Validas is a new service that aims to help consumers save on their cellphone bills by analyzing their cellphone bills and providing suggestions about how they could adjust their plans and save money. To use it, you create an account, validate your email address, download your cellphone bill from your cell provider’s website, upload it to Validas for processing, then wait a few seconds for your report.
Retail Services
Buy All The Toys You Need Now, Because Prices Are Going Up
By 10.10.07
Just buy ’em and scrape off the lead paint. Why? Because toy makers will be passing the cost of higher-quality and better-made toys on to you next year. Says one analyst, “Anything that’s a new introduction, you can make that price point $19.99 rather than $14.99.”
Morning Deals
By 10.10.07
Renter's Insurance Probably Won't Cover You From A Bad Subletter
By 10.9.07
When we wrote about the glories of subletting your apartment while on vacation, we mused that renter’s insurance might cover it if your guest damages or steals stuff. While talking to USAA today about our renter’s insurance policy we asked them about this and they said nope, it doesn’t. You’re still protected from all the normal things, like fire, flood, and falling space probes, but not by the actions of someone you’ve invited into your home. So, we’ll just continue to beware and use our best judgment and not sublet to sketchy people. Other people with lower risk tolerances will disagree, and we’re okay with that.
Walmart's Total Retail Space Is Larger Than Manhattan
By 10.9.07
The latest issue of GOOD Magazine has a sweet graphic showing the comparative landmass taken up by the world’s largest retail chains. Walmart leads with a total square footage larger than Manhattan. By comparison, McDonald’s has a net footrprint of about 1 and 3/4 Central Parks. The image also shows 7-11, Blockbuster, Subway, KFC, GAP, Burger King, Starbucks, and Wendy’s.
Alleged "Gunman" In Walmart Parking Lot Was Actually A Guy Returning A Toy Gun
By 10.9.07
When returning a toy gun to Walmart here are two things you should not do:
The Walmart Halloween Display That's So Scary It Gives Your Children Nightmares
By 10.9.07
Apparently, there is a Halloween display at Walmart that is so scary its giving one Texas woman’s three children nightmares.
How About Not Buying An iPod?
By 10.9.07
Okay, we’ll say it, and understand that we’re writing this post on an old iBook: the iPod line is starting to look tired. Sure, that Touch is elegant in the same way as the iPhone—but its capacity is similar to the Nano, and what if don’t want to carry around a Kubrick-style slab of minimalism? There are now some really nice alternatives out there if you’re willing to walk away from the perks of being a member of the Apple camp.
Target Won't Refund New iPod Box Found Full Of Rocks…Twice
By 10.9.07
Melanie Ritter thought she was buying a video iPod from Target for her daughter’s birthday, only to open the box and find rocks inside. Imagine how much more disappointed she was the second time this happened.
Sallie Mae Sues Potential Buyers As Deal Evaporates
By 10.9.07
Back in April, we told you that Sallie Mae was going to be sold to JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America for around $25 billion. Now JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America want to bargain, and Sallie Mae is now suing its potential buyers in an attempt to force them to honor the original deal.
Sallie Mae’s potential buyers gave the nation’s largest student lender until Tuesday to consider their reduced buyout offer in light of what they said was “the new economic and legislative environment that faces the company.”
Wal-Mart Will Now Sell Satellite Broadband Internet Access
By 10.9.07
Today, Wal-Mart announced that it will start re-selling HughesNet satellite broadband Internet access, starting at 700Kbps for $59.99 a month, through 2,800 of its stores “including locations throughout most of rural America where terrestrial broadband services, such as cable and DSL, are often not available.” To help spur initial sign-ups, Wal-Mart will give new customers $100 RFID-enabled “ExpressPay” cards to use while shopping at the retailer.
Morning Deals
By 10.9.07
By 10.8.07
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Sprint’s CEO Gary Forsee has resigned. [Marketwatch]
Barbie Teaches Credit Cards 101: "You Never Run Out Of Money!"
By 10.8.07
Fashion Fever Shopping Boutique, the correctly named Barbie toy, features a built-in credit card swiper and a life-size credit card for young children to use when buying outfits for their dolls. According to the Amazon website, “Once the balance hits zero, it will reset so you can continue to shop.”
Consumerist Neighborhood eBay Garage Sale
By 10.8.07
It’s time for another Consumerist Neighborhood eBay Garage Sale, where plucky Consumerists looking to clear out their garage and get some extra cash add their ebay auctions in the comments. Check out each other’s deals, add some of your own. Stuck at work? Hey, I bet they don’t really need that extra stapler… This week we’ll kick things off with several used American DJ lights and control devices:
K-Mart Illegally Taxes Toilet Paper
By 10.6.07
A Pennsylvania K-Mart levied an illegal $0.28 tax on Mary Bach’s $3.99 12-pack of Angel Soft toilet paper. Pennsylvania’s sales tax guide clearly states that toilet paper is a non-taxable item. Mary first spoke with a cashier after noticing the illegal charge. When K-Mart again charged her the tax on a second visit, she decided to sue.
Bealls Says They Will Destroy The Walmart Nazi T-Shirts
By 10.5.07
Reader Rob wrote to Bealls, the outlet store that was selling the infamous Walmart Nazi T-shirts, and they responded by thanking him for making them aware of the situation and promising to destroy the shirts.
