Beware on Black Friday

There are some great Black Friday deals, but be aware of the three areas where you can be mislead, 

1) Special / Out dated models, some of the best discounts available end up on models that are produced only for a specific sale / event, or are models where features are no longer relevant or supported.  

This deal at Best Buy is a good example, Asus 14" Laptop.  This laptop is not sold anywhere else and uses components that are no longer in production.

2) Returns, take a look at the return policy that is provided.   Most often these policies are reasonable,   but take a look at Consumer Reports list for naughty or nice companies, some are downright predatory. 

Naughty or Nice? See which companies made our list this year and why, Consumer Reports

3) Warranties,   make sure you know what you are getting when you get a warranty.   Many companies now have some very disconcerting policies on fulfilling warranty service.

Best Buy Sells Me Exciting New Geek Squad Anti-Warranty

Great back to school computer deal

It is back to school time. For all of those looking fo a scraming deal on a laptop for their students, check out the following, 

Acer TimelineU M5-481T-6670 14-Inch Ultrabook

Amazon, has  a good price but if you want to shop around, here are the prices effective 08/16/2012,

Though not a Costco deal, this computer is a great value.   Amazon looks like the best choice in this case.

Olde to Costco

I many I have extolled the virtues of Costco. For those that haven't heard, here are three reasons why Costco is great,

1) Customer Service. Costco has the best customer service that I have ever experienced. From no questions asked returns to help to your car, Costco is great.  Costco Returns

2) Excellent employment benefits. Costco is a fair and equitable employer. 90 % + employees have health insurance. They pay wages typically 30% more than the industry. Costco Benefits

3) Value. The products and services Costco provides are a mix of great brands and house brands that provide a excellent value. Costco does not have every product, but it has ones that make sense for their margins and their customers needs. Costco Sales Model

Are consumers bad at math?

I found this interesting article about consumers and pricing.   It is an excellent time to take note of these errors and biases, especially with back to school purchasing coming up.   Read through the article,  I know that I have been guilt of at least three of these.  

The 11 Ways That Consumers Are Hopeless at Math

Unlimited Mobile Phone and Data for $19.95 a month no contract?

Check out Republic Wireless, it looks pretty interesting.   

Republic Wireless

If it works, what a deal.   There is only one phone available, but it seems decent, 

Motorola Defy XT