESU
- Finish Line: [Shoes] adidas Men’s Original Pro Conference Tennis Shoes for $20 + $8 s&h
Verizon Loses The Broken Phone You Returned, Suspends Your Service
By 5.10.09
Luis dropped his busted LG EnV in the mail at the end of last year and tracked its progress as FedEx delivered the package to Verizon. Verizon, apparently unfamiliar with tracking numbers, doesn’t believe that Luis ever returned the phone, and insists that they’re owed a $320 replacement fee. Luis disputed the charge, but rather than investigate his claim, Verizon decided it would be easier to suspend his service. Now they want Luis—a customer of seven years who pays over $350 across six phone lines each month—to pay another $15 to reconnect the service they should never have disconnected in the first place. He writes:
Congressman Mike Doyle Is Pretty Much Done With These Auto Warranty Calls
By 5.8.09
Our favorite congressman, Mike Doyle (D-PA), is also fed up with the robocalls telling him his car warranty is about to expire. For those keeping track, that’s two elected officials that these robocalllers have illegally called recently. If the internet doesn’t take them out first, hopefully our public servants will. Thanks, Kenneth!
Kmart Prices For The Apocalypse Today
By 5.8.09
Reader James assures us that this is not the normal price for a couple medium-sized propane cylinders, and wonders if Kmart knows something he doesn’t.
Soderbergh Subverts The Theater Experience Again
By 5.8.09
One of the hotter indie flicks of the summer, Steven Soderbergh’s The Girlfriend Experience, debuted on Amazon’s rental service this week, way before the movie opens in theaters May 22. At $9.99 for a three-day rental, the movie is also cheaper to rent than it will be to see at many theaters.
Better Bring Some Wire Clippers With You When You Shop At This Walmart
By 5.8.09
You’ll need them to cut off the right amount of penny at the cash register. Or, we suppose you could add something to your cart that includes 6/10 of a penny to even it all out—but that’s how they get you, with those “even penny” purchases. (Thanks to Amanda!)
Morning Deals
By 5.8.09
- Mars: [Candy] “Free Chocolate Friday” every Friday through September 25th: coupons for one full-sized Mars candy bar for the first 250,000 visitors each Friday morning
- Eastern Mountain Sports: [Apparel] Eastern Mountain Sports – Biggest Sale of the Year 20%-40% off Entire Store
- JC Penney: [Apparel] St. John’s Bay Loose-Fit Pleated Pants for $4.99 w/ Coupon MOMSGR8 + Shipping
Updated Contact Info For Best Buy Execs
By 5.7.09
An anonymous tipster sent in an updated list of contact info for some of the people working at the top of the Best Buy food chain. Remember, don’t bug them until you’ve exhausted all other options.
Walmart Only Institutes Anti-Trampling Measures At NY Stores
By 5.7.09
Interesting note about that Walmart settlement, the anti-trampling measures are only going to be instituted at the 92 New York area stores. Now, sure, it was part of a deal with New York state but you’d think maybe they’d want to improve trampling conditions at the rest of their stores too. Who knows, maybe they’re planning to get around to it. [AP]
Walmart To Rest Of Planet: "What Recession?"
By 5.7.09
A new survey of American consumers shows something very unusual — they’ve lost their interest in shopping. Is this lack of interest driving them to discount stores like Walmart? Seems so.
Morning Deals
By 5.7.09
- Red Octane: [Guitar Hero Wii] Three Guitar Hero Games (Metallica, World Tour, Aerosmith) + Drum Kit for Nintendo Wii $119.99 Free Shipping
- Drugstore.com: [Health] Bayer Diabetes Monitors, Free after $25.99 rebate w/ Free shipping
- Cosi: [Restaurant] Buy One Get One Free Breakfast w/ Coupon (Starts May 8th)
Bank of America-Sponsored Poll Shows That Most Americans Don't Trust Banking System
By 5.7.09
It may be a random confluence of sponsorship, but this poll from the front page of CNN.com last night is too funny not to share. Thanks to Douglas for sending it in.
$220,000 Diamond Ring Gets Rave Reviews On Amazon, Sort Of
By 5.7.09
We’re no fans of fake customer reviews here at Consumerist, it’s true, but obviously goofy reviews are one of my very favorite things. (The reviews for this gallon of milk are an Internet classic.)
