Consumer

Consumer Reports finds that new cell phone models adapting to reflect users’ lifestyles
[Dec. 21, 2009] Consumer Reports latest tests of 69 cell phones found that models are evolving to offer more sophisticated capabilities to meet consumers’ more diverse needs and lifestyles. According to a recent Consumer Reports National Research Center survey of more than 13,500 online subscribers, the desire for advanced features was the main reason consumers bought a new phone.

Consumer Reports identifies six holiday shopping gotchas to avoid
[Dec. 21, 2009] With budgets tightening this year and credit tight for many consumers, shoppers have probably tried to keep holiday shopping under control. But even the most carefully built holiday budget can crumble if you fall for the tricks grinchy companies use to get you to spend more.

Consumer Reports finds that cell-phone service providers among lower-rated services
[Dec. 8, 2009] Consumer Reports most recent annual cell-phone service survey of more than 50,000 readers found that only 54 percent of respondents were completely or very satisfied with their cell-phone service. Despite “smarter phones,” more flexible plans, and faster wireless networks, cell service continues to be among the lower-rated of all the services that Consumer Reports evaluates.

Consumer Reports' Tightwad Tod shares key dates for getting gifts on time
[Dec. 8, 2009] With the winter holidays looming, retailers and delivery services are urging consumers to act fairly soon if they want their packages to arrive in time for Hannukah (Dec. 11) and Christmas (Dec. 25). To give you a heads up, we scoured the deadlines of dozens of retailers, then checked FedEx, the U.S. Postal Service, and UPS for their schedules, too.

Walmart serves up a week of early savings with "Black Friday" prices
[Nov. 17, 2009] Focused on bringing families tremendous savings this holiday season on entertainment for all ages, Walmart today announced that starting Saturday, Nov. 21, Walmart stores will introduce savings resembling the day-after-Thanksgiving prices on select toys and entertainment, one week early. Special items include popular dolls and activity toys, a 26-inch Vizio HDTV, and gaming packages from Guitar Hero, Band Hero and DJ Hero with a $40 Walmart Gift Card.

Consumer Reports poll finds that fewer people tipped during 2008 Holidays than in previous year
[Nov. 2, 2009] Americans have become more choosy about whom and how much to tip at the holidays, according to a phone survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. How much to tip and whom to give it to has always been a tricky decision, one that may get harder in these tough economic times. During the 2008 holidays fewer people than in the previous year tipped their newspaper carrier, barber, mail carrier, hairdresser, manicurist, and garbage collector.

Mounting financial woes drive Consumer Reports trouble tracker levels to new high
[Oct. 29, 2009] Despite talk that the economy is stabilizing, consumer sentiment levels remain low (40.3) growing slightly from September, as Americans report more financial difficulties, according to the latest Consumer Reports Index Report.

Consumer Reports Index finds increased credit card woes help drive consumer sentiment to lowest level in the past seven months
[Sep. 17, 2009] Americans feel far worse about their financial situation than they have in the past seven months and continue to be pounded by financial woes driven by increased credit card, healthcare and personal loan issues, according to the Consumer Reports Index September ‘09 Report.

Consumerist.com investigates Cash4Gold’s business practices
[Sep. 15, 2009] A new investigative report from Consumerist.com shines a spotlight on the business practices of Cash4Gold, which bills itself as the “World’s #1 Gold Buyer,” and on the company’s efforts to silence Internet criticism through litigation and financial incentives.

ShopSmart spots the best bargains in Dollar Stores
[Jul. 17, 2009] Dollar stores are growing while other retailers suffer their worst downturn in more than 20 years, but are all those one dollar items really a steal? The verdict: prices at dollar stores were either the cheapest or among the cheapest for many items, but the products are not always safe.

Best ways to sell stuff: How to use yard sales, consignment shops, online sales and more to turn unwanted things into cash
[Jul. 10, 2009] If you’re trying to build up your cash reserves like many these days, now could be a good time to prune your unwanted belongings. Consumer Reports Money Adviser’s July issue offers tips on how to successfully unload your unwanted possessions using yard sales, online sales, consignment shops, and classified ads.

Consumer Reports digital camera tests reveal four standout brands for Point-and-Shoot: Canon, Casio, Panasonic and Samsung
[Jun. 21, 2009] Consumer Reports latest testing of 54 point-and-shoot digital camera models found four brands continue to perform better than others year after year, according to Consumer Reports first ever analysis of point-and-shoot brands regularly tested. Canon, Casio, Panasonic, and Samsung offer the best chance of getting a superior performer, even if the camera was not tested by Consumer Reports. By contrast, Olympus has been the brand least likely to be a top performer.

Haggling for everything is new rule in a down economy
[May 30, 2009] Negotiating for everything in a lousy economy is the new rule, according to the latest money publication from Consumer Reports titled “Rebuild Your Finances.” Paying the sticker price for a product or service may be paying too much. In fact, a new poll by Consumer Reports found that more than 66 percent of Americans have tried to negotiate for a better deal in the past six months.

Consumer Reports finds that low-cost brokers score high in service
[Apr. 29, 2009] Discount brokers did a better job shepherding clients through the stock market upheaval of the past year than traditional investment banks, according to Consumer Reports survey of the most satisfying brokerage firm services. Topping the list in overall satisfaction was USAA, available only to current and former military personnel and their families.